What can we do without Government Permission?

2017-01-24T13:28:48-05:00

RP Members and Connections I found this picture very interesting and thought I would create some discussion. What are some of the things we can actually do without Government Permission?

Serve our Country in the Military? (Need permission, right?)

Is our Government too involved in our Freedoms and Rights?

Taking Drugs for me meant prescription drugs!

Your thoughts & comments are welcome.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 1:32 PM

2017-01-24T13:32:26-05:00

Well, some of these things can be done without permission......but then that makes the acts illegal....so there's that. As for leaving the country....I would argue against this one, depending on the route you take to leave the country.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 24 at 2017 1:35 PM

2017-01-24T13:35:41-05:00

Most of what I can think of is done behind closed doors.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 1:35 PM

2017-01-24T13:35:47-05:00

We can pretty much do anything we want without permission...doing it legally or without repercussions or regulations is another story altogether!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 1:43 PM

2017-01-24T13:43:30-05:00

One can drop out of school at a certain age without government permission..... overall, it does make one think. Now the other side is, are these society norms as opposed to permissions?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 24 at 2017 1:57 PM

2017-01-24T13:57:47-05:00

Actually we can do or attempt to do anything without government permission COL Mikel J. Burroughs, We make decisions and live with the consequences.
I am free in Christ for eternity.
In the present I am limited by physical limitations. I feel less encumbered now that I did a month ago thanks to the peaceful transition of national power from POTUS 44 to POTUS 45.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 2:03 PM

2017-01-24T14:03:41-05:00

Here's a few people don't even think about till they get arrested for it.

Leaving children at home under a certain age. Depends on State
Buying miners perminant marker or spray paint! CA
Friendly bets over $2000! All States
Getting lost on Federal land! All States
Using ensecure wifi. All States
Oral sex! CA
Eating chicken with a fork! GA
Private Citizens may personally arrest anyone disturbing church services! MS
Milking another persons cow? TX
The penalty for jumping off a building is death!?.... NY (you think....lol)
It is illegal to have sex in the back of an ambulance if it is responding to an emergency call! UT

Lol... just random laws out there! I usually look up current laws of states I'll be traveling to just so I don't arrested for possibly milking someone else's cow in the event I get thirsty going through Texas....lol... enjoy! Lol...

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 24 at 2017 2:10 PM

2017-01-24T14:10:05-05:00

Freedom, true freedom is an illusion and a bad thing. In the state of nature, there is a rough equality but there is the continual fear and danger of violent death, and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short (Hobbes, Leviathan). So there needs to be rules (laws) to prevent that. Many governments (ours included) takes things a bit too far. When I think of freedom and liberty, I am not thinking in absolute terms. I am thinking of freedom to pursue my vision of the good within the constraints of the society that I live in. The alternative is not at all something that we would want. Just watch a few episodes of the Walking Dead to get an idea (just pretend the zombies aren't there).

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 24 at 2017 2:14 PM

2017-01-24T14:14:04-05:00

Breathe.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Jan 24 at 2017 2:15 PM

2017-01-24T14:15:15-05:00

Actually you are being on your own accord yet still representing the Armed Forces whether for or against it. When you said the oath of enlistment. You're part of the bandwagon that support and defend the constitution.

We can even go deeper as to a sense of why someone decided to join the service.

It can be dissected in many ways about the circumstances that lead to enlisting, but once you leave the service you are no longer under orders but now left with a missing piece of the heart that you had whole while in service, some called it the band of brothers, other's camaraderie, to a more sinister connotation is leaving with a guilt heart or having a death wish that the reaper was scared of you for. Either way someone or anyone who is part of the military will always call you family no matter what, and if you're not really sociable, they understand too.

Still the moral compass still remains for you to continue to plow through society ever watching and supporting the local peace officers now. Not as a first-responder's duty but more as a secondary supporter for them. Referring to those who are still within fighting weight.

WWII, 'Nam', Gulf War era.

I was told by another 'Nam' veteran with a heart felt expression that he hopes his fellow brothers from his era will be taken care of by the current Gulf War Era vets. It didn't dawn on me till I left when I realized that I needed to help the older war vets, these guys are still legends. The harsh environment of a jungle is a lot worse than an open desert field, or an urban environment at that, because disguises back then were more nifty and if you're treading in a highly vegetated field, it's like traversing in a smoke screen, only that it's a natural one. Also to mention the punji sticks.

Still, knowing that you're under oath means that if you end up on the news. Most likely you will be called to rest as a hero or someone who needed help, but no one stood up and helped the soldier in need.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jan 24 at 2017 2:33 PM

2017-01-24T14:33:05-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Have a baby Mikel. Some parents should be tested before they conceive. There are too many parents out their who should never have had children.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jan 24 at 2017 3:10 PM

2017-01-24T15:10:22-05:00

Have sex

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 3:18 PM

2017-01-24T15:18:44-05:00

In order to be free you need to have money and preferably own your own home. Most Americans are wage slaves. If they don't work, they will lose everything within a matter of months... that's because the bank really owns their house, their car(s), and almost everything else of value. Our freedom is not restricted because of government, it's restricted because we allow ourselves to be enslaved in order to have that nice house, the new car, etc...

