Those who refuse to govern themselves will be governed by others.

This is one of the takeaway lessons from the recent elections, particularly in New York City.

There a young and inexperienced pro-Islamist and democratic socialist won the mayoral election in part by promising voters goodies like free bus transportation, free childcare, some government grocery stores, and heavier taxes on the rich.

Unable or unwilling to take care of themselves, Zohran Mamdani’s supporters have fallen prey to one of the oldest tricks in the book, dating all the way back to Ancient Rome’s bread and circuses for the masses: They have surrendered liberty and self-reliance for a mess of pottage. Such ignorance of the past, or worse, such willed stupidity, strips away freedom and empowers would-be dictators.

Many conservatives and even some on the other end of the political spectrum have condemned this election, rightly noting that in the end, Mamdani’s promises are unsustainable and will bring only ruin. The old axiom, “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch” – TANSTAAFL for short – holds true through the ages. Items like free bus service and childcare always come with a cost. Somebody must pay the bill.

Moreover, voting for such programs flies in the face of self-governance, once considered a hallmark of the American character. Even though we’re living in the age of the “selfie,” when Americans are obsessed more than ever with their individual identities, the virtue of self-reliance receives little to no encouragement.

Americans once understood this concept of self-government and its burdens and requirements, and many still do. They know that true freedom doesn’t mean doing whatever you want to do, but what you ought to do. They know that freedom comes with responsibility, obligations, and self-imposed moral restraints. They know that the core elements of our American liberties are not granted to us by any government but derive from our natural rights as human beings.

Here are just a few of the ways these self-governing liberty lovers exercise their freedom.

They understand their liberties and rights, guarding them carefully. The idea of Noli me tangere, literally “Don’t touch me,” applies here. They see the damage done by a heavy-handed government, the nibbling away of independence, and they stand up when necessary to protect everything from their property rights to freedom of speech.

Second, they view the news in all its manifestations with a sceptic’s raised eyebrow. When a politician promises to improve their lives, and all politicians do, that eyebrow arches further upward, questioning the consequences beyond these promises. Many who voted for Mandani and for other politicians, both on the left and the right, applaud and embrace the promises made without considering their implementation and ramifications.

Unlike so many today, the self-reliant refuse to play the victim card based on sex, creed, or color. By taking charge of their lives, they banish any notion of victimhood.

The self-governing obey and follow a moral code based on tradition. They don’t hoist a glass to a political murder, salute broken elections, or wish for the demise of their country. When they break that code, even on a personal level – committing adultery, cheating their neighbors, abandoning their families – they accept the responsibility and the consequences for the wrongs they’ve committed.

When considering future actions, they bring critical thinking and reason into play, relying less on their emotions. Just as justice should be tempered by compassion, compassion untethered from justice or reality can have dire consequences.

The self-governing think and behave as if their lives, and those around them, matter. They see themselves and others as unique souls as well as flesh-and-blood. Whatever their belief in a higher power, this one is key. Consequently, the liberties and rights they claim for themselves, like free speech, they extend to others, including their opponents.

Finally, like the pioneers of old, the self-reliant understand that everything comes with a cost. Our wants, our needs, even love itself: all exact a price. The man who marries, for instance, and who loves his wife and children, understands that he must sacrifice for them, provide for them, and protect them. This is the price tag of his love, one which he is more than willing to pay in full.

In other words, TANSTAAFL.

This article was made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal. 

Image credit: Picryl