You didn't answer the question. You're response sounds like someone who pays for his 'protection'. And see, it was a very relative answer, I told you so. Your answer is also a sad commentary on the state of our liberties....
None of us in this country enjoy the freedom and liberty the founders envisioned. The slaves of old in America could buy their freedom. You and I can't buy our freedom from the government which oppresses us. So, in a way, the slaves had an option we don't.
You're living in a fantasy-land. Because life in this country doesn't accord with your Utopian notions, you imply we're worse off than slaves. Before you make yourself look even more ridiculous, why don't you spend a few years as a slave in Mauritania and see how much better life can get. Then you can buy your freedom and report back to us miserable oppressed souls.
Yeah, I knew you'd duck in behind this "relative" thing.
I don't own a ranch the size of Ted Turner's. I don't even have the concession on buffalo excrement from his ranch that probably brings somebody a hefty nickel. But as Andy's post suggested, I can sleep through the night and pretty much know me and mine are not going to be sold two or three states away.
When you put the argument on that level --"Argh! Can't you see we're ALL slaves!", you pretty much disallow any meaningful discussion of the history.
In short, you ain't doing any of us any good.
I feel this is what drives a lot of the neo-rebs. Maybe a run-in with the IRS, or a zoning thing, or an easement or title conflict -- something soured them on the government. But just to make stuff up, that is over the top, or to deny the rational actions of say, resuppplying Fort Sumter -- that is just cracked.
Walt
I did pay for my protection.
I joined the Marine Corps. And I have a bunch of honorable discharges around here somewhere. I even helped pay for some of your protection. I wonder if you would do the same.
Walt
Very Jeffersonian.
And none of us have seen the White House burned either -- a direct result of Jefferson's policies.
Walt