[jimkress]

Your definition of 'license' is only one of the 4 uses of the word. The others are:

2. Deviation from normal rules, practices, or methods in order to achieve a certain end or effect.
3. Latitude of action, especially in behavior or speech. See Synonyms at freedom.
4.1. Lack of due restraint; excessive freedom: “When liberty becomes license, dictatorship is near” (Will Durant).
4.2. Heedlessness for the precepts of proper behavior; licentiousness.

The author is precisely correct when he states;

For republican government – government by the people – requires a people who are prepared to take responsibility for the common good, including the preservation of the conditions of liberty.

'Rights' associated with Liberty always have associated responsibilities. They are inextricably intertwined. All too many people here at FR, and in society in general, have become obsessed with their 'rights' while ignoring their responsibilities. You cannot have Liberty without responsibilities.

Those who claim 'rights' and Liberty without also accepting and living the associated responsibilities, really only want License. They become Libertines, not free men.

[HurkinMcGurkin]

4.1. Lack of due restraint; excessive freedom: “When liberty becomes license, dictatorship is near” (Will Durant).

I love it. The quote doesn't even jive with the stated definition. When rights have been put to a vote, yes, a dictatorship is near. True freedom rejects a dictatorship, rejects democracy and rejects a theocracy.

And lets look at "due restraint". What's due restraint? Restrianing one's wishes based upon what some group wants? No. Its restraining one's desires based upon what the individual wants to accomplish. I the person believes that alcohol will impede them from being a good family person, then they excercise "due restraint" and do not engage in the consumption of alcohol, which is a natural right.

You cannot have Liberty without responsibilities.

And your natural responsibility is to not violate the equal rights of others. This responsibility does not entail not engaging in some activity that does not violate the equal rights of others, just because someone or some group doesn't want you to. Your trying to use the "because I said so" argument.

HM: "Why can't I look at porn"

Licencer: "Because I don't want you to."

HM: "But it violates no one's rights, does it?"

L: "Uh, no, not really, but other people may look at it too, and I don't want people to look at porn"

HM: "Isn't that the indvidual's decision?"

L: "....Um.....well, yes..., but...I dont want people to look at it"

.

And it goes on and on and on......