We have done a poor job of updating this blog. Since my last post we were involved in the great flood which included Wes and I using a boat to get to and from his house. My son was born at the beginning of October, and we have had a BUNCH of work to do (which is great). We plan on updating this site more often including a feature where we will post pictures of all of the various courthouses we visit and a quick run down of points of interest in the area (wifi, food, etc.).
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Apologies
Monday, September 28, 2009
Georgia Supreme Court Gives "Dancers" the Thumbs Up
Some interesting news for those inclined to the art of dance. This is probably because of all the popularity from Dancing with the Stars.
Friday, September 11, 2009
September 11, 2001
Eight years since that day, it's hard to believe.
Take a moment today to say a prayer for those we lost and those who suffered. It is also a great day to thank our men and women in the military. Thank you for serving our country.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Georgia is Awesome
Georgia has a lot of cool places to visit. As I come across a cool place, park, or town, I will share it with you. The pictures above are from Couldland Canyon State Park.
Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of my favorite spots in the state. I have lived in Georgia my whole life and I had no idea that there was an actual canyon in our state until about two years ago. Cloudland Canyon is located in the northwest corner of the state and as you can see, is absolutely beautiful.
The park has several cabins available to rent and there are campsites available to rent as well. The canyon has walking trails throughout the park that pass by several waterfalls, fields, and lakes.
Whenever you have a free weekend I highly recommend taking a trip to Cloudland Canyon.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
What are my rights if I am stopped by the police? Part 2
This is the second post in a multi-part series on police-citizen encounters. Of course, this is very general information and each situation will be different. Hopefully this information will be useful for general knowledge purposes. However, if you have been arrested, or have had what you believe was an improper contact with the police, you should contact our office to discuss your potential remedies or defenses.*
In my last post in this series I addressed the first tier of police-citizen encounters. This post will address the second tier. The second tier of police-citizen encounters involves a brief stop or seizure by the police. A seizure occurs when, in view of all the circumstances surrounding the incident, a reasonable person believes that he is not free to leave. [1]Although the questions of what constitutes a seizure is often a point of contention in any criminal proceeding, the basic concept of a seizure is that the police have not yet slapped on the hand cuffs and put you in the car, which would be an arrest, but the police have made it clear that you are not allowed to leave. The bottom line is that you are considered “seized” for the purposes of determining your rights if an officer restrains your movement by physical force, command, or show of authority. All seizures, even those involving only a brief detention, implicate the Fourth Amendment.[2]
So what does this mean? In order for an officer to “seize” or stop you, the officer must have a reasonable articulable suspicion that you are involved in criminal activity prior to the officer stopping you. [3] This simply means that the officer has a reasonable belief that you are involved in something criminal. The following are a few examples that would justify the policing in stopping you:
1. if the officer is following you and you fail to use a turn signal, or commit any traffic offense;
2. if the officer sees you engage in what he believes to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction;
3. if the officer is following you and you cross over the white fog line; or
4. if the officer sees you driving along with windows that are more tinted than they should be.
However, the following are some examples that would not justify the police in stopping you:
1. your leaving a location that the police previously searched, without other factors being present;
2. driving below the posted speed limit;
3. appearing suspicious;
4. appearing nervous.
Each of the above are simply examples, and are not exhaustive of reasons why the police can stop you, nor is the list exhaustive as to reasons that would not justify the police in stopping you. The key is that if the police have a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity they can stop you. If they cannot articulate a reasonable suspicion that you were involved in criminal activity, they cannot stop you.
If the police stop you improperly, then any evidence they find as a result of the improper stop would not be allowed as evidence in a criminal case against you. This is true regardless of what the police find or learn during the illegal stop.
If the police lawfully stop you, then they can conduct a limited search of your person for weapons without your consent if they can articulate a reason that this was necessary. However, this is as far as they may go during a simple stop without probable cause (which I will discuss in my next article) unless you consent to a search. If you give your consent to a search during a lawful stop, even if the officer could not have searched you without your consent, that consent will be valid and you will not be able to complain about it later unless the officer coerced or tricked you into agreeing to a search. [4] [5]
The bottom line is that if you are stopped by the police you do not have to consent to a search of your person or vehicle. Don’t worry, if they have probable cause to search your vehicle without your consent, they will certainly do it. There is no need for you to help them out. I will discuss circumstances in which an officer would have probable cause to search without your consent in my next article.
