The Free Economist

As children enter the world, they are aware of nothing but themselves. Initially, everything within their perception has meaning, positive or negative, as it relates to them. At some point they become aware that of other egos that likewise consider themselves to be centers of the universe. Perception of “godhood” is not surrendered easily, but through restrictions and frustrations, most little people come to accept coexistence with the rest of the human race.

  The desire to be God and rule everything however, remains buried in the conflict with reality, waiting for opportunities to express itself. Although for the most part it is chained by logic and disappointment, there are healthy expressions of it – such as the desire to build and to achieve, and to excel in whatever one is doing. We are born as individuals; it is inherent in our natures to be individuals, and we oppress others to the degree that we force them to surrender their indivdualities and become bit-players on our own stage.

   As long as we allow people the option of doing business with us, and require no more than responsible performance as a condition, we are not trespassing. It is when we attempt to require indebtedness and allegiance that we become tyrants. Loyalty from one’s soul is earned, never legislated.

   The same driving force that promotes some to success tempts others beyond, to the point of dominating the very minds and hearts of others. World rulership is an obvious dream of many prominent leaders. We should not be surprised therefore to see a tendency among the centers of power to legislate as much control under their wings as possible. It happens with individuals, it happens within corporations, and it obviously happens in governments. The solution is not to despise individuals, corporations, and governments, but to “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God that which is God’s.

   We must respect individuals, corporations, and governments, and deal with them materially in an equitable fashion, just as we desire respect and fairness from them. On the other hand, I am committed to resist anything that requires worship – that would be a violation of my character. A bully who is twisting your arm tighter and tighter until you say something that he has demanded you to say, is demanding worship. He is demanding an expression that is of no tangible value, and that you may absolutely disagree with. Although your eventual compliance may not seem significant, your character has in fact been damaged. His ego has been inflated as yours has been deflated.

  In this respect, ever-tightening governmental regulation is a frightening trend. We are always being handed papers to sign that state we “have read and understood the above”, when we may have neither read nor understood, and perhaps even disagree with portions of it. But sign we must, because we simply need to, and have neither the time nor the resources to argue. It is this trend that we need to oppose. It is the reclamation of our right to be honest and to say things and sign things that we truly believe in that we need to fight for.

   The primary vehicle of control in this country at this time is the economy. The amount of freedom you have to say what you believe, and to sign what you believe in is proportional to the amount of self determination in your lifestyle. One man may be free while deep within the security of a major aerospace company, because he has agreed to do good work for good money in that environment. Another may be free while doing odd jobs on a cash-only basis, and yet another may choose to starve because he didn’t feel like working. For many however, perception of freedom requires having a back door open to some alternative form of commerce that is not so conveniently controlled by the ever-tightening net of “big brother”.

   If we are to examine the trend of government, related to invading privacy and imposing controls upon individuals, we would have to say that it is increasing. If increasing, then where will it stop – or will it stop? If it has no brakes of its’ own, is there a point where you will stop it or even resist it with regards to your own life? A successful escape does not occur without planning and action, especially in the case of a very systematic pursuit. Hopefully the herd will wake up and regain control before it is driven over the cliff. But if not, individuals can still buy time.

   The trick is to be neither near the back of the herd where all the attention is (as in generic tax “cheating” and other such highly visible activities), but to be in the midst of the heard attempting to turn at least a portion of the stampede in a different direction.

   A sincere desire to benefit others is a direction that is incomprehensible to those in the habit of controlling others. Honesty, fairness, and trust are also foreign words to these people. Business done with a handshake, a sincere nod, and no tricks leaves a trail that can only be followed by those of like mind. In an environment where cash or traceable instruments are not always used, a willingness to barter off a truly good deal without pain or resentment is a standard part of the program. Benefit comes through building together – the barn raising and quilting bee concept. There is no place for greed. Freedom is an attitude, a perspective, a lifestyle.