Blaze Interview: Judge Napolitano Argues Case of Personal Freedom Against Intrusive Government in Sixth Book
- Posted on October 21, 2011 at 5:45pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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In his sixth book Judge Andrew Napolitano builds upon a common theme in his work; arguing that our rights come from our humanity and natural law, and that the government does not have the right to pick and choose our individual freedoms.
“Personal liberties are integral to our humanity,” said Judge Napolitano in a phone interview with The Blaze Thursday. “Government thinks it can decide our freedoms, this is wrong.”
In the Fox Business host and Fox News judicial analyst’s new book; It Is Dangerous To Be Right When the Government Is Wrong: The Case for Personal Freedom, Judge Napolitano “documents the decline of personal freedom, warns of government tyranny, and fights for the natural rights of every American,” as described in a press release for the book has hit stores this week. Rather than writing the book through the eyes of a journalist, the Judge builds upon his career in law to present a philosophical argument.
Judge Napolitano tells The Blaze that the basic theme of the book is centered on American values, and argues that “we need to remind the people we send to DC, that they cannot take our rights and liberties.”
Building upon the writings of St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas to Thomas Jefferson, Judge Napolitano says the book reviews the religious and philosophical principles that underscore the concept of human freedom as the founders understood it. The book goes through moments of history where natural law was challenged, including the arguments of Thomas Moore, to 17th century British Parliament debates if the King was bigger than the rule of law, to the beginning of the book where Judge Napolitano writes of Nikita Khrushchev’s failed agricultural policy.
Inspired by the Iowa-style corn-belt, Khrushchev advocated an extensive “Maize Campaign.” Khrushchev ordered the widespread planting of corn in frozen Siberia. The ambitious initiative was a disastrous failure. A part-time farmer himself, Judge Napolitano tells The Blaze that he decided to begin the book with this narrative, for the failed policy is a perfect example that “there is a natural law that is a restraint on what government can do.”
Judge Napolitano references history to argue that our natural rights and liberties are still threatened by our government today.
“This President and government do not have respect for natural law, American law, or even the laws that they are writing,” said Judge Napolitano to The Blaze. Beyond Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Privacy, the Judge points to Freedom of Contract which is at times overlooked, and “severely under assault.”
The new book is a call to American citizens to be vigilant in the face of coercive government, and Judge Napolitano makes the case for personal freedom and an individual’s right to disobey such an unjust government. Over the phone Thursday, the Judge pointed to the civil disobedience that brought an end to the unjust Jim Crow Laws as an example of the right to disobey, conquering government’s assault on personal freedom.
Given this assertion, when asked of the protest and civil disobedience on display in Zuccotti Park and in the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement, Judge Napolitano says that some in these groups have a legitimate complaint, but as a whole have the wrong focus.
“Their futures are at risk because of government action effecting capitalism,” says Judge Napolitano. “Not capitalism itself.”
As the Occupy Wall Street movement has the wrong focus, Judge Napolitano tells The Blaze that he fears the Tea Party could be losing it’s narrative. While the Tea Party’s presence in the 2010 midterm elections may have led to victories for the cause of liberty, Judge Napolitano tells The Blaze that he fears the movement has been co-opted.
“It’s a lukewarm version of itself,” says the Judge. “Pseudo Tea Partiers have infected the movement.”
Where Judge Napolitano’s loyalties lie in the 2012 Presidential Election become evident pretty early on in the book. In fact even before the first chapter. It Is Dangerous To Be Right When the Government Is Wrong: The Case for Personal Freedom is dedicated to Texas Rep. Ron Paul.
Judge Napolitano hosts “FreedomWatch” on Fox Business, and was the fill-in host and a frequent guest on Glenn Beck’s Fox News Channel show, “The Glenn Beck Program.” Prior to joining Fox in 1998, Judge Napolitano was the youngest life-tenured Superior Court judge in the history of the State of New Jersey, and while on the bench from 1987 to 1995, tried more than 150 jury trials, and sat in all parts of the Superior Court–Criminal, Civil, Equity, and Family.




