*The information contained on this website and/or blog does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is different and you should not act based on the information contained on this website and/or blog. No attorney/client relationship shall be created as a result of viewing this website and/or blog, commenting on the blog, or otherwise interacting with this site. You should not post any personal information or specifics about any case or legal problem you might have on the comments section of the blog as this could be detrimental to your case. If you have a specific legal problem that you need assistance with, you should call our office to set up an appointment. The information on this site is intended as general information only and if you rely on this information you do so at your own risk. No attorney/client relationship shall exist between Dunlap Gardiner LLP and any person or entity absent a written retainer agreement that is signed by all parties. If you have an immediate legal emergency you should call our office so that we may speak with you immediately. Please call 678-391-8440.
[1] State v. Tollefson, 259 Ga.App. 320, 577 S.E.2d 21 (2003)
[2] State v. Tollefson, 259 Ga.App. 320, 577 S.E.2d 21 (2003)
[3] Carrera v. State, 261 Ga.App. 832, 584 S.E.2d 2 (2003)
[4] Harris v. State, 269 Ga. App. 48; 603 S.E.2d 476 (2004)
[5] Salmeron v. State, 280
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Things I Think are Awesome Part 2
The Fail Blog. This is not really work appropriate (it's not really anything that bad, usually) but it is usually hilarious.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Georgia State Football Players Report to Practice
Since I am a graduate of the Georgia State University College of Law, I am really amped about Georgia State getting a football program. It will probably be painful for a few years, but the guys reporting to practice has me really amped.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Bears are Mean
Don't try to chase a bear away with a broom. It can only end bad. This lady must not have seen "The Grizzly Man."
Monday, August 10, 2009
McDonough Clerk Fired for Allegedly Stealing City Funds
In local Henry County news, a City of McDonough administrative clerk who happens to be the McDonough Police Chief's wife, was separated from her job for allegedly stealing city funds.
I don't like the way the ajc article is written. The article implies a couple of things. First by making the article about the Chief and not his wife (starting with the headline), the ajc is implying some sort of impropriety or problem with the Chief with absolutely no support . Second, the article also implies that since she is the Chief's wife, there could be some shenanigans in the way the investigation is handled.
Two things:
1. I certainly hope that the Chief is not tainted by the alleged actions of his wife. Even though it is his wife, it's not him. Plus, these are simply allegations at this point. To focus on him rather than his wife is unfair at best.
2. The Henry County District Attorney's Office is extremely professional and fair. Tommy Floyd is one of the, if not the most, respected District Attorney in this State and he has an excellent staff of Assistant District Attorneys, Investigators, and support staff. I am sure the investigation will be handled accordingly. Any unsupported implication that there could be an improper investigation because the clerk happens to be the police Chief's wife is ridiculous.
So what would I have done differently than the ajc? First, I would have talked about an administrative clerk allegedly stealing city funds and mentioned in passing that she happens to be the police Chief's wife (if I mentioned it at all). Although this might be less sensational, it is the right thing to do. Focusing on the Chief and not the wife has serious implications that have, from what I can tell from the article, no support at all. Second, I would not have published anything about any alleged conflict of interest unless I had something to support it.
You may be saying to yourself: "But they didn't say there was a conflict of interest." Yeah right, the article says:
"The district attorney is handling the investigation and McDonough police are not involved, the chief said.
“There is no actual or potential conflict of interest,” the chief said."
The only reason the ajc included this was to imply a conflict of interest. It would sort of be like writing an article about a t.v. personality and quoting him as saying "I have not beat my wife." Of course in that situation, as with the ajc article, the implication is that there is something to defend. Sneaky.
What are my rights if I am stopped by the police?
This is the first part of a multi-part series on police interactions. Of course, this is very general information and each situation will be different. Hopefully this information will be useful for general knowledge purposes. However, if you have been arrested, or have had what you believe was an improper contact with the police, you should contact our office to discuss your potential remedies or defenses.*
Before I went to law school I believed that if the police stopped me, I pretty much had to do anything they asked me to do. Fortunately, that is not the case. One of the first questions people ask regarding interactions with the police is: “Do I have to consent to a search of my person or vehicle if the police ask to search it.” The unequivocal answer is no. If an officer asks for your permission to search your vehicle, the request is exactly that, a request.
