John Locke's Columns
Dreams of the Ordinary Citizen
"Your dreams start dying when you learn 'don’t step out of line' and the rules that go along with that: Be afraid of your boss, who might cut off your income. Obey all laws (even if immoral or unreasonable), pay your taxes, do what you are told, don’t choose your own life, die for your country (even if it is a cause you don’t believe in). Watch TV when not slaving at work. Be a good consumer. Have no ideas or life of your own. Create nothing. Don’t have a private life, expect every aspect of your life to be monitored, processed and made public (when it suits 'them')." Column by John Locke.
Know Your Enemy--The Welfare State
"The underlying assumption is that one person has the responsibility to support another person (not someone who they know, or a family member), but a complete stranger. This is regarded as more important than the well being of the paying person, or their family." Column by John Locke.
"That you have a good job is important to the government in the same way that a house full of valuables is important to a burglar. It sets you up as a nice fat cash cow." Column by John Locke.
"In my dream, the State does not exist. Politics has become irrelevant, as there is no State power to wield and politics therefore offers no prospects of self-aggrandizement. Individuals interact, one trader to another, focusing on personal achievement rather than power. Those interested in exerting power over others find no opportunity in this place--those who are truly free do not submit to re-enslavement." Column by John Locke.
"Freedom and prosperity are inextricably linked. It is hard to live large and be free if you are financially strapped....Look at history – the first thing the Nazis did to the Jews was to take away their wealth and businesses, thereby limiting their freedom. If you want to be free, make sure you are prosperous. Wealth gives you the opportunity to leave a restrictive work situation or live elsewhere." Column by new Root Striker John Locke.