When it comes to laws, a lot comes down to where you live... I don't need a permit to put up a building in the county... I just have to build it to a certain code and have that verified. If I don't meet certain requirements I may not be able to insure it. I can drive a car all day long on my own land, I only need license, registration and insurance when I put the car on a public road. Same goes for fishing, I can fish all day long on private property... not sure about hunting, however who is going to stop you? If you have money and property, you are still relatively free.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jan 24 at 2017 4:12 PM

2017-01-24T16:12:33-05:00

I do not think there are too many government laws. I think there are way too many Federal Government Laws. Our country was founded to make states responsible for the majority of the laws with only the Feds stepping in when the Constitution was not being upheld, controlling interstate commerce, or when dealing with issues that pertain to the safety and security of the nation as a whole. I am in complete agreement that NY City can make Big Gulps illegal. I have a problem with the Federal Government telling us what our children are learning.

Response by CPO Rob Carleen made Jan 24 at 2017 4:19 PM

2017-01-24T16:19:04-05:00

Procreate.

Response by Marjorie Bellows made Jan 24 at 2017 4:44 PM

2017-01-24T16:44:21-05:00

To me freedom doesn't give you permission to do whatever you want. Freedom is a responsibility to act and react within certain boundaries. Yes i agree that our government has overstepped it's vision of responsibility in some areas but then we have people who a just complete idiots who cannot seem to use self control

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 5:05 PM

2017-01-24T17:05:12-05:00

Seems to me the list conflates "getting permission" with "meeting requirements for". As an example, I can get married in my church ... without meeting anyone's requirements but the pastor's. To have that marriage recognized for certain government purposes (Social Security benefits for the spouse), there are some additional hoops to jump through. None of those, however, are getting "permission to marry". In most cases, you can drive a car all you wish on your own land ... with no registration and no license ... but driving on public roads is something else again. If one wants to argue that the government is overly intrusive on some issues, I might buy the argument ... but that one must seek "permission" from the government for most of the things in the list in the original post is a bit misleading ... IMV.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jan 24 at 2017 5:18 PM

2017-01-24T17:18:44-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs you do not need permission from the government to purchase or build a house...Why does one need permission to leave the country? I buy a ticket and show my passport.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jan 24 at 2017 5:39 PM

2017-01-24T17:39:56-05:00

Collecting rainwater only against law in Oregon, Washington state.. anybody know any others?

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 24 at 2017 5:52 PM

2017-01-24T17:52:22-05:00

Well, I'd have to move one county over, but can keep an elephant in my backyard if lived in Gibsonton FL. But guess technically the government has given permission for that.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 7:00 PM

2017-01-24T19:00:58-05:00

There is a tweet going around that reads, " if you're afraid the government will now ruin your life, reduce the power of government."
To me that describes a Libertarian POV. You can be left/right/inside/outside/upside down but if you can't get it done through the constitution then it shouldn't be done.

Response by James Adair made Jan 24 at 2017 10:24 PM

2017-01-24T22:24:19-05:00

a government big enough to give you everything you want, is a government big enough to take away you have.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 25 at 2017 12:30 AM

2017-01-25T00:30:53-05:00

Collecting rainwater?

Response by SFC Wade W. made Jan 25 at 2017 1:12 AM

2017-01-25T01:12:46-05:00

I can practice my religion without interference, I can love who I want, I can purchase a house where I want, I can live in whichever city and state I choose. I can leave my estate, insurance, etc to whoever I want. I can raise my kids in the manner I determine to be right, in the religion (or none) that I choose. I can get married or not and still live with the person I want. I can do a whole slew of things I want if I am willing to pay the fine or go to court. And, if I go to court I can choose to be tried by a jury or just a judge. There are so many things that I can do without government interference and when I do something that requires the law to be involved I can still put the government on the sidelines. Ain't it great being an American???
I think it is the greatest!

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jan 25 at 2017 1:25 AM

2017-01-25T01:25:02-05:00

Hmmm... I don't need the government permission to collect comic books, graphic novels and Funko pops, so I'm free.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 2:04 AM

2017-01-25T02:04:13-05:00

I do not need government permission to live. I do that freely everyday.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 2:13 AM

2017-01-25T02:13:59-05:00

There are far too many regulations and superfluous laws. Maybe if we were to look back 80 years ago America was more free with less regulations and laws to interfere but America stopped looking at the government and allowed the politicians to put in place this Caste System that only serves to depress and stagnate the multitudes of people who aren't business owners or politicians. As Americans we can only hope that POTUS 45 will deregulate and shatter the hold of the politician on the upper class of America. So that our children might be able to grow up and attend a better school then us and be more then us.

Response by Anita Nowocin made Jan 25 at 2017 1:19 PM

2017-01-25T13:19:25-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I am not aware that we need to have permission to cross a road or collect rain water. Many of the other acts legally require a license or ID to do legally with certain restriction.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 7:10 AM

2017-01-26T07:10:22-05:00

It's about to get hot. Pfc snuffy is gonna get scuffed up.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Jan 26 at 2017 12:42 PM

2017-01-26T12:42:42-05:00

Breathing air. All though its every ones allergy. Every day you breathe you gain a day in age. That is the allergy, getting old.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jan 26 at 2017 3:27 PM

2017-01-26T15:27:30-05:00

Holy shit! Oral Sex is against the Law in CA? WTF-Over And the wife and I are planning a trip to San Diego. Well, I guess we'll be breaking the Law quite a few times! I'm just saying..... lol

Response by SFC Wayne Hollins made Jan 27 at 2017 5:42 AM

2017-01-27T05:42:51-05:00

You are free to purchase any of these rights for a fee!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 27 at 2017 8:12 PM

2017-01-27T20:12:31-05:00

Poop... drink, sleep...