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Comments (60)
LMW
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:34amThank you Judge. It is great to see that there are some who still believe in the American Way and freedom. As to Ron Paul I respect him and some of his thoughts but his other thoughts are not what I wish for America so I would not vote for him. You can believe in the Constitution and still be wrong for America and he is not what we need.
Report Post »NadePaulKuciGravMcKi
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 1:35pmJudge Nap is the trustworthy one at FOX FNC
Report Post »otmonger
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 12:13pmIn these times. It is dangerous to take a stand as Judge Andrew Napolitano has. It is very easy to get sick or into a accident!
Report Post »DeercreekPatriot
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 8:48amRon Paul and Judge Andrew Napolitano- President and Vice President
Report Post »a1g2
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 5:27amhe should be the next scotus nominee.oh wait, he can’t, he doesn’t have dual citizenship. sorry.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 1:41amI going to get his book next payday!!
Report Post »KTsayz
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:24pmHere‘s a clip of the judge from Beck’s American Revival tour July 2010, for those who didn’t get a chance to see it
http://www.therightscoop.com/judge-napolitano-at-the-american-revival/
Like Ron Paul, Napolitano is a principled man who knows the Constitution inside and out. I don’t know how anyone could totally agree with the judge, then say they don’t agree with Ron Paul when they espouse the same things.
Report Post »JustinHale
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 2:25amThanks for the link…
Report Post »Buck Shane
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 3:55pmIf you can’t watch his whole show, try to catch his closing remarks. They are usually right, but always brilliantly spoken.
Report Post »jmiller_42
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 9:42pmThis guy is the man. Major props to him
Report Post »PROAMERICAN
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 9:41pmI bought the book yesterday and I can’t put it down. Love the Judge!
Report Post »Mike B
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 9:05pmGot to love this man.
Report Post »endgamer
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 9:01pmPaul | Napolitano – 2012
Report Post »cdcats8
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:57pmI really like the Judge.
Report Post »cdcats8
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:56pmI really like the Judge. He is a true Patriot and for that I thank him.
Report Post »JediPatriot
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:39pmThis man (The Judge) is a model American. If people would follow his example of how we should all behave, this country would be a little better.
Report Post »Peace
Meyvn
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:24pmFreedom rules. Pack it in yer@ss Napolitano!
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:27pmand I’m talking about Janet. The judge rocks!
Report Post »Crakaveli
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:16pmhere comes the juuuuudge!
Report Post »blownaway
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 3:14amNow that’s oldschool!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:56pmI fear, because of “woman’s role in the home” and Slavery… the founders over looked the most important Right: Each person has the exclusive Right to their own body… which is the basis of most crimes, and abortion issues. So, when legal minds over look this… I can also see why they over look that the “Tea Party” is not an organization that can be co-opted… because it is just the like minded thinking of the Majority!
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:40pmRon Paul is the only true conservitive and LOVES and respects the Constitution he is the only one who will save this country
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:03pmI don’t think so. Try again.
Report Post »CynicalLately
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 8:49amCassandra is right. Ron Paul is the ONLY one with enough courage to tell the truth & the ONLY one who can lead us to save this country. He needs our help to do it, though.
Report Post »CynicalLately
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 9:05amCOFEMALE – I already have my mind made up as to who I support. It is sad that so many others keep changing their minds in their comments. One week it’s Perry, the next it’s Cain, the next it’s Gingrich. Phew! They must follow the MSM to see who the flavor of the week is.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:34pmI like his opinion on the tsa,abolish it because it violates our fourth amendment right daily.
Report Post »citizen_brain
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:56pmIf you read Ron Paul’s plan to restore America, one of the things proposed is that exact thing. Privatizing the TSA and taking it out of government hands.
