"Frog in the pot" freedom

We've all heard the parable about the frog that's placed in a pot of cold water, and then the water temperature is slowly raised, so that the frog doesn't notice - until it's too late, and then he's cooked.

So it is with our freedom. Our fore-fathers enjoyed freedoms that we know nothing about today. Our grandparents did too. And our parents. But with each generation, some freedom was lost, but since the new generation never had that freedom, they have no basis for comparison, and therefore no reason to complain.

Consider the income tax. The United States didn't collect an income tax until 1862, in order to finance the Civil War. The civil war came about mainly because each state was considered sovereign, while agreeing to be a part of a united group of states. This sovereignty was slowly being challenged in the slavery arena, over a period of years. The "northern" states were passing laws against slavery, which allowed for the freedom of escaped slaves in their territory, while the southern states contested the legality of this based on the constitution.

The slow process of passing laws which opposed the constitution was gradually accepted by the people, and those that didn't accept it, the southern states, were forced to accept it. The issue over slavery was a sign to the South Carolinians that if this could be taken from them, then eventually their sovereignty could be taken altogether (See "December 24, 1860 South Carolina "Causes of Secession" document").

I'm not advocating slavery, I'm only using this as an example. So how much freedom has been taken from us over the years by our ignorance? I can't say for sure, but you only have to look at what the government; local, county, state, and federal, have control over.

They can dictate how businesses will run, they control how and where your home is built - on your property. Try to add on to your home, and you'll find that the government has it's hands in that, too. You must have their permission. If you own land, and someone wants to put a mall on it, or a housing complex, all they have to do is work with the city, and the city government can condemn your property, then take it away from you. The city of Keizer, OR. did just that.

How much freedom will you see disappear by the time the next generation comes along?

Just like water heating up slowly......