When is it acceptable to say "No"?

Kimberly Johnson (Brighton) and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting many energetic freedom lovers at the Freedom Summit in Phoenix, AZ this past weekend, and we would like to extend our thanks to all involved. (On a personal note, I'd like to extend my apologies to anyone who happened to cross my path on Sunday night...one of these days I'm going to learn that vodka is not my friend. :P ).

On an even more personal note, I'd like to thank Jim Duensing for getting shot in the back three times back in October...I realize that sounds kinda weird, as I'm not inclined to wish violence on anyone, and I assume that Jim would've preferred to not have been shot. However, he was shot, and my learning of his experience has had quite a profound impact on my life's perspective.

Specifically, I have become somewhat obsessed with answering the question of when saying "No" to those who presume authority becomes acceptable. As such, I started doing some research on Jim's case, and I came across a discussion thread populated with comments running the gamut of political opinion. One of the more troubling comments was #124 ...

http://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2009/10/former-nevada-lp-state...

"There’s a time and a place to bow to authority."

Really? Say it ain't so. :-(

Personally, I do not believe this to be true. I think I've always known it instinctively, but meeting Jim and hearing his story cemented this belief firmly in my mind.

If we all are, indeed, sovereign human beings, then it is ALWAYS acceptable to say "No". Granted, those who presume authority will very likely disagree with this opinion, but those people are irrelevant. They are irrelevant because we effectively have no control over what they do; I suppose we can pretend that change will be effected via working within the system, but I am of the opinion that it is very difficult to win a rigged game...honestly, how many of you would play in a poker game that you knew to be filled with cheaters?

Furthermore, if we can assume that "they" will use fear even once in an effort to manipulate our behavior, then it becomes very clear that the only way to effectively combat such presumptions of authority is to say "No"...and, really, there is no logical or rational reason to be afraid of anything.

You WILL eventually lose all of your material possessions;

You WILL lose all physical connections with loved ones;

You WILL very likely experience some sort of physical pain;

You WILL die.

In light of the foregoing, I'll be DAMNED if I bow to anyone (I actually believe that to be a metaphysical truth...but that's another story)

Again, meeting Jim Duensing this weekend only solidified that belief for me, so, Jim, thanks for getting shot. :-)

Lastly, to those not convinced that saying "No" is always acceptable, please don't take these thoughts as an indictment of any perceived willingness to "bow to authority".

I judge no one, as I've not walked in anyone's shoes except my own.

Which reminds me...thanks to the "Universe/God/Creator/Flying Spaghetti Monster" for me not having to walk in Jim's.