See you on the other side?

A man's property is his to do with as he pleases, right? Apparently not. Historical commissions, permits, housing committees, and lawsuits say otherwise. Government, by its nature, possesses a continually growing sense of entitlement in terms of its ability to tell people what to do. However, I see it becoming overridingly personal. There seems to be this idea developing among the individuals who make up citizens' governing bodies. They are now asserting governmental power based on how they are made to feel.

Want to paint the outside of your house? Better use soothing, muted colors in case the mayor drives by. You never know if she has an excitable personality. Want to put in a swimming pool? You ought to invite Joe Councilman over for a barbecue. His parents never cooked out when he was a kid. Better try for his good side before he finds out on his own and gets jealous.

Rest assured, the issue is freedom on and over property, not other people. We're talking about "it's for your own good whether you like it or not (and it just so happens to be in my best interests)" control by strangers who spend your money. Soon, they'll be telling you what lightbulbs you can put in your lamps.

Strangers telling you what to do behind the closed doors of your home; what could be more egregious? What could be more personal?

Well, at least one thing is. If you want a say so in the fate of your immortal soul, please, do yourself a favor and don't die in China. At the very least, contact the American Embassy if you plan on a long stay. Perhaps you can get a head start on the paperwork. After all, you don't want to end up in Siberia when you reincarnate.

Check the link. I'm dead serious... ha! Stay classy.