I disagree fully with state-funded, forced-servitude, religion (The old Church of England); however, history has proven that when the Bible was used in American schools to instill morality and a code of ethics in each student-- un-married teenage pregnancy, drug use, teenage violence, hate crimes, etc., all remained low. Up until 1962, public school teacher's main complaint in class was 1) chewing gum, and 2) speaking out of turn. Only after such things as prayer and principles of morality were stripped out of education did problems rise. After 1963 public school teacher's top complaints were 1) violence, 2) un-married teenage pregnancy, and 3) drug use (smoking, drinking, substance abuse). Any man or women who actually knows American history already knows these facts-- You can argue legal philosophy and theory all day long concerning whether or not religious text should be taught in government funded education; however, the facts that these problems have only increased since 1963 (per capita of students) speak plainly for themselves. Plus, Bentham was a rotten pre-thinking socialist-- I'll take Blackstone (the teacher) over Bentham (his student) any day.

Well said.

State control is completely apparent, due to gun licensing and regulations. You can't regulate and license a 'free society' or 'freedom'. Even the Boy Scout merit badge, American Business, readily acknowledges this fact. (http://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/meritbadges/americanbusiness.asp) (Requirement 1-A) 'Freedom,' or a 'free society,' does not equal 'anarchy'; Freedom thrives with just and upright laws that punish the criminal, only after he has committed a crime against another. Government infiltration into the moral lives of its citizens is corrupt and tyrannical; my government has already proven me guilty and unfit of owning a hand-gun, rifle, weapon, or any other 'tool,' based on its doling out 'privilege' and 'license'. As a driver, I am already proven unfit to drive until I have complied with the government. As a citizen, I am proven unworthy of handling particular weapons without its permission. Such 'titles of nobility' are strictly prohibited by the Constitution. But, as we have seen by so many, perceived safety (through licensing a regulation), by government infiltration, is far more important than the Constitution -- after all, as King George has been noted for saying, "It's just a god-damn piece of paper," right?

Absolutely!

Well said, Mike.

The Constitution is really not hard to understand; it's simplicity is perhaps it's own demise. Men, frightened by the emotional hype and rhetoric of the day, would rather find a thousand complicated solutions to rule and control than the one simple solution which the Constiution easily affords.

I agree with his idealism of "false security". Those who give up their freedom, in return for government's empty promises of 'safety,' are the very American's who endanger our Republic. Corrupt governments rule by fear, intimidation, and manipulation -- they create a catastrophic boogie-man, real or illusionary, to which they are the sole protector. We have all heard the quote that those who give up their freedom for perceived security deserve neither and will lose both -- this is what I am sure Benson is saying: Americans who look to the government for all of their sustenance, security, livelihood, privilege, protection, life, and religion - while turning a blind eye to corruption so long as they get their dole - are more accountable for it's demise than are those "boogie-men" that stand waiting to destroy America from without. As it has been stated, America cannot be conquered from without, unless she is corrupt from within.

Well said, Archer.

Absolutely... Mike, well said.

Absolutely! I am not wiser, more virtuous, or happy while driving the speed limit-- Nor am I more wise, virtuous, or happy when I don't. The law doesn't "protect" anyone-- it exists to punish an agent who has used his freedom to act outside its bounds. The existence of such laws that will derail others (those with criminal intent) from encroaching on my freedom (by means of not wanting to be punished) and liberty give me a reason to be joyful; however, the law is still not my source of joy-- I find wisdom, virtue, and happiness in being sovereign, and the knowledge I gain by means of my daily work.

Perfect.

Any socialist will disagree with this statement, because it attacks the idea that public trust can be fully placed in the government. I don't agree with all of Rand's hedonistic approaches to life, however, I completely agree with the quote.

Absolutely.

Nicely stated.

That's easy -- Just take away a man's liberty and freedom of choice, while forcing and compelling him to give and be a good citizen... Regardless of if he wants, or doesn't want, to be accountable for himself, make him an enslaved tool of the state to which he must look for all his protection, sustenance, and religion (goodness and truth). So far, it seems to be working for the government, doesn't it?

I give 5 stars for the shear honesty and perception of a madman who recognizes the stupidity and ill-placed trust of people in scholastic "professionals". History will remember the most evil despot in the most holy light, when he finds the scholars to justify his actions.

The problem is that the majority of drones coming out of public schools are analytical gorillas that don't know what to look for.

I find it interesting that the Founding Fathers of the United States came from the same educational background, stepped in religion, that everyone here condemns.

Wonderfully stated.

To be fair, there are only certain lessons that can be learned through experience. What I can learn from books, another will have to learn from experience. Be that as it will-- History has proven the weakness and frailty of the generation that has followed a great struggle.

Life is pain.

Uh... I'm not sure all the Fine Arts majors actually got an education. Funny that most Fine Arts majors are generally socialistic and believe it is everyone else's responsibility to provide for them after they've taken on a lself-inflicted life of financial poverty. Wow, that's a pretty sweet gig -- choose a life of poverty and force everyone around to pay for that choice, gee, you know where I can sign up?

Hence, the problem with 99% of all graduating college students...

He said it all in one paragraph... One of my all-time favorite quotes.

Nicely said, Archer - I agree.