Fatal parade crash is latest tragedy for Oklahoma State

Personally, I think it is premature to talk punishment Sgt Kelli Mays --- I'll wait until more details are known before forming an opinion.

Let's be clear, we're making a really big assumption at discussing this before the facts are known. Thus my response is a general statement of principle rather than a reflection on this specific case.

First, let me state three general principles that guide my views in cases such as these:

1. I am a libertarian. Not a progressive socialist. A traditional libertarian who prizes individual liberty above all else.

2. I believe that rights without responsibility lead to chaos. We must take responsibility for our words and deeds otherwise we are not fit to live as free citizens.

3. Prohibition is counter productive. Not only does it fail to deter "bad" behavior, but also gives rise to commercial/criminal ventures that sustain "bad" behavior in spite of legal prohibitions.

Now can you guess my response?

Every competent free citizen should have the right to engage in whatever behavior they want, even if it is harmful to themselves. However, if that behavior harms others, they must be held responsible. Furthermore, they should be held accountable as though they intended to cause that harm. In other words, they should expect and receive the harshest punishment possible. Punitive damages should be extracted in addition to judgments in tort cases. Malice aforethought should be assumed in criminal cases. After all, all behavior in a truly free society is voluntary, isn't it?

Just discussed this with my wife. Perhaps we should leave her fate in the hands of the parents of the two year old that she killed.