It went very well, and we had a great time- thanks for asking.
I can understand what you are saying but I did not mean it that way- I believe you are rational (as are most people) and I do believe that all rational people have to come to some common conclusions simply because those conclusions are the only ones available, not because they are my conclusions.
Perhaps we need an example of personal freedoms vs. the common good, without any political bent. How about these:
1) I can build or buy a radio to transmit on any frequency I want but the US gov’t (specifically the FCC) regulates which frequencies I may use and in which ways I may use them. This is clearly an infringement on my personal freedom but it is for the greater good of my community. Would you take the other side and say that I should be able to broadcast on any frequency I want? Perhaps on air traffic control frequencies or emergency services frequencies?
2) I can buy an airplane and fly it whenever I want but the gov't controls (specifically the FAA) some aspects of flight w/in the US- I cannot circle above an airport for example. Would you say that this infringement of freedom is a bad idea? Should we all be able to fly kites over airports should we desire to do this? Or should society impose certain restrictions so that air travel is safer both to the people flying and those on the ground?
3) I like loud pipes on my motorcycle but I am restricted by noise limits in some (most) communities. Should we, as a society, remove all restrictions on an individual's right to make noise as he / she would like to?
As I said, I believe there are rational and necessary reasons why individual rights must be tempered for the greater good. Of course this idea can, and has been, abused and used irrationally. But I am extremely interested in any rational argument for individual freedom without restriction. Besides, others seem to have their popcorn out and we do not want to dissapoint them....
Brian
Hi Brian. Hope the trip went well. The highlighted parts are your political position. "I am rational, and anyone who disagrees with me is irrational. My position is so well-thought-out that it is not a political position, it is merely a statement of truth, beauty and reality."
Umm, Okay. Nice bike you have there.