Which leads to the next question: “So, when can the police search me or my vehicle without my consent?” The answer is: That depends (which by the way is usually the answer you will get when you ask a lawyer anything). Each interaction with the police is governed by different standards as to what they can and can’t do to you.
Georgia recognizes three distinct levels or tiers of police-citizen encounters. The first-tier involves verbal communications which involve no coercion or detention; the second-tier involves brief stops or seizures which must be accompanied by a reasonable articulable suspicion; and the third-tier involves arrests which can only be supported by probable cause. [1]Each of these “tiers” of encounters has different rules regarding how the police can engage you and what the consequences of your interaction with them will be.
A typical first-tier encounter would be an officer simply approaching a person on a public street and asking them questions. Another example of a first-tier encounter would be an officer approaching a stopped vehicle and inquiring why the vehicle is in the area or asking other questions. [2]In the first-tier encounter, the officer can ask you personal information, ask to see identification, and/or ask to search you. To do this they do not need to have any basis or belief that you are involved in criminal activity so long as the police do not detain you or convey the message that you cannot leave. [3]
Of course, since this type of interaction is voluntary, you do not have to answer any questions or otherwise cooperate with the police. However, if the police stop or prevent you from leaving, then this type of interaction becomes a second or third tier encounter and must be supported by reasonable articulable suspicion or probable cause. What is reasonable articulable suspicion and probable cause? Those are questions I will answer in my next posts.
Serving Dallas, Paulding County, Carrollton, Carroll County, Newnan, Coweta County, Decatur, Dekalb County, Douglasville, Douglas County, Atlanta, Fulton County, Jonesboro, Clayton County, Fayette County, Fayetteville, McDonough, Henry County, Marietta, Cobb Co
Monday, August 3, 2009
Things I Think Are Awful-Part 1
As the ying (or yang) to my "Things I think Are Awesome" post, I give you the following awful things:
1. The Garden of Eden, by Ernest Hemingway. I have been wanting to read something by Hemingway for the last month or so. I made the mistake of letting a woman at a bookstore in Decatur convince me that the Garden of Eden was where I should start. I am pretty sure this is a book about nothing. Nothing except for some weird relationship between a husband, a wife, and some other random girl. The relationships are odd, the story is boring, and there doesn't seem to be any point whatsoever. I rarely stop reading a book halfway through, but this one might force my hand. I will probably finish it, but it is going to be really painful. To put that into perspective, the last book I stopped reading halfway through was Dianetics, The Modern Science of Mental Health. I finished that one, eventually, but it was a little like nails on the chalkboard for a week. To sum that one up, we all have weird recordings (not memories) and we have to "clear" them in order to be high functioning. This includes "recordings" from before conception. Yes, that's right, before conception, not birth. Google around on that one if you don't believe me.
2. The Changeling (Film). This is actually a well done film. The acting is good, the story is interesting, and the direction is spot on, even the cinematography is good, and I don't even know what cinematography is. However, it has to be the most depressing movie I have ever seen. I rarely cringe during movies but with my first child on the way this one hit home quite a bit. If you like true crime dramas with unfulfilling and depressing stories about how everyone on Earth is evil, then this one is for you.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Things I think are Awesome Part-1
Alright here's the deal, I ran into a couple of things this weekend that I find totally awesome. As I discover new awesome things, I will share them with you.
1. Organic SO Delicious Dairy Free Ice Cream. This discovery comes courtesy of good friends. I know you're skeptical, so was I. I believe organic food is a rip off, and I have no interest in soy anything. However, this ice cream is simply awesome.I have no idea about the health/environment/hippy benefits, but I know it tastes really good.
2. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger. I am pretty sure I "read" this in high school. However, "reading" in high school consisted of sleeping in a such a way that it looked like I was reading. In any case, I am reading it now and it is hilarious and thoughtful at the same time. I highly recommend it.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Talks Between Falcons and White Difficult
It looks like Roddy White and the Falcons are having some difficulty coming to terms on Roddy's contract.
