A SIMPLE VIEW ON FREEDOM

One of the most articulate advocates for freedom is Harry Browne, who
was the Libertarian candidate for president last year. As we approach
Independence Day, which is all about the freedom we used to have, we
ought to think about this simple quote from Mr. Brown: "You should never
be prosecuted for what you own, for what you believe, for what you
think, or for what you put in your own body. You should be prosecuted
only for the harm you do to others. And if you do harm others, you
should be prosecuted whether or not you use a gun, whether or not you're
high on alcohol or drugs, and whatever your motive happened to be."

That is simple, but it is profound. So profound that it terrifies the
Nanny State do-gooders who think we can't be trusted to live our own
lives, use our own property, spend our own money, choose our own values.
You know the kind -- members of the "I Believe In Freedom But Club," a
division of the "There Oughta Be A Law Club."

You can choose to agree or disagree with Mr. Browne, of course. But if
you disagree, please, spare us the July Fourth platitudes about freedom.

John Rains