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Jan 29 at 2017 11:03 AM

2017-01-29T11:03:21-05:00

Free to speak our minds 1st amendment. This is a double edged sword sometimes because people use it to express their views which could be good or bad. For example burning the flag is not illegal because people have the right of freedom of speech. Certain freedoms have been taken away due to government control. Like if I get accused of a crime and it goes on my record I could not get a job. That is again a double edged sword for if I now can't get a job to work then how will I be able to be a productive part of society. We are free to get old and die. It's just how we die we are not free, i.e suicide. I am free to worship Jesus my Lord and savior. I am now just not free to show it in Schools. We used to be free to punish our children if they misbehave but now viewed as child abuse or child endangerment. Yes some parents went to far with beating their child constantly but what is wrong with paddling them a little on their bottom when they are young. I only had to get a little spanking from my parent 1 time and knew not to do that behavior ever again.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 2:23 PM

2017-01-30T14:23:06-05:00

These freedoms are also available in other civilized societies in the world I assume. I have not done the research but all the comments here about the freedoms seem pretty pedestrian. I guess a freedom that stands out is that anyone can rise to the top of the political or economic climate with enough work and some luck. unlike in certain societies where you are born into a certain class.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 7:48 AM

2017-01-31T07:48:06-05:00

You just hit on the reason I'm a Libertarian. No, I didn't vote for Gary Johnson. He's the best advertisement I can think of for why marijuana is bad. (I'm going to quit for 6 weeks so I can clear my mind to run for President.)

Government should be as small as possible, consistent with protecting citizen's from harm. If I'm going to connect up to the city water supply, or the power grid, the government has the right to regulate that to protect everyone else. But a license to cut hair? A license to be an interior decorator? Did anyone ever die from a bad haircut or because a Louis 14th end table was matched with a brocade couch?

You ought to have the right to kill yourself, as long as you don't take someone with you who doesn't want to go. That should include smoking, drinking, and drugs, all of which are slow motion suicide.

Governments make monopolies possible. Check out Dr Milton Friedman on the Interstate Commerce Commission and how it led to government monopoly on railroads. http://johnhospers.com/Articles/GuestEds/Friedman%20on%20ICC.html

Governments do really stupid things, like the $17.8 billion California has spent on water projects since 1987, without capturing one single drop of water for use. Meanwhile the population has doubled and they are running out of water.

Less government is better government!

Friedman on ICC and government regulations

"Nobody ever goes up to Congress and says, 'Look, vote me a big bonanza of $100,000 because I'm a good man and I deserve $100,000 out of the public purse.' No, he says, 'You should subsidize X, Y, and Z because the poor people in the slums will be benefited by it.' So, you have two classes of people: the selfish special interests on the one hand, and the so-called do-gooders on the other. These do-gooders are generally sincere people, but they...

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Jan 31 at 2017 9:03 AM

2017-01-31T09:03:45-05:00

Most of this is crap..... designed to give teenage angst something to angst about.

Response by PO1 John Johnson made Feb 4 at 2017 5:37 PM

2017-02-04T17:37:12-05:00

I can establish a religion, say what I want, print what I want, and petition the government for redress of my grievances (Amend. 1 to the U.S. Constitution). I can keep and bear arms and that right cannot be infringed (Amend. 2). I can tell the Gov. they can't quarter their soldiers in my house without my consent, during times of peace or war (Amend. 3). I can prevent the gov. from entering or searching my house and property without a warrant and probable cause (Amend. 4). I can plead the 5th, and I can be guaranteed due process if I am arrested and tried, and if found not guilty, I cannot be brought to trial again for the same act (Amend. 5). I can also get a speedy trial by jury as well, so they can't let me rot in jail and do nothing; and I can get a lawyer to confront my accusers and see the evidence brought before me, (Amend. 6), and they cannot prevent me from getting a trial in certain civil cases (Amend. 7), and they cannot hang me from a tree or fine me $1,000,000 just because God forbid I stole am apple to feed my hungry child (Amend. 8). I can't be taken as a slave or be forced into indentured servitude therefore I can live where I want and walk around as a free man (Amend. 13). I can vote in all elections, even if the color of my skin is white, brown, black, pink, green, rainbow, etc., (Amend. 15), and regardless of my sex (Amend. 19), and the Gov. can't deny me my vote as I am older than 18(Amend. 26). There seems to be a whole lot of things I can do without Gov. permission, here in this Great Country)

Response by Deborah Gregson made Feb 5 at 2017 6:00 PM

2017-02-05T18:00:20-05:00

I believe the only thing we can do without government permission is think, which includes being able to pray. What we think to ourselves isn't controlled by anyone if we have a good foundation as kids in thinking skills which is why parents who teach us and good educational systems are so important. We need to be taught critical thinking skills, how to understand propaganda, how to debate, an understanding of persuasive arguments, how to do objective research, objective v. subjective language, and how to infer or "read between the lines". We need to understand how to listen to what a person is saying and attend to what a person writes, and know that words have meaning; we need to have recall so we can tie thoughts together over time; we need to be able to use past and present information to predict future possibilities. All these skills allow us to think thoughtfully and make better decisions about our own life, about issues affecting our community and nation, and those for whom we are responsible. Our parents are the ones who are the first and main source of this education, since most schools don't teach these skills anymore.

It's also necessary to teach us that the only real freedom is our ability to believe in Christ's substitutionary sacrifice on the cross for our sins to satisfy God's demand for justice. After Adam's sin we are all born with an old sin nature which means we can't have a relationship with God. But by believing that Christ was the Son of God, was born to a virgin so the sin nature was not passed down to Him, lived a sinless life, died and was resurrected, we are given the gift of salvation and life everlasting, as well as a relationship with God. That means that we can directly talk with God at any time, anywhere, just by thinking, something that no one can regulate, take away, control, and we all have the opportunity to have this simple gift if we simply state to God that we believe in what He provided us. It's the only thing that's absolutely ours that no one else can take away, that's free, that's ours. Prayer is thought, thought to God.

