Some individuals who describe themselves as ‘libertarians’ tend to use this noble ideology as an argument against law itself. However, law is the source of order and whether we believe in minarchism or anarcho-capitalism, we still need it. Accordingly, it must be stressed that libertarianism can never serve as an excuse to disregard law. Rather the other way around.
Other circles express their scorn for democracy in general. We might love it or hate it but as sir Winston Churchill said “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Therefore there is no use arguing. We must accept it and advocate the government which respects our liberty within the present system.
Hence, I cannot support the claim that the Army in Egypt had right to ‘suspend’ the constitution. There is no such procedure as ‘suspending the constitution’ thus there is no right to do so. Military should always stay away from political issues. Otherwise it inevitably leads to civil war which currently might be seen in Syria. The Army cannot became a tool in a struggle between citizens and government, regardless of which side it supports.
Furthermore, law guarantees stability of the political system. Contrary to popular belief, it might be actually an ally. Interestingly, the US Government, as originally designed in the Constitution, was never intended to be able to control every detail of the life of its citizens. It was widely explained in so called ‘Federalist Papers’, a series of newspaper articles in which Alexander Hamilton and James Madison supported the new constitution on the grounds that it significantly limited the powers of the central Government. Although this idea is dead today, it might be used in the future. A true liberty which is a goal for all libertarian minds, should be secured by the Constitution. Therefore, the law must be abode by all of us. One cannot say ‘I disagree with this system so I am not obeying this law’. If we allow such behavior, one day it will be used against us by some haunted socialists who ‘disagree’ with our philosophy. What is more, law secures private property which is the essence of the libertarian ideology. As individuals who claim to desire liberty, we must respect law and set an example for fellow citizens.
Alternatively, instead of revolutionary way, there are three simple steps in order to establish limited government. Education, education and education. People with a high level of awareness are willing to give up illusory social security and demand their rights. There is a clear correlation between poor education and susceptibility to vain promises of social benefits. On the other hand, educated individuals are self-confident and ready to pursue their own happiness hence not willing to trade their liberty for government help. They will always insist on their legal rights. Therefore, law is not our enemy but a tool in our hands to achieve liberty.
Happy 4th of July 