Quote Originally Posted by icedog View Post
What I wanted this thread to be about is why some people tend to want to control the freedoms of others.
OK, lets keep this 100% generic. Let's discuss institutions.
Institutions are structures and mechanisms of social order and cooperation governing the behavior of a set of individuals. Institutions are identified with a social purpose and permanence, transcending individual human lives and intentions, and with the making and enforcing of rules governing cooperative human behavior. The term, institution, is commonly applied to customs and behavior patterns important to a society, as well as to particular formal organizations of government and public service.
Some people enter into these institutions. They get the rights and privileges associated with following the rules.

Other people choose not to enter into these institutions, and don't get the benefits.

However, a third group are more problematic. "Hey," they say, "I don't want to follow the rules, but I want the benefits, and I demand the right to join in without following the rules."

Now it is important to remember something. These benefits are not necessarily something granted by law or any authority. Mainly they are offered by society, because society feels (rightly or wrongly) that the benefits are deserved by people entering those institutions.

The benefit most relevant to our discussion is respect. Respect is not given to people who join various institutions simply because they become members. It is given to them because of what being a member involves, and how society feels about it. Some examples (nothing more, please don't overanalyze them):


  • A doctor is respected because he saves lives. Somebody with an honorary PhD can call himself a doctor, but he will not get the same respect as a practicing medical doctor.
  • A soldier is respected because he risks his life to protect his country's interests. If a soldier refuses to act because he gets scared, he loses that respect.

Now. Bearing in mind that honorary membership of an institution does not earn you respect automatically, what does that tell you about that third group above who demand membership so they can get the associated respect?


  • They simply will not get that respect just by being allowed to join. IT DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY!
  • They will have nominal membership, nothing more.
  • They are deluding themselves.
  • They will annoy people who enter into the institution fully and willingly.