Response by PO1 John Watson made Feb 8 at 2017 7:59 AM

2017-02-08T07:59:39-05:00

Because I live in America I know there are limits to my freedom. Out of respect for this the greatest nation on earth I follow the riles and the laws set down by those who govern America. If there is a limit that I don't agree with I have a right to go through the proper channels and voice my grevience. I've been to many other countries and have seen the lack of freedoms that others have to live with so I am content to abide in America and am thankful that this is my home.

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made Feb 8 at 2017 12:03 PM

2017-02-08T12:03:22-05:00

Thats not an accurate statement in the poster above. None of those things require government permission. Don't confuse getting a license or permit with permission. Permission means they look at you individually and decide if your allowed to do it.

Response by PFC Frederick Morrow made Feb 14 at 2017 8:00 AM

2017-02-14T08:00:53-05:00

We can anything we want without government permission as long as we are willing to fight those who want to take our Constitutional rights away. These rights were endowed to us by our "CREATOR" not by any man. How can a man grant you a right that is already yours? One can do what they want when they consent to mans law ! Once its understood that we have been put back into bondage by government by playing its game (taxation) then and only then will we be free. Let me leave with this question. If one did not pay the "property taxes" on the their homes it would be taken away. How, then can one say they truly "own" their property? Trust me you don't.

Response by LTC Timothy O'Neill made Feb 15 at 2017 8:29 AM

2017-02-15T08:29:40-05:00

My wife is an attorney who worked overseas in former Soviet bloc countries, helping them bring their codes into contemporary US and European practice.
One thing she learned was that European and US law principles differ in one critical way. In Europe, if the law does not specifically allow something, it is presumed to be illegal. In the US, if it isn't specifically prohibited, you can knock yourself out. One EU lawyer asked her why the US is so different. The answer, historically, is that America is packed with former Europeans who didn't like the top-down legal and social structure.
This goes for a lot of things. We're a collection of the world's misfits, troublemakers, and individualists. If we weren't, why would we be complaining about all this?

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 15 at 2017 8:32 AM

2017-02-15T08:32:54-05:00

Very good point!

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Feb 15 at 2017 8:49 AM

2017-02-15T08:49:24-05:00

Take a leak........

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Feb 15 at 2017 8:56 AM

2017-02-15T08:56:16-05:00

Probably that thing I've been doing more than any other thing I do since I was about 13. The priests said it was bad but I don't think it's against the law.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 15 at 2017 12:38 PM

2017-02-15T12:38:39-05:00

I thought I would put, "walk my dogs in my neighborhood." Then I realized there are laws and ordnances that effect that activity. The state traffic laws dictate that I should walk on the left side of the street facing the traffic. Both of the dogs have "dog tags," meaning they were registered with the County. The dogs are on a leash for their protection and control, but the County and City have leash laws requiring them to be leashed. Even the Homeowners Association doesn't care if I walk the dogs--as long as I clean up if they relieve themselves in the "common areas." I don't have to ask the City, County, State, or Federal Government for permission to walk the dogs, but they do influence the activity.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Feb 23 at 2017 8:03 AM

2017-02-23T08:03:50-05:00

Breath, so far but I'm afraid EPA will eventually get around to regulating our exhales as it involves CO2 which is a poisonous gas according to them. I hear California now regulates cow farts. It's only a matter of time before humans in California are no longer allowed to break wind.

Response by SPC Paul C. made Apr 24 at 2017 8:55 AM

2017-04-24T08:55:28-04:00

Wow. I guess we are free, as long as we get permission

Response by Wanda Afualo-Carey made Apr 24 at 2017 9:05 AM

2017-04-24T09:05:14-04:00

I know one thing I can engage in - that the government has no say in! Well, I mean after I became of "eligible" age!!! ;-P But I digress...

Response by MSG James Hughs made Apr 24 at 2017 9:13 AM

2017-04-24T09:13:36-04:00

There is nothing new here.... except possibly the level of tyranny....John Adams said " Happiness of society is the end of government intrusion in our lives" Ronald Reagan said "The first duty of government is to protect society not run society" ..... Martin Van Buren said "The less government interferes with private pursuits the better for the general prosperity" Our nation has always suffered from government "over reach".....for me the ultimate example was when the US government decided how much water I could use in my home to flush my toilet. It not only exemplifies the most basic violation of my rights and life .....but the general stupidity of government and that intrusion.....they passed that regulation to "conserve water"....even where there is an abundance of water .....AND now I must flush twice to clear the toilet WASTING MORE WATER... The best government is the government that governs least..... but the nature of government is to never lessen their power and intrusion but increase it...... we could take 90% of government regulations and revoke them and the nation would be better off and happier.....only politicians would shed a tear
Milton Friedman...." The government solution is usually worse than the problem"

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Apr 24 at 2017 9:29 AM

2017-04-24T09:29:32-04:00

Breathe...so far...

