Respect

It's an essential virtue to protect against tyranny

Respect for others is a moral obligation we all share.

It is also a safeguard against the petty frustrations that lead people to call for tyrannical government.

Because when people aren’t respected in society -- for whatever reason -- they will take their grievances to politicians who will cash them into easy votes.

Which then amounts to politicians creating heavy handed provisions for their favored, albeit aggrieved, constituencies.

These are euphemistically called “protections.”

The same is true for self respect.

When people don’t respect the need to take care of themselves they go to politicians who will promise to in exchange for easy votes.

Which then amounts to politicians giving away tax dollars in the false name of “charity.”

This is also euphemistically called “welfare” or “assistance.”

A nation of people who had higher regard for themselves and others then would not provide cause for this gradual encroachment on speech and economic liberty.

Toward this end, then, concerned citizens should curb rampant disrespect in society in the following ways.

Limit the incentive political parties have to manufacture public outrage.  This can be done in large part by utilizing ranked choice voting, 

Limit the incentives people have to aggrieve one another in civil society including on the internet.  This could easily be done by having higher standards for those we give our attention to.

Only then when we respect each other as citizens of a great nation, regardless of our background, may we then have a government that respects all citizens’ speech and the expenditure of their tax dollars.

Zigmund Reichenbach has an M.A. in Philosophy from West Chester University and works as an advocate for less government.  You can help him combat bad ideas in politics and philosophy by donating to his work at https://ko-fi.com/zigmundreichenbach .

Follow him on X at @zreichenbach1