I am not sure that White is as good as many think he is, but it would definitely be good for our offense to stay as intact, and happy, as possible.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Choosing the Right Business Form in Georgia
Disclaimer
The information contained on this website and/or blog does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is different and you should not act based on the information contained on this website and/or blog. No attorney/client relationship shall be created as a result of viewing this website and/or blog, commenting on the blog, or otherwise interacting with this site. You should not post any personal information or specifics about any case or legal problem you might have on the comments section of the blog as this could be detrimental to your case. If you have a specific legal problem that you need assistance with, you should call our office to set up an appointment. The information on this site is intended as general information only and if you rely on this information you do so at your own risk. No attorney/client relationship shall exist between Dunlap Gardiner LLP and any person or entity absent a written retainer agreement that is signed by all parties. If you have an immediate legal emergency you should call our office so that we may speak with you immediately.Introduction
One of the first questions most entrepreneurs ask themselves is: Should I incorporate? This question is usually followed by: How can I separate my personal liability from that of my business? To answer these questions, each current, or prospective, business owner must consider his or her goals and exposure to liability. In order to provide you with general information as to what type of entity best fits your needs, we have created this brief overview of some of the business organizations available to prospective business owners in Georgia. Of course, each situation is different. The information below is not legal advice, but instead constitutes a general overview of available options. If you are interested in having a business entity established, Dunlap Gardiner LLP will be happy to assist you. Simply contact our office to set up an appointment.*
Sole Properietorship
A sole proprietorship is simply an individual acting as a business. This form of organization does not require any special paperwork or action and may be appropriate if you are engaging in a simple business. For example, if you are a single person who does minor repairs for neighbors in exchange for payment you are acting as a sole proprietorship. In this form of business you are personally taxed on the income you make and no special record keeping requirements exist. The down side of this form of business ownership is that you will be personally liable for any problems that arise in the course of your business and will not be able to separate your personal assets from that of your business. If you foresee making substantial income from your business, or have substantial risks associated with your business, this type of organization may not be right for you. However, if you do not intend to hire employees and simply intend to make money “on the side” a sole proprietorship could be appropriate for you.
General Partnership
A general partnership operates in substantially the same manner as a sole-proprietorship. Of course, the chief difference is that a partnership is two or more people conducting a business for profit. [1] Each member of a partnership is taxed in his individual capacity based on his or her receipt of the partnerships profits. However, to determine those profits, the partnership itself must keep records of its profits.
In a partnership, the law requires that the partners interact with each other in good faith. This requirement raises the relationship between the partners so that any action by a partner that violates the duty of good faith could be considered a breach of fiduciary duty. This could result in damages and messy legal entanglements. Therefore, this type of organization is only appropriate between individuals who trust each other completely. If there is any doubt about your ability to trust your partner, this organization is not for you.
Further, in a partnership the following principles apply:
1. Each partner is both the principal and the agent of the partnership, which means that each partner’s representations and statements will be attributed to the partnership as a whole; 2. each partner is the agent of the firm with the implied power to bind the partnership and every member of the partnership[2]; 3. each partner has equal rights in the management and conduct of the business; and 4. each partner is jointly and severally liable for all obligations, debts and claims incurred by any one of them in the ordinary and usual course of the business of the partnership. [3]
The liability of each partner for debts of the partnership include any contractual liability, tort liability, or basically any liability you can think of that could arise in the course of your business. [4] To be clear, under a general partnership the liabilities of the partnership are the personal liabilities of each partner. This means that if the partnership is sued and a judgment is entered against the partnership, each individual member may be pursued individually, and his or her assets may be seized to satisfy the debts of the partnership.
Due in part to these rights and responsibilities, no additional partners may be admitted to the partnership without the consent of all of the partners or members. However, this rule may be modified by written agreement.
A general partnership is only appropriate between individuals who trust one another completely and where there is limited risk associated with the business. If there is any question about the ability to trust your partner or if there is a potential for extensive liability, this type of organization may not be right for you. However, if the business venture does not have a high amount of risk and the partners have complete trust in one another, this type of business may satisfy your needs.
Limited Partnership
A limited partnership can only be created by following the statutes that allow for its creation. Unlike a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, this entity requires compliance with Georgia law and the completion of the much-dreaded “paperwork.” The major advantage of a limited partnership is that only the general partner is liable for debts of the partnership. None of the other partners (referred to as special or limited partners) of the partnership are liable for the partnerships debts. In a limited partnership, the partnership is generally under the control of the general partner. However, in GA, a limited partner may participate in management without becoming a general partner. [5]
In a limited partnership, the paperwork required to create the entity is fairly straightforward in terms of the actual documents that need to be filed with the state. However, the partnership agreement should be detailed enough to describe the rights and responsibilities of each party so that there is no confusion should a dispute arise.
