Letter to the Editor "Purpose of government" - March 26

Do we pay Peace Officers to keep us safe?

How can safety be measured?

Does everyone feel safe wearing skis while perched on a snowy precipice?

Does everyone feel safe in San Francisco?

Who decides what is risky, the skier, or city dweller?

For Peace Officers to keep us “safe” don’t they have to prohibit risky behavior?

Do the principles of freedom and Liberty get lost in the idea of government keeping us “safe”?

What is the purpose of Government? The Declaration of Independence defines it:

“…they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,…”

There it is. The purpose of Government is: to secure our God given rights, not to keep us safe.

Simply, government is to punish people who violate another’s rights. If no victim, there should be no punishment.

In regard to punishment, action of government should only be following the infringement of Rights. The Government has no proper jurisdiction over what people do to themselves. Therefore, snow skiing is not against the law, even though many would argue skiing is unsafe.

Mark French,

Plains