Stossel Warns of Government Encroachment on Individual Liberties
In a recent commentary, columnist John Stossel raises alarms about the expanding role of government in daily life, arguing that politicians increasingly act as if they own citizens rather than serve them. Stossel highlights how regulations and permissions stifle personal autonomy and economic progress, drawing on insights from Timothy Sandefur, author of You Don't Own Me.
The Burden of Permissions and Regulations
Sandefur challenges the notion that freedom is a privilege granted by the state, starting with building permits. He explains, "A building permit essentially means you cannot use your own property until the government allows it, often for a fee. This system confiscates land and sells back rights, creating unnecessary hurdles." This control, he notes, has slowed projects dramatically; for instance, the Empire State Building was completed in just one year, a feat unimaginable today due to bureaucratic delays.
Stossel points to high-speed rail in California as a prime example of wasted resources, where $14 billion and 16 years have yielded no track laid. Sandefur questions, "How much could Californians have achieved with that colossal sum if not for government inefficiency?" The issue extends beyond construction to everyday activities, with two-thirds of U.S. businesses requiring government permission slips, from barbering to engineering, which Sandefur calls unconstitutional and a violation of the right to pursue happiness.
Resistance and Movement Toward Freedom
In response to heavy regulation, Americans are voting with their feet. U-Haul data shows migration from highly regulated states like California and New York to freer ones such as Texas and Florida. Sandefur praises Arizona's universal licensing law, which automatically recognizes occupational licenses from other states, as a sensible step toward reducing barriers. "You don't forget how to be an architect when you move," he remarks, emphasizing the need for practical reforms.
Libertarianism and Self-Ownership
Stossel and Sandefur advocate for libertarian principles, defined as the belief that individuals own themselves and should control their own lives. Sandefur clarifies, "Libertarianism isn't about doing whatever you feel like; it's about taking self-responsibility in a free society." He argues that no one else has a better right to dictate personal decisions, as individuals bear the consequences of their choices. When Stossel suggests government might protect people from bad decisions, Sandefur counters, "That's always the excuse given, but history shows rulers often claim benevolence while imposing control."
In conclusion, Sandefur asserts, "I don't think government can ever really own you unless you let it," urging citizens to resist overreach. Stossel continues to explore these themes weekly on his website, promoting the battle between government authority and personal freedom.
