Freedom Bill 4 as a Âcumulative loss of civil liberties in BritainÊ. Chris Huhne, then Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, described it as an instrument challenging the Âbig brother society that is growing before our eyesÊ 5 . Unfortunately, such attempts to protect civil liberties are inadequate. The UK lacks a fundamental entrenched, codified constitution outlining the rights of individuals, and is thus vulnerable to the state undermining freedom. After the attacks of September 11 th 2001 George Bush also altered the balance between freedom and security in favour of state control. The incarceration of prisoners without trial in Guantanamo Bay, extraordinary rendition and the harsh treatment of individuals such as Edward Snowden are all a result of excessive state power, which, in my opinion, stretches well beyond what can be defined as legitimate protection of rights. Based on this assessment of the misuse of state power one could reject the state system in its entirety. However, one must judge the alternative to the state system: anarchism – an abolition of all state power, with society organized on a voluntary basis without recourse to force. The best form of anarchism would be one where individuals lived in LockeÊs state of nature 6 : Âa state of perfect freedom to order actions and dispose of possessions and persons as one sees fit, within the bounds of the law of natureÊ, which requires that Âno man harm another in his life, liberty, or possessionsÊ. Such a society is unrealistic, for as Machiavelli wrote, Âmen rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack othersÊ.As long as there are people there will be conflict, and subsequently, violence. Any psychopaths present in society, (those without conscience and incapable of empathy, guilt or loyalty to anyone but 4 http://liberalengland.blogspot.co.uk/2009/02/lib- dems-publish-their-freedom-bill.html 5 See also G. OrwellÊs, Â1984Ê 6 As outlined in John LockeÊs ÂSecond Treatise of Civil GovernmentÊ Chapter 2
themselves 7 ) would show no regard for the law of nature, and likely force others to protect themselves using violent means. Those unable to protect themselves would employ others, and a system of private protection would arise. It would fall well short of a state, failing to provide protection for everyoneÊs rights in society, and only protecting the few who might afford such protection. These agencies would proceed to punish those who violate the law of nature, but in doing so demean the law itself. Consent and legitimating would be absent – two fundamental criteria for good governance. Hence, we see how anarchism is just as threatening to the principle of freedom as the state. In conclusion, it is important to remember that there are many justifiable reasons to obey state directives. The many benefits the state provides, moral views about how individuals ought to behave collectively, and countless calculations of systematic rationality explain why the individual of a state can enjoy order and security. The key lesson of state power is that there is never any reason to obey absolutely . Francis Bacon wrote 8 , Ânature to be commanded must be obeyedÊ. The behaviour with which a state controls its citizens is perpetuated by the response it encounters. Much of the control the state exerts in modern society is subtle in nature and thus hard to detect. Yet, blatant breaches of civil liberties and freedom cannot be accepted, even if laws condone them. In order for progress to continue in the face of state power citizens must become aware of the underlying threats to their freedom that are developing in the 21 st century. Approaching the 30 -year anniversary of George OrwellÊs vision for society in 1984, we should recall that he once wrote: ÂThe choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness⁄for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is betterÊ. We have already experienced how state control can provide happiness, and order, a much better 7 As defined by P. Babiak and R. Hare in ÂWhen Psychopaths go to workÊ (2006) . 8 See The New Organon (1620)
110
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker