Wake up, wise up - or die!

"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.

William Pitt 1783

It is reported today:

• Children are to be banned from taking part in traditional Christmas games, from blowing up balloons to blowing on party whistles, because of new EU safety rules that have just entered into force, rules agreed by the UK Government.
• A man is 'questioned' by police for photographing his own daughter in a shopping mall. 
• A pensioner was fined £75 for brushing his pet dog and leaving fur on the ground in a public park and questioned about his attire, albeit an apology has been issued and his fine quashed.
• Proposals in the Health and Social Care Bill reportedly include provisions for a new 'death tax' to ensure that the death certificate is correctly completed.

These are but further examples of state intrusion into our lives - areas in which the state has no business - and additional to those already well publicised; for example children being prevented playing conkers and people prevented from chasing rolling cheeses down hills.

On the subject of government intrusion into our lives it is worth considering a quotation of Newton Minow, an American lawyer who stated (Time: 18th March 1985):

"In Germany, under the law everything is prohibited except that which is permitted. In France, under the law everything is permitted except that which is prohibited. In the Soviet Union, everything is prohibited, including that which is permitted. And in Italy, under the law everything is permitted, especially that which is prohibited."

It would seem that where this country is concerned we are fast approaching the situation, described above, of the old Soviet Union. Where our democracy is concerned there are those who, like me, admit that much is wrong, but at the same time believing that we can effect change from within the democratic system - a notion I believe to be impractical as the political elite and their bureaucratic cohorts have this nation firmly in their grip, a grip which is tightening by the day.

Where is the person who will arise from amongst us, one to stir the people from their torpor and thus opening their eyes to that which is being done in their name? That the state cannot be fought because it is  too powerful an adversary - and that we are too weak - is a fallacy; and in the words of Patrick Henry:

"When shall we be stronger? Will it be next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed and when a guard is stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies have bound us hand and foot?"

Surely the worst possible way to defend our freedom is to allow our leaders to continue curbing them - and surely the best possible way is for people to stand up and say: Enough, no more!