[redpoint5]

I'm very sympathetic towards liberty, but can't say that's always the right move. People make horrible decisions, and those decisions while often not directly affecting others, always indirectly affect others.

Perhaps there needs to be basic competency tests for many things, and after someone passes the very elementary test, they are free to make their own decisions and assume liability for their actions. (I'm thinking of the right to purchase firearms, too).

People do need to assume greater responsibility in their own lives, and that includes finances, health, and education. Who should care more about those things for each person more than the individuals themselves?

It's not the states job to ensure I have those things; it's mine. If the state assumes responsibility for those things, then they also have authority over my actions. There is no getting around the fact that responsibility and authority are inextricably linked.

My signature is a reflection of my personality. I'd rather die free than to have my actions so restricted as to be "safe". I realize I'm way more tolerant of risk than most, and others might not value freedom as highly to risk unsafety.