[Nathan Zachary]

"Whatever happened to "Don't tread on me?" Now there's a thought to hold in mind for this July 4th. Happy Independence Day, every one!

And what happens when things, like -Islamist totalitarianism- rears it's ugly head and threatens your "live and let live" and "don't tread on me" paradise?

We are neither a Libertarian free for all, never were and never were meant to be, nor a socialist marxist police state.

We are a constitutional republic, and this constitution republic, a foundation of law, is what gives us the maximum amount of freedom possible.

[sourcery]

And what happens when things, like -Islamist totalitarianism- rears it's ugly head and threatens your "live and let live" and "don't tread on me" paradise?

Then you would be well advised to use force to defend yourself. Force used in self defence against those trying to violate your rights is rightful, good and proper.

[robertpaulsen]

"We are a constitutional republic, and this constitution republic, a foundation of law, is what gives us the maximum amount of freedom possible."

Correct. What he omits is that "government is force exercising the will of the people as expressed through their elected representatives".

He acts as though this is a dictatorship and that the people have no voice. What he fails to recognize is that sometimes the majority doesn't want what he wants (eg., legalized recreational drugs). Rather than admit that, it's much easier to blame the "heavy-handed, jack-booted 'goobermint' thugs".