ROT1 (Rule of Thumb #1) – The Acid Test

From time to time we’ll blog about some of the foundational underpinnings of the sense we find so appealing.  We’ll call these Rules of Thumb (ROT).

Our first Rule of Thumb can be widely applied to business, family, or even the Federal Government.  The Acid Test asks a simple question.  If the answer is affirmative, then proceed with further investigation.  If the answer is negative, then stop.  Here’s the question:

“Do I have the right to take this action”

Notice that the question says nothing about ability.  Just because we can do something doesn’t mean that we should.  Let’s look at a couple of examples.

Let’s say I run a farm, but in order to get my crops in and make money, I need to hire people that I can take economic advantage of, due to some disadvantage they have (illegal aliens, criminal record, handicap, etc).  Could I do this?  Yes.  Do I have the right to do this?  No.

Let’s say I’m a really safe driver who’s never had (or caused) an accident.  Do I have the right to drive as fast as I want?  No

Rights are usually protected by or spelled out in laws.  The law that governs our government began with the Constitution, so when we have a question about whether the government has the right to do something, we should look to the Constitution for the answer.

Does the government have the right to collect money from the wealthy and redistribute it to those in need? It does not.  Should people be concerned with meeting the needs of those who are less fortunate?  Absolutely, but it should be done through avenues other than the government.

Should everyone have access to sound medical care?  Absolutely, but it is not the role of Government to do it.  It’s up to We the People, and the last time I looked at the Constitution, we never gave the government the responsibilities that they’ve taken. 

When you next hear about something that the governement wants to do, take a moment to ask the question "Do They Have The Right".  If the answer is no, then we give up our freedom and liberty by allowing it to happen.