What about Ben Franklin? (was Re: [PLUG-TALK] O.J. and guns)

[Brian Beattie]

On Tue, 2004-07-06 at 03:28, Russell Senior wrote:

> 
> Yeah, me too.  I see it really as an expression of disapproval for
> making an ill-considered tradeoff (and implicitly a plea for wiser
> consideration), rather than (as it appears literally) an incitement to
> imprisonment and endangerment.

I think that knowing the context of the remark might inform us better as
to the basis of Franklin's opinon.  In any event, in reality the remark
is so qualified that is can mean almost anything you want it to.

First decide what liberties are essential and how short temporary is and
you can justify Singapore's ban on chewing gum or requireing every
citizen to own a gun.

I don't think that quote is much of a guide on specific policy issues.
-- 
Brian Beattie   LFS12947 | "Honor isn't about making the right choices.
beattie at beattie-home.net | It's about dealing with the consequences."
www.beattie-home.net     | -- Midori Koto