This type of partnership is particularly useful where there are investors with available funds who would like to support an undercapitalized person with skill in a particular area. By allowing the limited partners to avoid personal liability, they may fund a new enterprise and share in its profits while shielding themselves from risk. [6]In this entity, the limited partners must be granted access to the records of the organization so that he or she may protect his or her investment. [7]
For situations where there is a person or persons with a great idea or plan, but limited funds, this type of organization is appropriate. This organization exchanges the use of capital by investors for the work and knowledge of the general partner. This organization may not be appropriate where several individuals intend to exert equal control over an organization or where no single person is willing to accept all of the liability for the business.
Limited Liability Company
The limited liability company is a statutory entity which can only be created though compliance with the appropriate statutes. This entity provides limited liability for all investors, but allows taxes to be assessed on an individual or “pass-though” basis. This means that each investor would simply be taxed on the income that they receive from the company. Georgia also allows the investors to create an operating agreement that fits the need of the particular organization. This means that each LLC can operate under just about any agreement that the investors deem appropriate for their organization.
In order to create an LLC, the organization must file articles of organization with the Georgia Secretary of State. [8] However, a detailed operating agreement is a wise investment of time and effort so as to ensure that each investor understands their respective rights and responsibilities within the organization.
In a LLC, no member is personally liable for the entities contractual debts unless the member has agreed in writing to be personally liable for the debt. [9] Moreover, individual members are not liable for tortuous acts committed by the LLC unless the member actively participated in, or authorized, the tort.
Creating an LLC is a simplified process that provides many of the benefits of a corporation. An LLC is appropriate where each partner seeks to maintain individual taxation but would also like to limit his or her personal liability. This form of business entity is appropriate for the needs of most small businesses.
The Corporation
The corporation is the most widely utilized form of statutory business entity. This entity allows for the investment of capital by multiple investors while shielding those investors from liability. Essentially, this means that each investor is only capable of losing his or her investment in the corporation, but cannot be held liable for any amount in excess of his or her investment. [10] This limit on liability is extremely valuable for the individual investor. This allows for someone to simply put their money into the corporation without worrying him or herself with management.
The main attributes of a corporation are:
1. it is a legal entity separate and apart from its shareholders;
2. it has the capacity to contract and act as an “individual;”
3. it can own property in its own name;
4. it can commit torts;
5. it can commit crimes where criminal intent is not a necessary element of the crime;
6. it can sue and be sued as an individual; and
7. the interests of each investor may be transferred, sold, or disposed of, without effecting the existence of the corporation.
To create a corporation, the following general procedures must be followed: 1. obtaining a reservation of the name of the proposed corporation; [11]2. publishing notice of incorporation[12]; 3. delivering the articles of incorporation to the Georgia Secretary of State[13]; and 4. filing of the articles of incorporation by the Secretary of State[14]. Of course, to create a corporation that fits the needs of the needs of the prospective business owners, much time and consideration must be taken in creating appropriate governing documents.
Although the corporation has many advantages, there are substantial disadvantages to forming a corporation for the individual entrepreneur or for partners in a small scale business venture. Some of the disadvantages include: a corporation can be expensive to form; it requires substantial time and effort to organize and operate the organization within the statutory requirements (the failure to comply could result in the loss of corporate protection); management may not feel direct pressure from ownership as in other entities; certain records must be published; and there are many complex tax ramifications of forming a corporation.
Moreover, in managing the corporation, formal meetings requiring notice and other procedural hurdles are all a part of doing business. These procedural requirements can create situations where decisions must be delayed in order to allow for all of the procedures to be followed. [15]
The corporation is complex and there are many different forms that a corporation may take. Whether or not this organization is appropriate will depend on numerous factors and considerations, including: the projected size of the business; the amount of capital to be invested; whether the business will operate in multiple jurisdictions; and various other factors. However, if you project substantial growth of your business and would like to have numerous investors, the corporation could be appropriate for you.
Conclusion
Determining the right business entity is an extremely personalized decision. There is no “one size fits all solution.” Instead, each business plan should be considered individually to fit the needs of the organization. To make this determination, Dunlap Gardiner LLP will be happy to assist you.
*This document is provided as general information regarding business entities. Each situation is different and this document does not provide for all of the variables that may be involved in creating a business organization, nor does this document cover all of the business entities available. Further, taxes can be extremely complex and this document does not provide any guidance regarding taxation. You should not rely on this document in creating a business entity. If you are interested in creating an entity tailored to your needs, you should contact Dunlap Gardiner LLP at 678-391-8440 to set up an appointment, we will be happy to assist you in setting up a business organization that fits your needs.
