We as Americans are not terribly fond of unnecessary restrictions on our liberty, yet many slip past us day in and day out. Years ago one in particular slipped past because it was attached to a legitimate concern, i.e. the forcible overthrow of the government. While I would never publish or advocate such an idea (it is, after all, illegal to do so) I do believe that it is important that the people know that the very foundation of this nation (questioning the legitimacy of the current ruler, then King George III) has been for some time outlawed. The law reads that anyone who writes, publishes, speaks publicly or privately, etc. in favor of the forcible overthrow of ANY government (from the Federal government to the local homeowner's association) commits a felony. I personally believe that all peaceful means should be exhausted before resorting to force in any situation, however this is not the issue. The issue is that it is illegal to even communicate a thought that the government has gotten too big for its britches (to use a good old southern term) and should be taken down. This idea, illuminated by John Locke and adopted by Thomas Jefferson that government is by consent of the government and that any government that becomes oppressive affords the people the right to revolt is at the very foundation of our nation. To revolt should, of course, be considered treason by the ruling class because they have a right to defend themselves. To communicate ideas, however, is a fundamental right of the people, no matter how abhorrent to the ruling class or to other people. The right to speak, so long as it does not immediately endanger others (e.g. yelling "fire" in a crowded theater) should be the priority of those who claim to protect liberty. These days, however, those that we elect to protect liberty seem to have one goal...to destroy it. That however is a different post.
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