“I HEARTILy accept the motto, ‘That government is best which governs least;’ and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe," That government is best which governs not at all; " and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will
have.” Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau published in 1849.
I wholeheartedly embrace the motto, 'That government is best which governs least,' echoing the sentiment articulated by Henry David Thoreau in his 1849 essay 'Civil Disobedience.' In our modern reality, however, we witness governments, both state and federal, governing extensively. The proliferation of laws, legislated without the people's consent, has rendered law an unreliable moral guide, often demanding morally reprehensible obedience.
Consider the arrest of individuals feeding the homeless, a stark illustration of the excesses of a corrupt regime imposing compulsory immorality. Examples abound, like the arrest of individuals providing free food in parks, highlighting the clash between genuine altruism and oppressive ordinances.
“Thornton had been distributing free food in the park to people in need for four years before she was arrested, according to the complaint, which adds that she is seeking an injunction to stop the city from enforcing the ordinance.” (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna54324)
“Abbott and two pastors in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, were charged for feeding the homeless in public on Sunday, the city’s first crackdowns under a new ordinance banning public food sharing, CNN affiliate WPLG reported.”(https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/04/justice/florida-feeding-homeless-charges/index.html)
Thoreau's assertion that “The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more if the government had not sometimes got in its way” raises a poignant question. To what extent does the current American government hinder the expression of modern American character?
The majority of Americans find themselves constrained by laws enacted without their consent, stifling their ability to act in their best interests or the interests of their neighbors. Acts of kindness can lead to arrests, as armed forces deploy to enforce laws that reduce the proletariat into despotism.
Alexander Berkman's words echo this sentiment, emphasizing how societal conditions suppress our inherent kindness and humanity. The conditions compel actions that individuals might find morally objectionable, illustrating the conflict between one's inclinations and the harsh realities of existence.
“But is not the scheme itself wrong that makes us act like that? Think it over and you will see that at heart you are not bad at all, but that conditions often compel you to do things that you know are wrong. You would rather not do them. When you can afford it, your urge is to be kind and helpful to others. But if you should follow your inclinations in this direction, you would neglect your own interests and you would soon be in want yourself.
So the conditions of existence suppress and stifle the instincts of kindness and humanity in us, and harden us against the need and misery of our fellow-man.”Excerpt From what is communist anarchism. (https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/alexander-berkman-what-is-communist-anarchism)
Thoreau's wisdom resounds as we contemplate a government-free existence, allowing clear consciences and unhindered humanitarian efforts. Together, we have the strength to challenge the restrictive nature of our government and strive for a society where all can live and thrive with the least, or no, government interference."