Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:17 pm
In my humble understanding of the way our society is built, uncertainty is inherent. This largely is so for the sake of liberty. Our constitution is based on the inalienability of certain rights. One of the rights stated by our forefathers is the "pursuit of happiness". We are not afforded the right of happiness, and we are not guaranteed anything. The founding fathers understood that the ideals of freedom and liberty were not something to be obtained without great sacrifice. Thus we have the right to pursue happiness with the understanding that the pursuit comes at a price of personal sacrifice.
In order for our government and society to function within those parameters, there must be a degree of uncertainty. It is what allows us to make the changes necessary to move forward as a society. It allows us to undergo a change in government without a complete upheaval of society. The alternative is a totalitarian government in which the rule of law is absolutely certain, but no freedoms are afforded to its citizens. Thus, we have a system that allows for uncertainty in the law to be worked out in a civil and peaceful manner in the courts, without requiring a revolution to make the changes.
With all of that stated, there are those in our society who make it their life's work to work out the uncertainties, or even create new ones. As others have stated, there are those who have a greater understanding of specific parts of our legal system than others, and a wise person takes these points of view into consideration, and understands that these people have a perspective unavailable to most of the rest of us. It is the responsibility and duty of every citizen to seek out an understanding of his or her government. We are a self-governed people, and the only thing that can ultimately lead to our downfall is the refusal of our own people to take it upon themselves to participate in the operation of our government in an informed manner. This is what leads to a power-hungry elite gaining rule over a complacent mass of society.
I'm sorry if this has been a bit long-winded. In direct answer to your question, familiarize yourself with the law and the way the legal system operates. Seek out the wisdom of those who have expertise. In areas of uncertainty, there may be no clear answer. It is up to you to seek out answers within trusted sources and make a decision for yourself.
In order for our government and society to function within those parameters, there must be a degree of uncertainty. It is what allows us to make the changes necessary to move forward as a society. It allows us to undergo a change in government without a complete upheaval of society. The alternative is a totalitarian government in which the rule of law is absolutely certain, but no freedoms are afforded to its citizens. Thus, we have a system that allows for uncertainty in the law to be worked out in a civil and peaceful manner in the courts, without requiring a revolution to make the changes.
With all of that stated, there are those in our society who make it their life's work to work out the uncertainties, or even create new ones. As others have stated, there are those who have a greater understanding of specific parts of our legal system than others, and a wise person takes these points of view into consideration, and understands that these people have a perspective unavailable to most of the rest of us. It is the responsibility and duty of every citizen to seek out an understanding of his or her government. We are a self-governed people, and the only thing that can ultimately lead to our downfall is the refusal of our own people to take it upon themselves to participate in the operation of our government in an informed manner. This is what leads to a power-hungry elite gaining rule over a complacent mass of society.
I'm sorry if this has been a bit long-winded. In direct answer to your question, familiarize yourself with the law and the way the legal system operates. Seek out the wisdom of those who have expertise. In areas of uncertainty, there may be no clear answer. It is up to you to seek out answers within trusted sources and make a decision for yourself.
