"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
-- Benjamin Franklin -- Benjamin Franklinhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/02/390245038/ben-franklins-famou...
Yes, that's where that particular quote comes from but Franklin said the above quote a million different ways in various correspondence about all sorts of subjects.
-- Rooki
Christ. You can’t drop rhetoric like that and expect anyone to take it seriously or for it to lead anywhere productive.
For one, it’s an outright broken metaphor. Murder implies intent; death caused by freedom of movement is incidental. Both the law and human psychology treat these differently.
Is there some deeper conversation to be had about positive vs negative rights? Yes. But you’re never going to get there through bad faith rhetoric and broken metaphors.
I largely agree with your statement that rhetoric isn't helpful.
However, interestingly, Driving is a privilege (at least that's how it's framed in Australia) not a right, and you must pass tests to be allowed that privilege, and that privilege will be revoked if you misuse it.
Is it an essential freedom to not wear a mask? I think not. you may disagree.
If is an essential freedom to leave your home? I'd say 99.999% of the time yes but exceptions do exist.