THE eminent and iconic Liberal philosopher, Friedrick Hayek, made the following perceptive social observation over 30 years ago: ‘Emergencies have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded’.

In the grim aftermath of the Paris atrocities, I do hope that, as citizens, we do not give our government a mandate to invoke a UK-style Patriot Act, with all the intrusions on our rights and freedoms that that would entail. After all, we elect governments to protect our natural freedoms and liberties.

I have no wish to see a national identity card introduced or the horror of a microchip in my arm.

Similarly, I wish to attend autumn internationals and Six Nations tests without time-consuming checks at the turnstiles.

Basically, I crave a normal, full and stimulating life where I can subjectively assess the likelihood of an injury when I cross the road or the probability of a terrorist assault when I socialise in my beloved Cardiff.

Risk is inherent in life and I’m up for anything, except a nanny-state restricting my movements. Beware citizens.

IAN ROBLIN
Via email
Former Abingdon resident