Does the government have any authority to restrict private personal behavior that violates traditional values?

Question

I'm referring to behaviors that go against "traditional values," not actual crimes with victims. I don't see how the bloated government having involvment in this is anything other than fascism?

Answer 1

The government has restricted private and personal behavior in direct contradiction to the Constitution repeatedly in the last 80 years. The violation of traditional values has no bearing on the extent that behavior is being regulated.

Just one example; Smokers now pay more in taxes than any other group and have been restricted to ridiculous lengths as to where they may consume the legal product they pay so dearly to have.

We could go into the ownership and use of firearms, consumption of alcohol, speed limits, strict regulation on what is and is not taught in our schools, how much of your income you get to keep, how much cash you can have in your possession.... the list is endless.

I guess I'll star this question. Not bad.

Answer 2

Well it's just what they want. It's a personal choice, and nobody wants the government to restrict personal freedoms, they just want more from the government, and for that they're willing to give stuff up. Give a little get a little. You might as well be asking why do more people want more personal freedoms from the government. Well if you get more personal freedoms, the less the government can help you, and some people are fine with that others aren't, it's a very personal choice.

Answer 3

Yes, and it's a good thing they do. Never underestimate human stupidity, that's the first rule of human nature. Example, some people think it a good idea to encourage, promote and legalize gay marriage, this of course does nothing to enhance our culture, the fact that it violates traditional values is just side issue. For God's sake if we let these gay marriage kooks get their way the next thing I know people will be pushing for the right to marry their children, after all it's all about love, right? We also prohibit the use of certain drugs, we have laws against public intoxication, nakedness, lewd behavior, defecating on the sidewalk, all things that violate traditional behavior. All of these thing could be defined as victimless crimes, but really their are no victimless crimes sense all aberrant behavior victimizes our culture.

Answer 4

I see you haven't caught up to the "Patriot Act" yet. For some of of the violations of "traditional values" you might be thinking of which the "act" allows: wire tapping, reading your e-mails and monitoring communications, detention without warrant, monitoring travel, etc. etc.
You might be enlightened on your fascism theme by reading the treatise on "Fascism in America" by Henry A. Wallace. It was written in 1944 but is pertinent for what is happening in this country today. I could give you a link to the site but all you have to do is type Henry Wallace in the search bar. I don't like links from sites like these as for some reason my spam mail increases if I use one.
BIG BROTHER IS ALIVE AND FUNCTIONING IN THE USA.

Answer 5

The government ceratinly has power to an extent. Do I think it should be able to limit or restrict private actions that do not harm others? No. And to respond to Lillian's answer, last time I checked the liberals were the ones favoring modernism and anti-traditionalism. The conservatives also happen to be the ones who support the restriction of personal matters and private behaviors that do no harm others. (e.g.- gay rights, abortion) I think you may be a little confused Lillian.

Answer 6

the interpret the law however they see fit or they change the law to suit them. this is a very important issue to the people but the members of Congress only jawbone and pontiffy as they wave the flag and cross. corruption is rampant in DC and lobbyists are far more influential that you suspect. most voters only have a vague notion how bad it is. those profit-seeking ego maniacal officials could not tell you what traditional values mean. the could wave the flag and the cross and parrot slogans. they prim and strut and respond to the lobbyists who ensure the re-election over and over.

Answer 7

Governments like the Bush administrations create their own authority. They love to stomp on the rights of the people.

Answer 8

Lillian..."liberals"?? Are you kidding? The NeoCon government wants to be in every aspect of your life including your bedroom, but doesn't want America sticking its nose in the board room of the top corporations.

Answer 9

They do have some authority

Example: They cannot make a law that stops two consenting adults from having sex....but they can pass a law that says you cant have sex in the dining room at McDonalds

Answer 10

What? Like running a sex swinger operation out of your house?
Check out Duncanville, Texas were it was recently banned.