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Apr 24 at 2017 9:48 AM

2017-04-24T09:48:09-04:00

Sometimes it does appear that the Government is too "Big Brotherish"/1984 Orwellianish! However, a lot of the permissions must be safe-guarded because the administrators of some people/things/social programs outside of our government's purview are abused to the point that it takes government intervention to ensure that everyone gets a fair shake and so that graft does not become common place. Not just in the above mentioned things but in most things we as citizens use quite frequently.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 24 at 2017 10:04 AM

2017-04-24T10:04:46-04:00

All this shows how prescient George Orwell was with his book "1984". If you haven't read it, you should. Even down to the point of your TV spying on you.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 24 at 2017 10:04 AM

2017-04-24T10:04:47-04:00

Actually you can leave the country. Twenty minutes down the road I can be in Mexico. It's getting back into the country that is hard

Response by SFC William H. made Apr 24 at 2017 11:41 AM

2017-04-24T11:41:04-04:00

This "thread" gave me a headache...need a break.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Apr 24 at 2017 4:08 PM

2017-04-24T16:08:56-04:00

I was going to say die...but you need paperwork or the government will not believe you are dead.

Response by MSgt Carl Stokes made Apr 24 at 2017 7:25 PM

2017-04-24T19:25:02-04:00

cant think of a thing other than bitch about the gov.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Apr 24 at 2017 11:09 PM

2017-04-24T23:09:27-04:00

Well, there's always taking a good, healthy Iraq. Satisfying

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 12:24 AM

2017-04-25T00:24:11-04:00

Colonel you're getting paranoid in your old age, I think its time for your nap.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 11:26 PM

2017-04-25T23:26:40-04:00

Die of natural causes for a start. It goes downhill fast from there.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Apr 28 at 2017 5:22 PM

2017-04-28T17:22:21-04:00

Not much unfortunately, and still we enjoy life better than many countries around the world. It could always be improved though, and that takes great effort, diligence, and constant watching because there are always those that think oppression 'for the public good' (read for those I think of as less than me because they aren't in Congress) is an acceptable approach to government.

Response by SSG David Kaelin made May 27 at 2017 6:14 AM

2017-05-27T06:14:24-04:00

For those who do not understand FREEDOM.

Freedom is the ability to act without fear of coercion.

freedom : the quality or state of being free: such as
a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action
b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence
c : the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous freedom from care

AND

Liberty: the quality or state of being free:
a : the power to do as one pleases
b : freedom from physical restraint
c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic (see despot 2) control
d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges
e : the power of choice

This definition is what was meant by Jefferson when he wrote "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Rights are not granted by the Constitution. They are specifically spelled out so as to delineate them for posterity. Those rights mentioned in the Constitution are not all inclusive. You have no Constitutional Rights. You have Inherent Rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights in the Constitution. GUARANTEED.....not GRANTED. There is a huge difference.

If the Constitution granted Rights, they would not be rights but privileges. Anything granted by Constitutional Amendment or the State can be taken away by Constitutional Amendment or the State.

Too many Americans are ignorant of this state of affairs.

I cringe every time someone says that they have Constitutional Rights.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2017 2:49 PM

2017-06-08T14:49:35-04:00

I think the states have too many laws as well - and most are created as a knee jerk reaction to something - in Ohio - because of the increase in prescription drug abuse - anyone taking "certain" medications, must sign a pain management contract with their doctor on a year basis - take a urinalysis (which the state is paying for) and then you have to come into to the doctor's office at least every 3 months to get refills. At first the law allowed for the doctors to make a judgment call - in that there was no history that the patient was abusing the drugs - history of injury, etc. But just this last year - they changed the law (again as a reaction to more abuse in general) and now the patient has to take the drug test and come into the office (and pay a co pay out of pocket) at least every 3 months to get their prescriptions refilled - and I spend maybe 15 minutes total time in the office for this. So, as a veteran with 23 years of honorable service to my country and a federal employee that works at the federal prosecutor's office and has a background investigation done every five years - is treated like I am the same as the drug abuser on the street.

Response by MSgt Fred Gottshalk made Jun 15 at 2017 8:04 PM

2017-06-15T20:04:36-04:00

The CDR in the field needs to do whatever is needed to protect his troops and complete the objective.

Response by MSgt Fred Gottshalk made Jun 15 at 2017 8:12 PM

2017-06-15T20:12:39-04:00

NONE of the above mentioned items can be accomplished without gov't permission that involves gov't permission that involves paying a TAX !!

Response by Sgt Mike Jacobi made Jun 19 at 2017 8:18 PM

2017-06-19T20:18:33-04:00

While the Constitution limits the Federal governments abilitt to interfere in your life, it lets us impose State and local government that has imposed hundreds of laws, many of which are outrageous invasions of our private lives. And it's our own fault as we have a direct hand in the election of these people who believe they are a better arbiter of your life than you are.

Response by CPT Earl George made Jul 1 at 2017 10:22 PM

2017-07-01T22:22:34-04:00

I remember in 1955 my mom giving me a list and a $20 to go to the meat market 3 blocks away to get groceries. I was 5 at the time. Now let your 5 year old be 3 blocks from home alone and see if your not charged with child neglect.PS: at nine, I delivered my own paper route by myself.

Response by Sgt Loren Petty made Jul 6 at 2017 9:22 PM

2017-07-06T21:22:09-04:00

I can piss in my yard, behind the fence, without permission from anyone. But, I am single...

Response by SP5 Rich Levesque made Jul 8 at 2017 4:26 PM

2017-07-08T16:26:50-04:00

Jeez, Col. When you picked brain food, you dialed in a feast. There's gotta be a comment on every bullet here. Should be a very lively discussion.

