Hello, S,

I think that if you read carefully, Ayn Rand being a master at choosing her words, you will notice that the consent gives government only the authority, i.e. the legitimacy, not the power. The source of the power and of the limits to that power is the Constitution and the laws enacted under it. Some call it a social contract, but I do not like the term now because it has been grossly abused by propagandists. If people do not pay attention, out of disinterest or out of ignorance (both, in my mind, illustrations of incompetence as citizens) they get the government that they deserve.

Hello, DS,

Those who stayed. Ayn Rand left. Her creation, Kira, unsuccessfully tried to leave also. Think of the meaning of that story.

If you do not consent, your choices are: rebel, leave or endure. Your life has only a limited time span, particularly if your ambitions are parenting and productivity. Thus, the urgency of the decision. The America of the past was such a magnet for "leavers". It has changed to become, gradually more and more, a magnet for "free riders" among the "arrivers". Don't you think?

Who amongst We the Living have "consented"?

There is nothing to add to Rand's statement. It is perfect for a free society. Too bad we don't have one.

The context was set when Rand said "The government of a free country derives its just powers from the consent of the governed."
We consent with our votes; those who did not vote have no influence. To the extent a country is not free, one's consent is meaningless.

Hello RMP,
Good to hear from you. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c3d7QgZ...
Regards,
O.A.

Hello tdechaine,
"Useful idiots..."
It is nice to have a place to go where we do not have to suffer such idiots, even if it is just cyberspace.
Regards,
O.A.

Until those who serve decide that power is more important than service...

unfortunately the governed in today's world or the majority of them don't know that they have given up their freedom to the government until the welfare checks stop arriving. greece is a wonderful example.

Enough people are consenting with their votes.

This quote has always concerned me. What were Rand's views on secession? If the consent is withdrawn does the government"s
claim to legitimacy evaporate? And what of the argument (made by Spooner) that the government has no authority as to people who never consented because they were not around when the government was created? Do we give implied consent to an existing government simply because we are not in open revolt? Thoughts please.

I agree. It's snaking into every aspect of our lives and strangling us.

Of course the government has seized way more power over every aspect of life than the people ever gave any sort of explicit consent to. She was speaking of ideal government not this out of control monster that is consuming us, itself and our future.

I do not consent! This present government is corrupt to its core.

Both side have forgotten that, and think its the other way round.