"We're in this Together"

I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
For I know that the hypnotized never lie
--The Who

Belief that collective goals are larger than the individual has been central to the Progressive movement.

Similar belief fostered growth of the two most tyrannical political systems of the 20th century. Both communism and facism flourished under auspices that goals and achievements of the nation were more important than the pursuits of the individual. Citizens who bought into this notion facilitated some of the world's worst atrocities. Those who pushed back were punished.

There is nothing wrong with putting the concerns of others ahead of one's self. Indeed, 'dying to self' is Christian doctrine.

But reason tells us that doing so must be voluntary. Someone who is forced to work on the behalf of others is but a slave.

Today the political rallying cry is, "We're in this together!" This is the familiar rhetoric of tyrants--of those willing to intrude on the free pursuits of others. These people want to force you to do what they want.

As currently employed, "We're in this together" is a euphemism for compliance at gunpoint.