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Bruce Smith (1851-1937) in Liberty and Liberalism: A Protest against the Growing Tendency toward undue Interference by the State writes:

"The broad principles, then, which I should venture to lay down as guides for any one assuming the responsible position of a legislator are three in number.
  1. The state should not impose taxes, or use the public revenue for any purpose other than that of securing equal freedom to all citizens.
  2. The state should not interfere with the legally acquired property of any section of its citizens for any other purpose than that of securing equal freedom to all citizens; and in the event of any such justifiable interference amounting to appropriation; then, only conditional upon the lawful owner being fully compensated.
  3. The state should not in any way restrict the personal liberty of citizens for any other purpose than that of securing equal freedom to all citizens."

All legislators should keep these principles in mind. Unfortunately, guidelines that lead with the words "the state should not" are quickly ignored by rulers and central planners.
 


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