[1] O.C.G.A. 14-8-6
[2] O.C.G.A. 14-8-9, 14-8-11 through 14-8-15
[3] O.C.G.A. 14-8-18
[4] O.C.G.A. 14-8-15
[5] O.C.G.A. 14-9-303
[6] O.C.G.A. 14-9-303
[7] O.C.G.A. 14-9-305
[8] O.C.G.A. 14-11-204
[9] O.C.G.A. 14-11-303
[10] O.C.G.A. 14-2-622
[11] O.C.G.A. 14-2-402
[12] O.C.G.A. 14-2-201.1
[13] O.C.G.A. 14-2-201
[14] O.C.G.A. 14-2-125
[15] O.C.G.A. 14-2-701
Friday, July 24, 2009
Chia Obama-Capitalism is Alive and Well
In case anyone is worried about the state of our economy, take heart: if someone can sell a "Chia Obama" and make money, we are just fine.
The information contained on this website and/or blog does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is different and you should not act based on the information contained on this website and/or blog. No attorney/client relationship shall be created as a result of viewing this website and/or blog, commenting on the blog, or otherwise interacting with this site. You should not post any personal information or specifics about any case or legal problem you might have on the comments section of the blog as this could be detrimental to your case. If you have a specific legal problem that you need assistance with, you should call our office to set up an appointment. The information on this site is intended as general information only and if you rely on this information you do so at your own risk. No attorney/client relationship shall exist between Dunlap Gardiner LLP and any person or entity absent a written retainer agreement that is signed by all parties. If you have an immediate legal emergency you should call our office so that we may speak with you immediately.
Thoughts on Universal Healthcare
Our country is structured so that the powers of government are clearly delineated and, theoretically, are restricted to only those powers that are named in our Constitution. The original purpose for this structure was to ensure freedom by restricting the areas in which government could interfere. The quest for Universal Health Care demonstrates that this concept has been fundamentally lost, and that our country is no longer governed by a limited government, but instead is governed by a government that simply carves out areas in which the populace can operate. The population of this country has come to expect government intervention in all areas of life, even in an area as intimate as our personal healthcare.
We have all heard of the single mother who cannot afford to purchase healthcare for her sick child. We have all heard of the factory worker unable to purchase health care to treat his latest attack of cancer. People hear these stories and feel sorrow, sympathy, and the need to help. Some give to charity, others help individuals that are in need, but for most, the question that immediately arises is: What is the government going to do about it? People have come to believe that each and every problem that arises today should be handled by the government. A disaster strikes: What is the government going to do about it? Fuel prices rise: What is the government going to do about it? Children need health care: What is the government going to do about it?
Well, for starters Universal Health Care requires the initiation of government force against unwilling individuals for the good of the collective. Under any Universal Health Care plan there will be victims. The victim will be any individual who is forced through government taxation to give up his or her earnings to pay for the healthcare of another individual against his or her will. The fact that the government is the entity initiating force as opposed to some common bandit does not change the immorality of the act.
Imagine for a moment that a neighbor’s family member is ill. They do not have the money or insurance to care for that family member. However, they know that you keep a large amount of money in a safe in your home and they decide to take it to pay for their family member’s health care. You come home one day to discover that your safe has been opened and your money is gone. You would rightly call this theft and would condemn it as immoral. Upon learning of the reason for the theft you might feel some sympathy, but you would condemn the method in which your neighbor sought to satisfy their need. Stealing, as any child would say, is wrong.
Consider the same scenario, only instead of the neighbor acting independently he gathers a majority of your neighbors and they take a vote. The result of the vote is that since the neighbor has a need, and you have the ability to satisfy that need, the neighbor will be entitled to break into your home and take the money from the safe. Upon returning home you find the money missing, but a note is attached to the safe. It reads: “By order of the neighborhood committee this money was taken for the common good.” Do you feel any different? You shouldn’t. Stealing is wrong.
The fact that Universal Health Care will undoubtedly be voted into law by politicians riding a wave of populace euphoria does not change the fact that each and every recipient of public health care will be stealing. If you are not comfortable with stealing your neighbor’s cash in a time of need you should feel no better about voting for Universal Health Care. If you do, remember your vote the next time you tell a child that stealing is wrong.
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