Response by SPC Paul Brown made Jul 16 at 2017 11:27 AM

2017-07-16T11:27:58-04:00

CRY, I can sit in a Government owned field and cry for the freedoms I gave years of my life to protect were actually just rules and regulations that keep the few few in charge of the many. I will keep fighting the good fight to leave the country a little more free for those that follow me.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Jul 17 at 2017 12:01 AM

2017-07-17T00:01:30-04:00

The sad fact is, the government should be asking US for permission to do things. The Constitution was written to limit the power and scope of the Federal government over states and individuals, not the other way around. Having said that I do feel the need to point out that well over half of the items listed are within the purview of state and/or local governments. What is permitted or not is then properly determined by the state Constitution or charter. Here in VT for instance, you have a constitutional right to carry, open or concealed as long as you are not a felon. Cross the border however, and that is another story.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jul 17 at 2017 2:42 PM

2017-07-17T14:42:17-04:00

That picture is decidedly disingenuous, COL Mikel J. Burroughs, despite any good intentions by its creator.
For example, you don't need government permission to start a business, providing that the business is run by you in your own name.
And whether or not you need permission to build a house depends upon where you're wanting to build it. When I was attending Cal Poly, the local county's permitting requirements included an exemption for parcels of land greater than 5 acres in size -- so if you owned enough land, you could build without applying for a permit.
Similarly, in the absence of any other criminal activity, government permission is not required to leave the country legally, although the same can't be said for entering another country or re-entering ours.
Nor, in many places, do you require government permission to cross the road, although you probably would appreciate government regulations deciding who has the right of way if there is vehicular traffic wherever you're crossing.
[EDIT]
Also, one of my favorite horses to beat in discussions here: OUTSIDE OF ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE, YOU DON'T NEED PERMISSION TO SHOW RESPECT BY SALUTING INDIVIDUALS OR FLAGS IN WHATEVER MANNER YOU DEEM APPROPRIATE.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Jul 23 at 2017 7:20 PM

2017-07-23T19:20:05-04:00

Fun subject. Consider this as well. We live under a permissive style of government. Under a permissive form, if you want to do something, just do it, unless there is a law against it. Most of Europe lives under a non-permissive style of government so when they come up with a great idea, they have to see if there exists a law allowing them to do it.

Response by Kathlean Keesler made Jul 30 at 2017 10:31 AM

2017-07-30T10:31:40-04:00

Thanks for this "stimulating" topic....SHARED

Response by SGT George Duncan made Aug 6 at 2017 6:13 PM

2017-08-06T18:13:34-04:00

defend the country

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 6:23 PM

2017-08-08T18:23:19-04:00

Most of government permission are just rights that were taken and are sold back through licensing

Response by Lola Hassan made Aug 11 at 2017 12:33 PM

2017-08-11T12:33:38-04:00

The reason for 'permission' probably has more to do with the govt's desire to reach into our bank accounts than anything else. I can breathe without asking permission but I cannot breathe without paying taxes.

Response by SSgt Christopher Mortell made Aug 12 at 2017 9:09 PM

2017-08-12T21:09:00-04:00

I recently had lunch with someone I hadn't seen in many years. Good man. Back in the day, he was my superior. Someone for whom I have great deal of respect. While I had no problem addressing him by his first name, the "sirs" popped out naturally. Do something long enough and it becomes part of you forever.

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Aug 12 at 2017 9:17 PM

2017-08-12T21:17:31-04:00

We can have our own opinions...oh crap wait, I forgot it was 2017

Response by GySgt Craig Averill made Aug 14 at 2017 4:04 AM

2017-08-14T04:04:08-04:00

In REALITY you do NOT need to check with the U.S. Government for permission to do anything. Per the U.S. Constitution, Article 1 Section 8 Clauses 1 thru 18, the Centralized Government has NO DOMESTIC AUTHORITY, they were created BY THE PEOPLE to be a collective voice and a collective force for Foreign Issues only.

In other words the EPA, BLM, Dept of Education, Dept of Labor and most other agencies and departments are Illegally in existence.

Each state is Sovereign as each state is the same as a country and has their own government, their own constitutions and their own declaration of Rights. Over the years, the centralized Government has been constantly overstepping their DELEGATED and LIMITED AUTHORITIES.

How? You may ask, because the PEOPLE have grown very ignorant of their God Given RIGHTS and of the Constitutions.

While on ACTIVE DUTY you serve under the UCMJ and for the most part have given up your Constitutional Rights, so while serving, you need permission to do many things that as a civilian you would not.

If the Centralized Government stayed within the parameters set by the Constitution, we could live our entire lives with little or no contact with the Federal Government.

Response by FN Steve Ramsay made Aug 18 at 2017 1:29 AM

2017-08-18T01:29:27-04:00

I am a Veteran and was born in 1951. In my lifetime I have seen and felt the constriction of those who work for us getting tighter and tighter. Many times it seems they presume we do not know how to run our lives or that being a citizen means you do not pay attention. Many do not and that complacency has let them feel they have the power to rule over us. They do not, laws are for society to leave peacefully they say and yes laws are needed but not for the few but equal laws pertaining to all whether rich/poor aristocrat or beggar. Study history because those that lust for power and control over others never fare well and are brought to reality by the controlled having had enough. It will always be and I believe always will until greed and power have lost their interest and need of the few.

Response by SFC (CA) Roland Dell made Aug 20 at 2017 8:23 AM

2017-08-20T08:23:01-04:00

The "Mark of the Beast" ...

Response by CPL Pedro Gonzalez made Aug 20 at 2017 10:49 AM

2017-08-20T10:49:41-04:00

How about you are in a limit budget trying to have fun on a weekend taking you family to fishing and a marine patrol stop you give you a ticket because you dont have a fishing licenses for all you
family !!.. Since when they own the
ocean ?? Or how about you have ti pay to take you boat out the ramp on a marina ??
Or have a specific license to fish a specific fish ??? And measure the fish before you take in to the boat ??
Stupidity !! You know when the fish is ready to be consume or not !!