Report Post »citizen_brain
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 9:02pmprivatizing the security itself, and restoring our rights. Ron Paul has also put forth legislation after 9/11 to allow airline pilots to carry firearms to protect the forward cabin should hijackers come aboard, something which as of now isn’t allowed.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 9:17pmI like Rep.Paul’s position on tsa the fed and our military policing the world,but to many people are shallow and vote based on someones looks,it’s a sad commentary on the electorate.
Report Post »KTsayz
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:17pmI put this question into google search:
which republican candidate will abolish the tsa
The only answer on the entire page?
Ron Paul
Page 2?
Ron Paul again.
Ron Paul also on page 3.
President Ron Paul 2012
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:52pmThe Judges show is the only program on Fox that I watch regularly, and I’m always learning when I do watch him.
Report Post »The right of contract, to engage in a simple business transaction has been under attack, especially if you have a lemonade stand.
Keep up the great work judge, if you were running for president you’d have my vote.
8thcavalry
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:25pmI have a couple of boks he as written and they were Great so i well get this one. I think he is a Great American.
Report Post »Micmac
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:23pmI could see this guy as the next AG
NoBama 2012
Report Post »KTsayz
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:29pmIn an interview, Napolitano said if a vancancy were to happen, and President Paul were to ask, he would accept a seat at SCOTUS.
Report Post »From the first time I heard him, I belived he would be the best Supreme Court Judge to sit on the bench since John Jay.
waluman353
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:16pmit would be so nice if there was a paul/napolitana ticket……in a perfect world.
Report Post »Fella
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:07pmHe’s supports Ron Paul and ending thewar on drugs. Wonder it the Beckerheads will demonize the judge like they do Paul. This should be an interesting thread.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:30pmWho demonizes Ron Paul? It’s that crazy cult following of his that people are talking about. I don’t even think Ron Paul is aware of them. I hope he’s not the kind of man who would encourage people to go around making a pest of themselves on every forum on the internet, slamming everybody who could possibly be 0bama’s opponent. I’m sure he knows that just about anybody would be better than 0bama.
Report Post »Fella
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:39pmYou do little tiny Willie. You obsess over him. Do I really need to go back and quote some of the vile garbage you spew about him? Are you actually going to try to pretend you aren’t just another Paul basher that actually adds anything of value to this forum other than your little one liner jabs? Honestly. gtfo
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:43pmI have made a lot of comments about the crazy Paulies and I don’t take them back. I think they’re a bunch of useful idiots who were put together by the left for the purpose of helping 0bama get reelected.
Report Post »Fella
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:54pmRight, you call Ron Paul a “kook’ , “nut”, “crazy” and on and on. Constantly. You’re another faux conservative that has infected the Blaze with utter nonsense. Btw, Try learing how elections work before boring me with your lame conspiracy theories. Useless idiot.
Report Post »RichNGadsden
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:06pmGeez Fella,Get a grip. Many of us are still looking at all or many of the Republican candidates. I personally find multiple pros and cons with all of them. And, yes in personal opinion Paul is about the kookiest of them all. Again, allow me to remind you that I said that is my personal opinion. And since only a fool will argue another man‘s opinion I will respect your’s and your affinity to Paul. I frankly do no want you to jam Paul down my throat any more that wanting the likes of David Axlerod to jam 0bama down my throat. Should Paul or any of the others win the candidacy I will vote for him over 0bama any day and twice on Sunday…oh, what? I’m not in Chicago? Okay, only once on Sunday. Back to the candidates, I will choose who I personally want to vote for, and should it be necessary I will hold my nose and go vote for the likes of Paul and several others as I seem them so far.
Report Post »RichNGadsden
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:10pmThe wife’s dog is pestering the crap out of me thinking that I must have food at the desk. Please pardon the typos, or which there are several.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:13pmFella,
I know how elections work. You Paulies go all over the internet slamming everybody who might actually win the nomination. That helps 0bama. Many of you have even said you would vote for 0bama just to punish us for not nominating Ron Paul. That’s how elections work.
