"Nanny-State" is too Kind

In most political circles there is at one point or another a mention of the "Nanny-State". Whether it be among liberals for drug legalization or the conservatives criticizing welfare, on some level there is widespread understanding that the tendency of government to tell the American people "what's best for them" is over-bearing, if not criminal.

Today we live in a world where consuming too much salt or God-forbid you sell or purchase lemonade without a permit, and you could be facing fines or even arrest. Were you aware the State has the authority to force you to eat vegetables every day? According to Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, it does.

From this it's clear  "Nanny-State" is too kind a term, as it implies there is some relief if society would just "grow up". You can outgrow a pesky and obnoxious babysitter and for the most part go on with your life without any longterm effects; this is not the case with government. It's far more difficult to expunge criminal charges for the so-called crimes of "tax evasion", drinking raw-milk, or for refusing to be molested by the TSA; and there is no relief for grieving families who've seen their loved ones gunned-down by government thugs and left bleeding to death. All in the name of "keeping us safe". Perhaps "abusive step-father" is a more accurate description of the nature of the State.

While the left/right narrative may continue to entertain the absurd notion that there is a difference between dictating one's personal habits or controlling one's economic liberty, there is a pervasive underlying mentality to all of it: serfdom. For a nation that is allegedly based on self-determination and the "consent of the governed", we are becoming more and more apathetic and subservient to our wise and benevolent overlords by the day. If this sounds hyperbolic, then what is serfdom?

Generally speaking, the average American would agree that individuals own their bodies and are not beholden to a master. But do we really believe that? If you own your body, does it not follow that you and you alone are responsible for your actions? If you own your body and use your time and energy to provide a good or service, do you not also own the fruits of your labor? The idea that a small portion of the population, (namely the ruling class) have the authority to determine what you consume, do in the privacy of your home or how you spend your money ultimately comes down to this: the State owns you. In a free society, not only are individuals left alone to take responsibility for their own actions, but it is also recognized badges and government titles do not grant extra rights.

Whether you view the state as a domineering battle-ax that makes you eat your broccoli, a drunken and violent parent or a "gang of thieves-writ large", the truth is overwhelming: this relationship has run its course.