“Now we see the violence inherent in the system.
- Monty Python Holy Grail: Autonomous Collective -

Was shown this video today during lecture for comic relief. But amidst the banter, there lies a greater issue of self determining one's government. The legitimacy of being the sovereign is derived from the consent of the people (as most French Revolution ppl, Hobbes and Locke will agree to it).

As such, people are willing to give up their liberty in order to be governed in exchange for safety etc. In other words, the people subject themselves to the terror of the State. The laws of the State are paramount and no one is above the law except the sovereign who utilizes the laws to govern but is yet not subject to it. (Wonderful huh?)

I understand it seems pretty deep here. However, there is much truth in the matter isn't it? We see it happening around us all the time.

The USA implementing stricter laws post-9/11 in the name of protecting the people but in truth, uses these laws to torture its people whom it believes to have fallen foul of the law. The British Govt is also introducing tougher measures to prevent further incidents like the London riots but does it solve the crux of the problem? No, it merely accentuates the state of fear inherent in society.

Hence, it seems to me that laws are tools used by States to hold onto power with the constant use of fear/fear mongering I would say.