LBCCS Meeting Review and Resources

Meeting Date: June 19, 2009

Thanks to all who attended our recent Discussion Group Meeting in Catasaqua. I would like to put out a special thank you to Cliff and Janice Lathrop who arranged for us to use the Biery House. Here is a quick review of what we covered in the discussion:

The meeting started with a reading from "The Law" by Frédéric Bastiat. In short, "Each of us has a natural right — from God — to defend his person, his liberty, and his property... If every person has the right to defend even by force — his person, his liberty, and his property, then it follows that a group of men have the right to organize and support a common force to protect these rights constantly." That is the basis of civil government, it is the banding together of individuals to make a common force strong enough to consistently protect each person't life, liberty, and property. As an individual can not plunder another person, so an organized group of individuals (government) can not lawfully plunder a person. The founders of our country understood the concept and danger of government plundering of its citizens, and Frédéric Bastiat understood it also. Now we need to learn this concept.

Our first discussion was led by Art Illiano and the topic was the founder's views on Democracy. We handed out a sheet with quotes from our founders on the topic. Their views can be summed up by Thomas Jefferson, “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” Our founders wanted our country to be a Republic, a nation of laws. In a democracy, the leaders can do whatever they want as long as "the people" are behind them, but in our Republic, our leaders are bound to the law and "the people" hold them accountable. Hence the name "democratic Republic." Be very wary when a politician starts using the term "Democracy" to describe our nation and using "the will of the people" as justification to do what is wrong. For more information on the topic, read the chapters on principles 8-12 in the "5000 Year Leap" by W. Cleon Skousen.

Our second discussion was led by our Founding Director, Paul Fiske, and the topic was the founder's views on Foreign Policy. George Washington said, “The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.” He pointed out later that the nation which "indulges toward another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest." Our founders wanted our country to stay detached from the squabblings of other nations and instead be a beacon of freedom to the world. This vision did not include America as the ultimate parent or policeman for other nations. For more information on the topic, read George Washington's farewell address and Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address. Also, you can read the chapter on principle 25 in "5000 Year Leap" by W. Cleon Skousen and "The Revolution: A Manifesto" by Ron Paul.


Further personal study:

To download *FOR FREE* the entire 5000 Year Leap audio book, visit:
http://www.nccs.net/5000-year-leap/_jkgFoe95jlsf4poG/

George Washington's Farewell Address:
Text: http://www.bartelby.net/124/pres16.html
Audio: http://freeaudio.org/gwashington/

Thomas Jefferson't Inaugural Address:
Text: http://www.bartelby.net/124/pres16.html

The Law, by Frédéric Bastiat
Text: http://bastiat.org/en/the_law.html
Audio: http://freeaudio.org/fbastiat/thelaw.html

Websites:
http://www.campaignforliberty.com
http://www.libertymaven.com
http://www.nccs.net
http://www.brainyquote.com (Art pointed this out as a great resource for finding historical quotes)


Our next meeting is scheduled for July 17 and our next movie night will be in September. More information is coming.

You fellow student of liberty,

Ryan Burgett
Chairman - L.B.C.C.S.
ryan_burgett@hotmail.com