"Freedom is not defined as the absence of restrictions, but as the presence of opportunities."
This quote by Bob Barr suggests that freedom isn't merely the lack of constraints or limitations, but rather the availability of choices, opportunities, and the ability to act upon them. In other words, true freedom is about having the power to decide one's own destiny and pursue the paths one chooses, instead of being confined by external factors such as laws, regulations, or societal norms that restrict personal growth and development.
"Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it."
This quote emphasizes that individual freedom and liberty are inherent qualities found within individuals, not solely defined or protected by laws or constitutions. When people lose their sense of freedom and self-determination, even the strongest legal systems cannot preserve or restore liberty. The implication is that a focus on strengthening constitutional protections should be matched with efforts to cultivate a culture of personal responsibility and individualism to maintain and foster true freedom.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
This quote emphasizes that inaction on the part of individuals who seek justice, truth, or the greater good can lead to the success of negative forces. It suggests that each person has a responsibility to stand up against wrongdoing, even if it seems insignificant, as collective action is crucial for combating evil and promoting positive change.
"A free society is a place where individuals are free to exercise their own best judgment, guided by conscience and reason rather than by dictates from on high or in back rooms."
This quote emphasizes the essence of a free society, one where the power resides with individuals instead of central authorities. It highlights that such a society values personal autonomy, individual judgment, and self-reliance, underpinned by principles of conscience and reason. The freedom to make choices based on personal moral compass, not coercive directives or hidden agendas, is key to the idea of a free society.
"The greatest threat to freedom is the abuse of power by those entrusted with its protection."
This quote highlights the paradoxical danger that arises when individuals or institutions tasked with safeguarding freedom instead misuse their power. In essence, it warns against the potential for tyranny and oppression in the name of security, control, or preservation of order. The protection of freedom must be vigilantly exercised to prevent its own corruption and ensure it remains a force for true liberty and justice.
Taking privacy cues from the federal government is - to say the least - ironic, considering today's Orwellian level of surveillance. At virtually any given time outside of one's own home, an American citizen can reasonably assume his movements and actions are being monitored by something, by somebody, somewhere.
- Bob Barr
People and organizations other than doctors increasingly are assuming power to decide which medications to prescribe or procedures to undertake. More and more, decisions about personal healthcare are no longer made by the treating physicians in consultation with their patients, and based on the doctors' expertise.
- Bob Barr
When conducted with proper preparation, and in a focused and professional manner, oversight of executive branch actions can reveal serious shortcomings by government officials and help prevent recurrence; the 'Waco hearings,' conducted over a two-week period in 1995, stand as an example of such an undertaking.
- Bob Barr
The move to tax Internet sales, clothed as a 'fairness' issue, is the typical 'wolf-in-sheep's-clothing' ploy so often used by governments unwilling to cut expenditures to match revenues. It matters not whether its proponents have a 'D' or an 'R' after their name. It is a tax increase in either case.
- Bob Barr
Despite two decisions, in 2008 and 2010, by the U.S. Supreme Court unequivocally affirming that the Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms against infringement by the government, state legislatures continue to do just that - enact laws that significantly infringe this fundamental human right.
- Bob Barr
The legal principle placing the burden of proof on accusers rather than the accused can be traced back to Second and Third Century Roman jurist, Julius Paulus Prudentissimus. Yet, this ancient concept, which forms the legal and moral cornerstone of the American judicial system, is quickly being undermined in the name of 'national security.'
- Bob Barr
The seemingly omnipresent storm clouds hanging over the Constitution often make it hard to find a silver lining. Every day, the front page of The Drudge Report is littered with stories of government assaults on our civil liberties - from local government officials all the way up to the Oval Office.
- Bob Barr
The average American returning from a trip abroad likely - and understandably - assumes the contents of his or her electronic device does not come close to meeting the threshold of 'criminal' activity, such as would give a government agent the right to seize and peruse their iPad just because they are returning from a vacation.
- Bob Barr
In a single generation, the Internet has given to virtually every person on the face of the earth the ability to communicate with fellow human beings on virtually any topic, at any time, and in every nook and cranny on the globe. This magnificent invention has done this without succumbing to government control.
- Bob Barr
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