I recently got into an online debate/argument with a communist. Yes, a real self-described communist.
It began with a reply I made to someone who was claiming that since food, water, and shelter are essential for human life, those things were a human right and must be provided "free" for everyone. My response elicited a response from another commie who began by harping on the "right to life" thing.
I'll get into more of this in upcoming posts, but for now...
The right to life.
Yes, you have a right to your life.
The communist says this means your life must be guaranteed. Of course, sensible people know there is no guarantee.
He also claims this means you have a right to take whatever property-- even if it doesn't belong to you-- is necessary to stay alive. Need food? Steal it. Need water? Steal it. Need shelter? Steal it. You need it; it's yours to take.
I'm not sure how this works for the person you took it from, since he is now going to need whatever you took. Does he steal a replacement from someone else, or take back the property you now possess? A "society" based on theft doesn't seem like much of a society to me. But then, I'm not a communist.
Your right to life means simply that no one can have the right to murder you-- to kill you for any reason other than in defense of life, liberty, or property.
It doesn't mean anyone other than you is obligated to work to keep you alive. And it does take work to obtain the necessary property to stay alive. More on that next time.
Part 2: Free food, water, and shelter
Part 3: Kobayashi Maru Island
Writing to promote liberty is my job.
YOU get to decide if I get paid.
I hope I add something you find valuable enough to support.
