The Care and Feeding of Humans

Freedom is the most important factor in determining the well-being of a society.  It is more important than safety, or material comfort. 

All one has to do is observe animals in a modern zoo to understand the importance of freedom. They are well fed, are provided with health care, a comfortable place to sleep, room to play and exercise, and usually companionship.  But few would argue they are better off in a zoo than in the wild, where they are exposed to intense competition for food, the threat of predators and any number of natural hazards such as droughts or floods.  But in spite of all these perils that challenge their ability to survive, they are better off in the wild for one simple reason: they are free.

Our society is becoming more like a zoo.  A growing number of people are becoming less willing to face the challenges of life and more willing to settle for being provided for by their government. We are becoming ever more dependent upon a government that appears to endeavor to provide for us and keep us safe. But we are not free under these conditions. Our government is becoming our keeper.