St Eulalia, John William Waterhouse

There must be Justice

The downplaying of social norms, of all forms of regulation, and the elimination of the judiciary has nothing to do with promoting freedom.

Freedom is intimately linked to the presence of social norms, regulatory frameworks, and an independent judiciary that protect individuals and uphold justice. The destruction of these systems, rather than creating true freedom, can lead to instability, injustice, and a paradoxical loss of freedom for many in society. The challenge lies in advocating reforms that increase freedom while strengthening the structures necessary for a just and cohesive society.

Social norms and regulations exist to maintain order and cohesion within a society. They set expectations for behavior that promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among individuals. The abolition of regulations and legal systems may seem to increase personal freedom, but it inevitably leads to chaos or anarchy. In the absence of regulatory structures, individuals can feel free to act without restraint, which harms the freedoms and rights of others.

Downplaying social norms and institutions leads to a breakdown of trust within society. Without trust, cooperation declines and social bonds weaken, leading to increased conflict and division. Radical changes in social norms and regulations disproportionately affect marginalized or vulnerable populations, who rely on legal protections and social structures to ensure their rights are upheld. In the absence of regulatory frameworks, those in power can exploit others, leading to cycles of abuse, oppression, and control that ultimately limit freedoms.