why are people so anxious to cede responsibility for their lives to the government?

Question

In today's society, it seems that people are all too willing to allow the government to control their lives in the interest of security.

Edit, that's supposed to read "eager" to cede.

Answer 1

I think this question is very interesting, from both ends of the spectrum.
I think that you are talking about giving up freedom in an effort to control security. Some people are willing because they believe that the gov'ts responsibility to preserve their freedom is not as important as the gov'ts responsibility to preserve their lives. It is a philosophical discussion.

Here's the question: At what point does the surrender of one's rights eliminate the positive value of that life?
Some would say that no rights should be surrendered, others say that life can still be valuable with very few rights.

I think that it is interesting that the same people who would never cede the responsibility that you speak of are the same people who would have the middle and upper classes pay even higher taxes in order to give that money to someone who has a lesser sense of responsibility.
And the reverse is the people who would give up certain rights for privacy would never choose to have the gov't take care of anyone's personal welfare.

I'm not saying that either side is wrong or right about when and how the people should accept or give up responsibility. I just think it is interesting that the same exact argument could be used by either side against the other on different issues.

Answer 2

The ones willing to do this are for the most part the Religious Rights. They think they can get control and tell everyone how to live their lives and who we should murder and who we should not murder. For instance, Pat Robertson saying the Government should put a hit out on Chevez.
For that person that does not think our illustrious leader has not taken our rights - well just try mentioning something threatening either from your home or cell phone. See how fast the FBI is at your door. You right to privacy has been taken away.

Answer 3

Because responsibility is a real downer in this New Age...

Ceding responsibility allows people to focus on more important things, like cell phones, nice cars and reality shows....

Answer 4

It's just easier. Our society is based on competition and failure. Most don't win, some do, but about 90% don't. The government is there to help those who have lived harsh and unlucky lives. Instead of family being the security net, the government fills the void for those without security nets.

Answer 5

I don't mind if they do certain things to increase security but I will not give up my freedom. If they listen in on my phone (which they are not doing because I don't speak with terrorist), or set up cameras in public places, or increase screenings in airports and public buildings that is not controlling my life. What I do in public is not a private matter. What I find strange is how quick people give up rights in order to be politically correct. If someone is a criminal then don't say they are trying to improve their life but instead treat them as a criminal. If someone is an Islamic extremist then don't say they are misunderstood treat them as a threat. If someone is too lazy to work for a living then don't call them disadvantaged but instead let them starve and call them lazy.

Answer 6

Name one way the Government controls my life for the interest of security.

I keep hearing this but im still living my life the same way ive lived it for the past 34 years, ive given up nothing for additional security.. well maybe a little more of my time at airports on occasion, but so what? Thats time not freedom

Answer 7

I'll name one:

They want to cede our right to counsel. All it takes for the feds to hold you for YEARS nowadays is a presidential order.
No charges, no lawyers, no muss, no fuss.

That good enough?

Wolfgame:

Yes, maybe you personally haven't felt the creeping hand of govt. but is that really a good yardstick for whats happening.

If the government denies ANY citizen ANY of their basic rights it affects and should outrage us all.

Answer 8

Especially with nationalistic Conservatives, its a "if you cant beat 'em JOIN 'em" Mentality.

They tell you what a great job Bush is doing to ignore the hard facts. Too painful for them.

Atrocities in Abu Ghraib? "Good old-fashioned pornography.Sometiomes you just get angry"-Rush Limbaugh.

Too painful to admit what conservative conformists actually create, so they give up and accept Facism.

Answer 9

Good question. I am eager to get the government out of my life.

Answer 10

Anybody who would sacrifice his freedom for security deserves to be neither free nor secure.