From the Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, … Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; … But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, …
The phrase “absolute Despotism” is a fair description of New Hampshire’s governance during 2020 and 2021. To name a few examples, Sun-King Sununu declared he had the power to determine whether businesses and institutions were “essential” or “non-essential” and close the latter. As a result, State liquor stores remained open, while churches were closed. For a period of time, he ordered the populace to remain in their homes except for such activities he approved. He … through his Attorney General … unilaterally changed the rules for absentee voting.
It is no defense of Sun-King Sununu to say that he was empowered to act as he did by law. The statutes in question were and are OBVIOUSLY unconstitutional. The constitution cannot be, in effect, suspended whenever and for as long as the government decides to declare an “emergency.” The constitution is not a lightbulb to be switched on and off. And it is no defense of Sun-King Sununu to say that he was supported by the other branches. Three wrongs do not make a right.
It seems clear to me, given his “handling” of COVID, that Sun-King Sununu does not believe that it is the purpose of government to secure unalienable, preexisting individual rights. Rather, the Sun-King believes that government is the source of our rights.
Additionally, it seems equally clear to me that the Sun-King believes in the notion of collective rights. For example, under his watch and with his full backing, Obamacare, which is a manifestation of the notion of a collective right to health care, was codified into New Hampshire statute. Collective rights are antithetical to the notion of individual rights expressed in the Declaration. As a result of the codification of Obamacare into New Hampshire law, one MUST purchase maternity care, even if you are past your child-bearing age.
Americans in 1776 were split between the secessionists such as Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and the loyalists. We don’t know what percentage were secessionists and what percentage were loyalists. But I think it is safe to say that had our illustrious Sun-King been around then, he would have been calling Washington, Franklin, etc. anti-government extremists.