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Aug 20 at 2017 12:17 PM

2017-08-20T12:17:11-04:00

Technically, gov't needs OUR permission... now if we would stop re-electing the tyrants who believe WE serve THEM!

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Aug 20 at 2017 2:20 PM

2017-08-20T14:20:25-04:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner. Good morning Colonel Burroughs, a good question and I'm rater sure you posted it to provoke a discussion mostly negative. On your list I can justify all of the things that are listed with the exception of the collection of rainwater. Building a house, many reasons such as contributions to public services, but also building permits which hod the contractor responsible to the UBC, Drive a car, it to the public inters that drivers know how to drive and are physically and mentality capable of driving as well as vehicle insurance and in some states vehicle inspect. Go Fishing, In California back years ago any body could go fishing or collect mollusks at low tide pretty much at will. Abalone, Green Shrimp, Spiny Lobster when I a kid was down at the beach for the taking and toward the end of the month as a kid I collected these items with out a license or any government interference and soon they wed no longer their. Over fishing is a problem as you get more people and they want to eat. Hunt, depletion of wildlife, In San Diego Country there is no longer a deer season, even with tag control the California Mule Deer was hunted to the point its population is barely sustainable. I could go on Sir but I think you get the point.

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Aug 24 at 2017 6:01 PM

2017-08-24T18:01:37-04:00

Actually most of the things on your list have laws governing them simply because a few people have abused that privelage and endangered either themselves or others. Government works on protecting the lowest of our citizens who have little education or common sense or both. However, now that there have been those in power who wished to expand government overview, we see an enlargement of these laws by the thousands of pages! As to what I can do without getting permission from the government the following fills my retirement quite well --

>> Military Reenactment;
>> Writing (No Publication);
>> Teaching myself to draw (No Publication);
>> Scratch built modeling;
>> Woodcarving;
>> Walking In the Woods;
>> Cooking In my Home;
>> Teaching Myself to Sew in cloth and leather;
>> Reading my books;
>> Repairing items in my house;
>> etc.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Aug 24 at 2017 7:05 PM

2017-08-24T19:05:02-04:00

Since it is government for the people, by the people, I would submit that we can do what we need to. In North Carolina, making moonshine according to the gov is absolutely illegal. It is illegal for one reason, our 'leaders' don't get a cut of the profits, and their big donors see their business reduced. That is not government, it is tyranny.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2017 1:59 PM

2017-08-25T13:59:44-04:00

wow that's a very interesting question, never given much thought about it but now that I do, I believe that as much as it sucks having gov involved , we need regulation otherwise we will create total global chaos.

Response by COL Bill Madden made Sep 21 at 2017 12:30 AM

2017-09-21T00:30:39-04:00

Learn by listening, reading, watching thoughtfully. Pray. Help family members, friends and neighbors. Share thoughts and ideas. Write for ourselves or others. Be kind in word and deed. Enjoy nature, music, the arts.

Response by Henning Heinemann made Sep 27 at 2017 4:35 PM

2017-09-27T16:35:28-04:00

Stage a military coup. It’s kinda perplexing, but Mattis is the only guy in DC who is adulting. I think the American people would actually welcome it at this point, especially if he had an economic plan to end the need for Feudalism. We could get back to the Founders’ economics and ethics. The Hydrogen Economy is prime for that.
Urbanagandenergy.org/how/

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 4:24 PM

2017-10-05T16:24:55-04:00

Well said I agree with many of this we need government permission to what end? I also the problem why we need permission it's people especially like marriage because of the high divorce rate here in the US we always find away to get the government involved because people want their money just simple greed in that regard. Fishing the few ruin that for the many fishing in places where they shouldn't like protective zones because the few are just acting like idiots. The problem it's always the few morons who spoil it for the rest of us because greed and thoughtlessness of what they build and where COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Oct 13 at 2017 3:23 PM

2017-10-13T15:23:03-04:00

We can think for ourselves.

Response by LTC Conrad Novack made Oct 19 at 2017 11:58 AM

2017-10-19T11:58:47-04:00

At my age and station in life, one of the lessons I have learned that continues to be reinforced, is .....often that which is legal is not right, and that which is right is often not legal.....

Response by Sgt Heriberto Salinas made Oct 23 at 2017 2:54 PM

2017-10-23T14:54:42-04:00

Something that most people misunderstand about freedom is that it has perameters. Ie. (Freedom ). If you're not free, you're a slave. If you are neither, then you're running wild. Again, ie slave (freedom ) wild. Freedom has its limits. It's costly, it requires dicipline, and most of all, you've got to want it. Anyone care to add to this...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 8:18 AM

2017-10-26T08:18:44-04:00

Well said LTC Husted! "I always tell all my hunting partners that it's not illegal to take over your limit on any wild game....." (unless, of course you get caught!) Ha! Try hunting in any other country and you'll find it's not so easy! It's their way of collecting a fee and taxes on everything we do! If you wanna play, you have to pay! Happy hunting! Life is too short to get all knotted up over it....it is what it is! We are on this planet for a few short years, compared to all of eternity (for all the believers) and when we are gone, none of this will amount to anything. "Sermon is now over!" Ha! - TOP

Response by Capt Tmitchel Chapman made Nov 3 at 2017 1:02 AM

2017-11-03T01:02:04-04:00

Pretty amazing when you think about it! We must be AFRAID of the government as well - as they have no problem taking ALL YOUR STUFF with no way to resist without being jailed or shot!

