Lux Lucet

There is no art which one government sooner learns of another than that of draining money from the pockets of the people. – Adam Smith

One of the great privileges afforded to Christians is that we can, without fear of contradicting ourselves, advocate a free society.  Jesus said, “if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”  Of course, the immediate context of his comment was freedom from sin, not political freedom.  But as surely as Christianity releases men from the wages of sin in the next life, so to it has the effect of releasing them from tyranny in this life.  It was the Protestant Reformation that gave birth to what we now call Western Civilization and, in particular, the United States. 

Since the preaching of the Gospel has largely disappeared in the churches of Europe and America, it should come as no surprise that the political freedom which resulted from that preaching is also disappearing.  We can see this everyday in countless ways, some large and obvious such as the recently passed fascist health care bill, while others, although more subtle, are nevertheless reminders that we are a people losing our freedom. 

A particular pet peeve of mine is the recent trend that has many cities installing red light and speed cameras in their jurisdictions.  This noxious idea, imported from Europe, is spreading like kudzu across our formerly free land.  When I first read about these awful things several years ago, they were thankfully confined to the benighted regions of Western Europe.  But now they’re here on our shores, guarding our safety 24/7.   

Here in Cincinnati, we get a lot of things wrong, but when it comes to red light cameras, I have to give the city props.  Back in 2008 a measure was put on the ballot that would permanently ban the use of red light cameras in Cincinnati…and it passed.  Even the mayor supported the measure.  Of course the ham handed local politicos that supported the cameras didn’t help their cause.  When trying to sell the idea,  they actually tried to convince people that the red light cameras would be a great way to reduce Cincinnati’s budget shortfall.  Good grief! Do these people know nothing about electoral politics?  Red light cameras are all about safety, not hosing people down to cover budget shortfalls most likely caused by reckless spending.  Well, if nothing else, I suppose they deserve credit for being honest.  When the next budget crisis hits, I’m sure they won’t make that mistake again.

As a bumper sticker of recent origin states, we’re now one nation under surveillance.  Red light cameras are a sure sign of the trend that governments no longer see themselves as servants of the people, but rather as their masters.    Next time you get in your car, remember that Big Brother may be watching, and he’s sending you a ticket for the privilege.

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