The best way to demonstrate that positive rights can't exist is by explaining that in order to forcefully provide a good or service, that right must become a duty for another person who has to provide it, and it is therefore not a right for the provider. Therefore positive rights can only exist for a privileged class.
Rights are supposed to be something that exists for all people. Negative rights fulfill this requirement. Negative rights - the right to be free from aggression - can be universalized to all.
That may be my new all time fav quote....beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe best way to demonstrate that positive rights can't exist is by explaining that in order to forcefully provide a good or service, that right must become a duty for another person who has to provide it, and it is therefore not a right for the provider. Therefore positive rights can only exist for a privileged class.
ReplyDeleteRights are supposed to be something that exists for all people. Negative rights fulfill this requirement. Negative rights - the right to be free from aggression - can be universalized to all.
Quite well stated Mr. O'Rourke.
ReplyDelete