Exploring the Role of Government and Individual Rights

Exploring the necessity of government as a necessary evil and its role in protecting individual rights, drawing parallels between Bastiat, Jefferson, and Paine's ideas while emphasizing the importance of foundational principles.

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In his 1850 essay The Law, Bastiat railed against socialism, and argued that legitimate law isn’t just the will of politicians, but instead is based on protecting the natural rights of individuals. You can see inspiration in these views from Locke, Jefferson, Paine and more.

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