If Ron Paul happened to get the nomination, I would tighten my jaw and vote for him to get 0bama stopped. Who would you be willing to vote for if Ron Paul isn’t the nominee?
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:17pmFella,
Here is a typical Paulie comment/threat which was recently posted on The Blaze:
“What we need to make very clear to the neocons who have hijacked the Republican party is that if Ron Paul doesn’t get the nomination and all of the Ron Paul supporters write him in, the GOP can not possibly win the general election without us.
Of course the way they see that scenario is that if we don‘t vote for the team and it’s media chosen, status quo nominee in the general election, then we are responsible for Obamas re-election. But the way I see it is that if they don’t vote for liberty and the Constitution by chossing Ron Paul in the primaries, then THEY are in fact the ones who are responsible for Obamas re-election.
So neocons – it’s really up to you – is it going to be four more years of Obama on the fast track to socialism, or Ron Paul restoring the Constitutional Republic. Those are the only two choices. Choose wisely.”
Report Post »Fella
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:18pm@Rich, and thats fine. I‘d rather argue issue and policy than see the constant ’drive by’ one liners people like Willie are constantly putting on this forum. You’d think RP was the devil spawn according to these silly whiners. No substance, whatsoever. It’s getting really tiring.
Yeah, I have lost my cool. I apologize. Whatever.
Report Post »Fella
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:33pmWell that is a pretty disgusting position to take, and had I seen it I would rail against that philosophy. I am not one of those Willie, and neither are a lot of us that support Paul. I’m gonna do whatever it takes to get Paul on the ballot. And I will vote for whoever gets the nomination in the general to defeat Obama. My business depends on it. But It is going to be really frustrating if we end up with another Republican that will continue to bend the constitution on a whim and inflate the dollar with the constant printing of currency. As far as I am concerned, that will be just as bad as Obama.
Take care.
Report Post »KTsayz
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:45pmActually, Fella, looks like the LACK of commentary is what is making this thread interesting.
The Judge is a brilliant man who can make his point clearly and concisely. Paul is also brilliant, but he is not the best speaker hen it comes to being timed, as in the debates. In today‘s world where the ’outer‘ view is more important than the ’inner’ view, where appearances and showmanship outweight integrity and principle, Paul falls short. Sometimes I think the electorate has become as superficial as DC. That Ron Paul is the best candidate in the field, I have no doubt. And that he is the only person who will save our Republic, I also have no doubts. I guarantee, if Romney, Cain, Perry or Gingrich get the nod and become President, there will be many sorry voices on this forum.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 9:45pmFella,
You probably won’t see this because I had to be offline for awhile.
Here’s where the problem is. 0bama is not just another one of them. 0bama is a whole new flavor. The plan which many of us have been aware of for years didn’t begin until the last presidential election. It required the “health care” bill to get it started. Hillary tried to start it when Bill was president but the timing was a bit premature. Hillary was supposed to be in charge of it this time but then, they decided 0bama was ready. Now it is well on it’s way.
No, none of the Republican candidates are part of it and they’re not “just as bad”.
0bama has stated that it is about 70% complete now. That sounds about right. He must be stopped ASAP if this country is to survive.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:06pmHmm Not! This tea party supporter loves the Judge. Read his last book; fantastic.
See your assumptions on what the and who the tea party supports are just, that wrong assumptions. I don’t support Ron Paul, but I won’t tell the Jjudge who he should support—– It is still a free country.
Report Post »KTsayz
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:39pm@cofemale
Since the judge and Ron Paul share the same exact ideology, why wouldn’t you support Ron Paul?
Paul‘s economic plan isn’t about creating a new tax, but ridding the government of waste. Paul has a $1trillion savings plan removing waste from the government. He’ll abolish 5 wasteful departments and the TSA. Paul will remove SS and Medicare from Congress‘ grip and block fund the money to the states so Congress can’t steal from it anymore. Paul will end these nonsensical war actions and pull back out troops from their current invasion in Uganada where armed troops are supposedly on Obamao‘s ’peacekeeping’ tour.
