Libertarian Lamentations on Government and Private Property

The underlying philosophy of much of the voiced opposition I hear concerning governmental actions seems to me to be a libertarian lamentation which is both unrealistic and not factually sound. All property rights are first derived from the power of the federal and state government. Without original government grants, lawful deeds, county and state records, statutes and laws extending back to Magna Carta, private property would not exist as we enjoy it today. It exists because government creates, protects and defines it. Yet most complaints I hear are premised on the erroneous assumption that government is the enemy of private property. Private property would not exist without government to first grant it and then protect it. Now I don't want government telling me what to do, but I must be realistic in that government is the very thing which created all the rights I enjoy. So it is always a two way street and those complaining the loudest seem not to realize that.

Norman Alderman mistakenly believes that natural law descends directly from the Almighty, with whom he consults about planning. In fact, Natural Law was popularaized during the Enlightenment and was very much a part of the philosophy shared by the Founders. The inalienable rights cited by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence as being endowed by the Creator were initially drafted as "life, liberty, and property" which Franklin, ever the editor with an ear for resonant expressions, changed to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". The concept of property itself has evolved over time. I believe Mr. Alderman thinks that property is synonomous with real estate, but he should remember that African slaves as well as spouses and children were once considered chattel which Federal and State laws of the time protected as the property of free men. Finally, Mr. Alderman should be aware that one who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises (or threats) to gain power is rightly known as a demagogue. Mr. Alderman apparently delights in re-writing history for plot convenience. Someone should remind him that name calling, like self-rightousness, are among the tools of scoundrels.