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To: NMC EXP
This from Dr. Walter Williams in an article fron last Fall:

At least in the standard historical usage of the term, a right is something that exists simultaneously among people. A right confers no obligation on another. For example, the right to free speech is something we all possess. My right to free speech imposes no obligation upon another except that of non-interference. Similarly, I have a right to travel freely. That right imposes no obligation upon another except that of non-interference.

Contrast those rights to the supposed right to decent housing or medical care. Those supposed rights do confer obligations upon others. There is no Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy. If you don't have money to pay for decent housing or medical services, and the government gives you a right to those services, where do you think the money comes from?

49 posted on 08/31/2003 8:03:59 PM PDT by Morgan's Raider
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To: Morgan's Raider
re: Walter Williams

Williams is good on the topic. Like most libertarians he has the issue of individual liberty nailed.

But like most libertarians he has swallowed the "conventional wisdom" when it comes to economics.

Regards

J.R.
59 posted on 09/01/2003 9:30:29 AM PDT by NMC EXP (Choose one: [a] party [b] principle.)
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