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When you hear the phrase ‘Don’t tread on anyone,’ it is important to reflect on what this means to you. Put simply, it is important to respect the rights of everyone to live freely, without judgement, so long as we do not wish nor enact physical or emotional harm unto others.
Defined this way, it is easy to agree with this sentiment, yet there remains to be so many barriers to freedom, even in countries such as the United States where Americans pride themselves on the Declaration of Independence.
Around the world, governments tread on the liberties of people via exploitation, subjugation to authoritarian or otherwise ‘unfree’ regimes, criminalization of victimless crimes, and theft.
So what do we mean when we say: ‘Don’t tread on anyone’?
PANDEMICS
The debate over government overreach during pandemics is alive and well, especially in light of COVID-19. How much (if at all) should governments intervene? What kind of precedent does this set for post-crisis freedoms?
EQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW
Everyone deserves to receive equal treatment under the law, regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or creed.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Innovation is paramount to human flourishing, and thus we shall not tread on technological development.
DIGITAL PRIVACY
Everyone has the right to privacy, and governments should not abuse their power to censor our online activity.
END THE DRUG WAR
It is time to stop enforcing taxpayers to pay for the failed war on drugs and embrace consumer choice.
LGBTQ
The government has no say over who we are allowed to love. The LGBTQ community has the right to live peacefully without fear of persecution.
FDA DRUG APPROVAL
Not being given the right to try is an infringement of our individual liberty. We should be free to choose our method of treatment, without the need for government approval.
FOOD LABELING
The government should not dictate what we can and cannot consume at taxpayers’ expense. We should be free to choose what we put on our plates.
INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
In a free society, everyone has the right to a fair trial in a court of law. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty needs to be protected.
WHY ‘DON’T TREAD ON ANYONE’ MATTERS TO SFL
Respect for individual rights means everyone is treated equally under the law. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity even when they are accused or found guilty of a crime.
Government agents are not exempt from or above the law and should be equally held accountable when they commit crimes. We should demonstrate tolerance to those who peacefully practice lifestyles or hold beliefs or preferences different from ours.
