ALL political issues come down to ones view of an immutable and fundamental fact of existence. We each must actively and in accordance with the facts of nature, "behave ourselves." This is true because we each possess the power to "misbehave."
Nature's penalties for failing to "so behave" range from amusing to fatal. Therefore, in response to this fact, how should I act to best ensure that Nature neither laughs at me or demonstrates I am "unfit?" It is here, as we each confront how best to do so, that we must confront the issue of individual responsibility.
Early in my career at IBM, a memorable movie was shown in the Atlanta branch office of the Office Products Division in which I worked. I assume it was shown across all of IBM's similar branch offices. Its theme was the difference between freedom/opportunity, and security/slavery - the inevitable consequences of how one chooses to embrace their inescapable individual responsibility.
I remember it's message: "If you want maximum freedom, move to the wilderness; maximum security, build and enter a prison." I was reminded of this today as I read a joke sent to me by a fellow supporter of individual freedom.
It seems this fellow was sitting on a park bench next to a homeless man. He started a conversation by asking him how he ended up this way.
The homeless man replied, "it was quite sudden and I really never expected it. Up until last week, I had it all. I had plenty to eat, my clothes were washed and pressed, I had a roof over my head, I had TV and Internet, and I went to the gym, the pool, and the library. I was working on my MBA on-line. I had no bills and no debt. I even had full medical coverage."
I felt sorry for him, so I asked, "What happened? Drugs? Alcohol? Divorce?"
"Oh no, nothing like that, I was pardoned and had to leave prison."
When I consider the casting of my vote(s) this Fall, I shall do so with my mind riveted on such facts. One candidate is vowing to continue building the prison - as yet only partially inhabited. In recent years however, its "infrastructure" and inhabitants have markedly increased.
The other candidate is, at times, an alarming unknown - with a penchant for bizarre and contradictory blather.
For me. as long as the prison is incomplete, unable to "capture" all intended occupants, there remains the hope it will never become "finished." I intend to vote for those candidates least likely to complete it!