Originally Posted by jkhuggins

I'm sorry; I still don't buy this.

First, even if we do collectively stand for our rights, we can still end up losing them. It's not like "standing for our rights" is sufficient in all cases.

Second, I'll buy that we may collectively get what we deserve, but not individually. I still don't think it's my fault when someone breaks into my house, and I've taken reasonable precautions to secure it. I didn't force someone else to commit B&E against me.

Third, there are other reasons someone might not "stand for their rights" besides laziness and fear. Sometimes there are pragmatics involved. (With respect, Trollkiller, you yourself said that you'd be willing to be a test case challenging the TSA, but only if someone else provided the money. Isn't defending your personal liberty worth going into bankruptcy? Or are you lazy or fearful?)

I'm trying not to get this too far off-topic (and, yes, failing miserably, thank you very much). But telling the geeky kid that it's his own fault that the playground bully took his lunch money is just plain wrong.