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We like to think of ourselves as free and independent citizens of a country organized under the principle of protecting those rights. Our constitution and its amendments. These rights are considered fundamental and inviolate, what the Declaration of Independence terms, “inalienable”. However, the recent past has cast doubt on this idea as some provisions appear to erode, under attack by authoritarian preferences by a vocal minority. This can have a paralyzing effect if allowed to use violence or intimidation rather than reasonable discourse to persuade others to listen, join or acquiesce to their demands.
With the exception of hermits who voluntarily remove themselves from other human enclaves, we live in communities that provide comfort, shelter and safety. ‘To gain he structure and freedom for such benefits, there may be a concomitant loss of choice. This exchange is expressed through laws of our society that depend upon a social contract – explicit or implicit – that trades individual preferences for regulations formulated and enforced by a government. The shape, size and power of the governmental entity depends on a balance between freedom, liberty and order with restrictions for the common good.
When community interests rise above self-interest, Swiss-born philosopher Jean-Jaques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) called it the “General Will”. Decisions may even be to the detriment of one’s advantage when a higher principle is at stake. An example would be a politician voting for a law not favored or aiding his or her constituents, but in the best interests for the country as a whole. The same could be said for an unpopular decision at the local level that will ultimately benefit the region.
In contrast, a different principle proposed by English philosopher John Locke (1632-1704), emphasized individual freedoms favoring limited government. Trousseau’s social contract expands community responsibility beyond selfish tradeoffs of “What’s in it for me?” is replaced by “What’s in it for us?”. While a social contract can be unwieldy in large organizations, it can give direction when applied in advisory boards and commissions. When these groups meet infrequently, it can be a warning sign of decline of our social contract. It is important for each of us as residents and citizens of local communities to honor your social contract and continue to work toward a peaceful and united community.
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