"...there is no such entity as 'the public' - since the public is merely a number of individuals - the idea that 'the public interest' supersedes private interests and rights can have but one meaning: that the interests and rights of some individuals take precedence over the interests and rights of others."
by:
Ayn Rand
[Alisa Zinov'yevna Rosenbaum] (1905-1982) Russian-American novelist, philosopher, playwright, and screenwriter
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We often forget that the 'public' and the 'government' are nothing more than other individuals. The purpose of government is not to take care of people, but to protect and defend their rights. And in chartering a government of 'other people' to administer such an ideal, we the people have strictly limited what other people in government may do and may NOT do. Primarily, we have formed a government to protect us from theft -- theft of our property, theft of our labors, theft our ability to defend ourselves, theft of our ability to travel, theft of the free use of our minds and bodies. As long as we do not infringe upon the rights of others, we are free do do whatever without explanation to anyone -- particularly 'the public.' Too often today 'the public' and 'the people' refer to 'the government.'
 -- E Archer, NYC     
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    It's TIME for you to consider: "Am I a Libertarian?" We are GROWING - join us in Liberty: lp.org
     -- Carol Dorrough, Estero, FL     
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    I'm reminded of the oxymoron "group rights". How can a group have rights if individual in the group does not also have those same rights? Ergo: Rights pertain to individuals first, or they simply don't exist.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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    From one Libertarian to another, way to go, Carol.
     -- jim k, Austin, Tx     
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    Government is the one wanting us to give up more as individuals for what they call the PUBLIC GOOD. Ayn Rand's books are big sellers now as a few are waking up.
     -- Cal, lewisville, tx     
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    I have tried to subpoena 'the public', 'John Q. Public', and other various forms of the multiple / collective. For one (1) of a myriad of reasons at differing times, I wanted to question the accuser. I have only been frustrated in my efforts.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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     -- Mary-MI      
     -- Ronw13, Oregon      
     -- jim k, Austin      
     -- Robert Edwards, somewhere in the USA      
     
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