Letter to the Editor: The dangers of libertarian philosophy

Dear Editor:

Judge Napolitano’s opinion piece in last week’s Downey Patriot was well written, and made interesting points. (“Our Declaration of Independence and the Decision to Revolt,” 7/2/20) However, he neglected to make a completely rational argument for his Libertarian views.

The first two thirds of his argument for complete freedom to do anything a person wants uses examples from the American Revolution. The revolution was not a government. The revolution did not have a constitution. The framers of the Declaration of Independence knew this.

Many of those who advocated for independence from England came together after independence was won. They knew that this new country needed rules or there would be complete chaos.

The Preamble sets the stage for the Constitution. It clearly communicates the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document. The Preamble is an introduction to the highest law of the land. It is not the law. It does not define government powers nor individual rights. But, it does set a tone that the framers could agree on.

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

This short paragraph includes, “Promote the general Welfare”. Note that these points are capitalized: Justice, Tranquility, Welfare, and Blessings. How can we ensure any of these for ourselves or our posterity if everyone is “free” to do as they please? People who follow the judge’s libertarian philosophy will refuse to wear a mask, social distance, or take any action to “promote the general Welfare”.

This is not only irrational and selfish; it is fraught with danger. Danger to both the inconsiderate and the considerate. And it is a danger to our United States of America.

Richard Daggett
Downey