H. L. Mencken: Is Freedom Or Safety More Important?

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Is Freedom or Safety More Important?
American essayist, H. L. Mencken endorses the fact that an average man values his safety over his freedom. A free man behaves however he pleases without anyone thwarting his actions. A man who remains safe has everything in place in order to protect his well-being. H. L. Mencken essentially proposes that the majority of mankind would rather sacrifice their freedom for their safety. H.L. Mencken’s theory of an average man cherishes his safety above his freedom is extremely useful because it sheds insight on the difficult problem of determining the definite rights of every individual. First of all, a man who is safe does not fear of terrible events happening. For example, Switzerland during both World War One and Two remained neutral, choosing neither side as the right one. Switzerland remained inside its own borders with its armed military in case of an attack. Switzerland’s citizens continued to live without disruption of war in the country. The country had no fear of war happening since Switzerland had options to help ensure its citizens’ safety. The book “The Giver” is another example of a society with people having no concern for their safety, for they are already protected. The book focuses on a utopian society with no war, famine or other dreadful events. The citizens live in peace without any
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Police ticket and arrest the rule breakers. Police heavily enforced DUI laws because influenced individuals choosing to drive have proven to be more reckless. The consumption of drugs or alcohol impairs an individual’s judgment to generate healthy decisions. Driving over the speed limit will reduce the amount of time a driver has to react. In both cases, vehicle crashes are likely to occur and injury or death may occur. Laws of all types keep people safe. The government is protecting us by establishing laws and punishments for those who disobey