"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." We know this quote, as it is from our Nation's Declaration of Independence. What is less known is the next line, "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." Now this is an important next line because it puts liberty into perspective. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines liberty as "the power to do as one pleases." Yet, what happens when the pleasures of one take away the rights of another? This is why we have laws. Some examples of laws aimed at life and pursuit of happiness: It is illegal to take away something that belongs to another. It is illegal to commit murder. It is illegal to drive through red lights. It is illegal to produce loud noises that are such a volume that they infringe on the rights of others. One must pay taxes to contribute to the infrastructure needed to have a productive community, fund necessary public education and safety resources, and to provide for national defense. These and many other laws are things decided through the officials we elect, so all can have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Consider your obligation as a citizen to follow the laws of the land.
A Scout is Obedient.