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Nov 18 at 2017 9:05 PM

2017-11-18T21:05:52-05:00

Sp4 As usual Colonel Borrouughs a pointed question in just a few words. I think we have see this on Rally Point before. The only answer is breath, but air quality is determined by some Governmental Agency. As I'm sure you know Colonel Burroughs Freedom is only for people with nothing left to lose. (Janis Joplin)

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Nov 25 at 2017 7:03 PM

2017-11-25T19:03:08-05:00

As originally intended, government was supposed to be small. It had five duties: war,peace,trade, treaty and protect the rights, God Given rights, of the citizens.
Some how, Congress became royalty and refused to do those jobs.
Is government too big? Absolutely. It is corrupt and no longer holds we the people dear.
What can we do? Learn. This is OUR country, we need to get it back.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Nov 26 at 2017 1:07 PM

2017-11-26T13:07:06-05:00

Read the Constitution of the United States and its amendments. Anything not specifically mentioned in the Constitution is retained by the states, and the Bill of Rights guarantees individual liberty.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Nov 26 at 2017 3:27 PM

2017-11-26T15:27:50-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner I don'y know how many times Colonel Burroughs question has been up but , looking at it closer and filtering and considering societies legitimate interests in your personal activities I see a pattern in the above. Built a house, Government (people) has a definite interest from the selection of the site to the method and workmanship that it tale to construct a house or any other building that are intended to have human accessibility. Drive a car, should be obvious that (people) have in interest to verify that the person seeking a drivers license does in fact knows how to drive a car. Go Fishing, With the increases in population of the 20th. Century in the United States The impact of uncontrolled fishing translates into no fishing, the Government doesn't' have to really get involved. The populations of fish have decreased to the point they are in danger of extinction. One more take drugs. In truth many drugs that were prescription 50 years ago can now be bought off the shelf. The only pain reliver that I can remember is the APC tablet and cosine caught syrups being removed from Pharmacy shelves during the first Nixon Administration in the late 60's. In the Army at the time any sick call for a cold or other respiratory complaint resulted in a box of APC Tablets, or just straight Codeine #1's, if you knew the medic you could talk him into #3's and a bottle or two or three of GI Gin, which was liquid cosine which did knock out a caught and drink the bottle you felt better.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Nov 26 at 2017 3:45 PM

2017-11-26T15:45:10-05:00

You can die without government permission, unless ordered not to.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Nov 26 at 2017 8:28 PM

2017-11-26T20:28:11-05:00

Very interesting indeed COL Mikel Burroughs. The fact of the matter in the land of the free big brother is always watching and monitoring what we are doing. I have nothing to hide although I personally think there is some good and bad in it. But what are we to do? There are worse things we could be faced with!

Peace!

Response by SP5 Lori Pong made Dec 6 at 2017 9:46 AM

2017-12-06T09:46:37-05:00

As a second thought you do not need permission to serve in the military. Being mentally and physically qualified (setting standards) isn't asking permission. If you can't pass the ASVAB then study, if you are overweight, lose it. Only if you need a waiver for something that might disqualify you are you in essence asking permission for anything and waivers are usually for permission to ignore something that would disqualify you.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 9:49 AM

2017-12-06T09:49:21-05:00

Breath?

Response by Sgt John Blanton made Dec 6 at 2017 11:20 PM

2017-12-06T23:20:48-05:00

In some parts of some states you can build a house without Gov. permission. In Missouri, if you own land you can hunt or fish on it during season without Gov. Permission. You can certainly collect rainwater. Out in rural areas, you can cross the road without permission but you better look first. You can start a business. (but you will have to pay taxes on the profit.)

Response by Marlene Hessler made Dec 21 at 2017 5:43 AM

2017-12-21T05:43:51-05:00

Way past time to clean house on regulations. Take responsibility for our own actions.
Laws are often just another excuse to tax, loot our wallets.
Politicians are vaccuum cleaners out to suck us dry. LEECHES all of them.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jan 5 at 2018 5:43 AM

2018-01-05T05:43:03-05:00

Col Mikel Burroghs Vote? that is the only thing that comes to my mind. You don't have to show ID and dead people vote and some prople vote in differnt states.Voteing rights re a hot potato between the parties. Where is our friend Capt Marty Hogan? its been a few days/

Response by Cpl Vic Eizenga made Jan 7 at 2018 2:42 PM

2018-01-07T14:42:05-05:00

Some of things are only 1/2 right I live out in the country. In Texas I do not have to have a building permit, I can build a house, put in the electrical and plumbing. Being a disabled Vet I only pay $3.00 for the plate on my car. I can cross the road any where I want except in the city. I can collect rain water and use it in my garden so I can grow food. You do not have to have a marriage license to get married. Just some of the things I can do in a free state.

Response by SPC Edward Banning made Jan 8 at 2018 1:24 AM

2018-01-08T01:24:04-05:00

We can't do anything without fear of punishment for doing it wrong. My personal pet peeve is not needing a license to drive a car which has been upheld time and time again in federal court yet get caught without a license and the legalized mafia (police) will tow your car give you a fine and possibly even jail time.

Response by SFC Frederick Roquemore made Jan 16 at 2018 12:56 AM

2018-01-16T00:56:20-05:00

To protect everyone's freedoms the government must track activities and people. It's a Catch-22. If the government completely steps out of the picture, you'll have complete anarchy -- and then the strongest survive ...but society would be in complete chaos.