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Intrusions on personal freedomReader comment on item: Reflections on Obama's Inauguration Submitted by Alexander (United States), Jan 20, 2009 at 23:22 Dear "Centrist," It would be interesting to hear what particular freedoms that you hold dear have been intruded into or somehow abridged by the Bush Administration. I understand that the left has a knee-jerk reaction to all policies pursued by any Republican administration and that there are many bumper stickers in San Francisco and Berkeley characterizing Bush and Cheney as the greatest threats to U.S. civil liberties (as well as to the world in general), but please outline at least in short-hand the liberties that you as a U.S. Citizen have lost under the Bush administration. Of course, coming from the far left, you completely discount the biggest government intrusion on personal freedom -- TAXATION. As of today, most people spend 5-6 months out of each year, just to pay their state and federal taxes. Is not taxation under threat of imprisonment an intrusion on personal freedom? After all, would not a lower tax burden give us all more time for (a) family, (b) art/music/travel, (c) charitable activities, (e) any other activity that a free person would like to spend his or her time doing? Please enlighten us. P.S. Your comment that only Republican administrations intrude on personal freedom suggests that far from being a centrist, you are more of a left-wing ... Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments". << Previous Comment Next Comment >> Reader comments (40) on this item
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All materials by Daniel Pipes on this site: © 1968-2024 Daniel Pipes. daniel.pipes@gmail.com and @DanielPipes Support Daniel Pipes' work with a tax-deductible donation to the Middle East Forum.Daniel J. Pipes (The MEF is a publicly supported, nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Tax-ID 23-774-9796, approved Apr. 27, 1998. For more information, view our IRS letter of determination.) |