Greg Stuessel, Author at Smell The Freedom

The Law: Bastiat’s 1850 Warning on Legal Plunder and the Fight for Liberty

Frédéric Bastiat’s 1850 essay The Law argues that legitimate law should solely organize collective self-defense to protect inherent human rights to life, liberty, and property, which preexist any government. He warns that when law exceeds this boundary, it perverts into “legal plunder,” using state force for redistribution, protectionism, or paternalism, inverting justice by punishing resistance and rewarding theft. Bastiat identifies two causes: greed for unearned benefits and a false philanthropy assuming elites must organize inert masses, leading to political instability and moral corruption. In a just society, limited law fosters stability, individual responsibility, and organic prosperity through voluntary exchange, without government interference in outcomes. Ultimately, Bastiat advocates faith in human potential under liberty, urging restraint of law to justice alone to prevent universal injustice and endless conflict.

Understanding the Second Amendment: Eight Essential Principles [VIDEO]

by Greg Stuessel | The Constitution

The Second Amendment acknowledges the natural right of individuals to self-defense, underscoring that this right exists inherently and not by government grant. The founders emphasized that disarming citizens leads to tyranny and that a well-armed populace is crucial for safeguarding liberty against both foreign invasions and domestic tyranny. To protect this right, citizens must assert and exercise it independently, rather than relying on governmental permission.

Foundational Principles of Power: Insights from the Founders [VIDEO]

by Greg Stuessel | Architects of Independence

The Founders of the United States emphasized that true freedom requires strict limits on power, which inherently derives from and is accountable to the people. They warned against the natural tendency of power to expand and become tyrannical if unchecked. Therefore, maintaining liberty necessitates constant vigilance and external checks on governmental authority.

A DIY Guide to Understanding the Original Meaning of the U.S. Constitution [VIDEO]

by Greg Stuessel | The Constitution

Understanding the original meaning of the U.S. Constitution is achievable for ordinary citizens by reading the document, using contemporary 18th-century dictionaries, and consulting historical records and debates from the ratification period. Legal sources, educational works that influenced the founders, and their historical experiences further clarify the text’s intent. This approach empowers individuals to interpret the Constitution accurately without solely relying on legal experts.

The Anti-Federalist Concerns: Was the Constitution a Blueprint for Tyranny? [VIDEO]

by Greg Stuessel | The Constitution

The Anti-Federalists argued that the Constitution would centralize power and threaten individual liberties, fearing the vague terms and expansive clauses would lead to federal overreach. They insisted on the necessity of a Bill of Rights to safeguard freedoms against potential government tyranny. Despite their concerns, their advocacy resulted in the first ten amendments, ensuring explicit protections for individual rights.

The Pursuit of Happiness: A Foundational Perspective [VIDEO]

by Greg Stuessel | The Constitution

The founders’ understanding of the pursuit of happiness, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, is deeply intertwined with individual liberty and property rights, extending beyond physical possessions to include self-ownership. Influenced by thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui, they believed that true happiness is linked to the freedom to manage one’s own life and property without undue interference. This foundational perspective emphasizes that liberty, property, and happiness are inseparable and essential to the American vision of independence and self-governance.

Dr. Joseph Warren: Pro-Liberty and Anti-Empire Leader of the Sons of Liberty [VIDEO]

by Greg Stuessel | Architects of Independence

Dr. Joseph Warren, a key leader of the Sons of Liberty in Boston, played a crucial role in the American Revolution, actively participating in major acts of resistance such as the Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, and Boston Tea Party. His influential writings emphasized natural rights, individual liberty, and opposition to British tyranny, culminating in his drafting of the Suffolk Resolves which called for non-compliance with the Intolerable Acts. Warren’s ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Bunker Hill cemented his legacy as a pro-liberty hero who prioritized the fight for freedom over personal safety.

Understanding the Supremacy of the Constitution [VIDEO]

by Greg Stuessel | The Constitution

The Constitution is the supreme authority in the United States, and any law passed outside its framework is considered null and void. This principle, emphasized by the founders, ensures that governmental power remains limited and ultimately accountable to the people. Understanding and enforcing this constitutional supremacy is essential to preserving American liberty.