PJBoosinger

"Often when I speak about the effect of regulation on property rights, I start by telling a story about 10-year old me and my good old sheepdog, Pepin."  I don't know how old Mr. Hodges, the author of that quote, is but these are similar to my childhood memories.

"My simple walk to the park would now violate layer upon layer of state and local laws, not the least of which are prohibitions against unlicensed and intact dogs, restrictions on the manner in which you may walk a dog, prohibition against a dog “watering” a neighbor’s fence post, and a myriad of rules restricting dogs in parks.  A while ago, I tallied up the consequences of my youthful crime spree (cleverly disguised as a walk to the park):  around $2,000 in fines, forfeiture of Pepin (he could be returned upon payment of fines, licensing fees and mandatory neutering), and the possibility of as many as 90 days imprisonment.  The comparison to restrictive regulation of property is readily apparent."

Folks, we and our property are under assault and we are the enemy.  It is we, the people, who continue to elect crappy leaders and let them continue their thieving ways.

"The youthful “boy and a dog” story that I often recount is now a prelude to a darker cautionary tale about the destructive consequences of unchecked expansion of government power.  Property owners (as well as pet owners) should be very interested in following this matter because, at its core, it asks the fundamental question, “where does the Constitution draw a line in the sand?”  And as always, the answer to this question will have profound effects beyond those directly impacted by the shooting of Rosie."

"Property owners..."  That's YOU, every single one of you owns some kind of property so you should listen up and get involved if you want to keep owning that or any other property.  Brian T. Hodges should be added to the authors you read, especially if you're in Washington state.  You can find him on the PLF Liberty Blog.

Our country needs, we the people, to stand up for it today as much, if not more, than it did at its inception.  Please find the courage to do so and perhaps your grandchildren will once again be able to walk to the park with their dogs without being stopped and asked for their "papers".  Walking without a license, yours or your pet's, should NOT be a crime!