this post was submitted on 23 Aug 2023
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Socialism
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Don't all laws, by definition, infringe on liberty?
Good laws infringe on liberties of individuals or small groups to ensure greater liberty for all.
E.g. you can't go around murdering people so that other people have to liberty to live. We limit CO₂ emission so future generations do not suffer from the freedom limiting consequences of climate change. We require royalties and enforce copyright so that people can choose to be an artist without fearing for their income.
Bad laws inhibit the freedom of many while giving it to few. E.g. copyright for 70 years after the death of the artists benefits only the few rights holders of popular old works.
The struggle of a good government is to find the sweet spot for difficult positions. E.g. how long should copyright last? Which music volume should be allowed at night so that people can party, but others can sleep?
Define liberty for me, please.
I can do whatever I want, with or without guns, whenever I want, preferably in a giant truck, and if gas is over 4 USD/gallon, that is communism.
You're technically free to do whatever you want. Murder, steal, go over the speed limit... Laws only establish fines and penalties if you're caught.