Such fears plainly indicate a deficiency in our democracy. There is distrust and hostility towards authority, and a level of concern which does not augur well for future community wellbeing and harmony. And we should also be near to panic with the spate of suicides, murders, child molestation and abuse, assaults and crimes of all sorts. The question of an individual right must be weighed against the rights of others - the wellbeing of the whole. Community life requires unity - in the basic and essential attitudes and practices of life, including language.
Government is an essential factor in our community life.
The question of individual rights requires a refinement of judgement, on the part of government, which can avoid misapplication of principles and laws to cases for which such are inappropriate. We need to tread warily, avoiding simplistic, legalistic, answers to problems, if we would seek to have real justice in all cases. For good judgement to prevail, there needs to be that goodwill towards our fellow, which ensures the other's dignity and well-being. Unless our concept rests in this framework, the freedom of one, will be at the expense of another's. In the community, the vital need is that self-restraint be exercised willingly for the benefit of the whole.