Report Post »And Paul will work to withdraw America from the UN and get the UN out of America.
Do you honestly believe that any other candidate will reverse Obamao‘s Rural Council’s Executive Order that gave 16% of the country over to the UN’s Agenda 21? The EO gave the President and his entire cabinet authority over and above governors, mayors, state legislators, etc? Paul is the LEAST power hungry of the candidates, and will therefore do the least damage.
And that’s what this election is about, electing the best candidate who starve the beast that is DC from her lust for OPM (other people’s money), dredge the DC swamp of its wasteful and unnecessary departments, restore America to her original intent, and let The People once again enjoy their individual sovereignty.
Ron Paul 2012
cous1933
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 12:57amFella,
I’m sorry that you find the example that QPWillie used as a “typical Paulie” to be disgusting. I take credit/blame for making that post some time ago. It was in response to the “typical” Paul haters (like Willie) who constantly disparage Paul and his supporters and insist that we will be responsible for Obamas re-election.
I stand by the position that I cannot in good conscience vote for any candidate in this race except for Ron Paul. The reason is that I see no real difference between the establishment Republicans and Obama. Both will continue to grow the federal government. I will not vote for whatever republican the media forces down our throats like I did for McCain.
My point in that digusting post was only that while the neocons will blame principled voters like me for Obamas re-election, I see it as their fault.
Please click on my user name and review my posts and then do the same for QPWillie and you will see for yourself who is more civil and rational and who is disgusting. If you do that and still find my positions disgusting I will offer you a friendly apology for offending you and agree to disagree.
As for QPWillie and those of his ilk, I offer this brilliant article by Jack Kerwick. Sound familiar?
http://thenewamerican.com/opinion/jack-kerwick/9456-the-parallel-universe-of-the-paulophobe
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 3:23amThat was a pretty good article, Cous.
Report Post »Fella
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 4:01am@ COUS Perhaps disgusting is too harsh an indictment. I do apologize for that. I agree with you in large part. I know in my heart that if it isn’t Paul, we will continue down the same exact path we are on. No doubt. But I want to believe that anything is better than Obama at this point. So I will cast my vote for whatever fraud they decide to put up and just hope for the best. Of course, I will do everything I can to see Paul win the primary. And if he doesn’t win, it doesnt matter what happens. They can make all the excuses they want. It WILL be their fault. And we can spend the next few years haranguing Willie and everyone else for setting this country on fire. And I wont feel any guilt about it.
Be ready for it though. With theBlaze putting out a new article on Cain every hour. And Beck, Stu, Pat, Rush, Hannity, etc and a great deal of this board all parroting the same empty criticisms it looks like the status quo candidate is being shoved down our throats again.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 7:04amFella,
I see that Paulies can talk almost sensibly until they get with other Paulies. Then it starts; “Ron Paul is the one and only politician on earth who can save America. ALL the others are pure evil and are exactly the same as 0bama.”
This thread has once again proven what I said in the first place.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 7:53amThere are only two people in this presidential cycle that you never see the Paulies attacking; Barack Obama and Ron Paul. Figure it out.
Report Post »Fella
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 2:57pmAnd I stated my position clearly. Whoever gets the cut will get my vote. If you fail to bring along the so called “Paulies” then its on you and the rest of the GOP. You can blame whoever you want.
This election is personal for me. But let me ask you Willie, do you actually have any friends or familiy in service right now? My perspective might be different but I have a lot to lose. There is a stark contrast between Pauls policy and the rest of the candidates. These are not varying degrees one way or another. You want to waste time trying to figure out who has the best pro-life posistion or who wears nicer suits and I am past that point in the decision process.
Case in point:
2 articles linked below on the Blaze right now receiving almost no attention. Maybe people will digest that information easier when Glenn talks about it on with Monday. If nothing else it will give Stu and Pat a chance to crack wise on “Paulies”. But tell me Willie, which candidate will actually do something about this?
Shock Report: Federal Reserve to Backstop Bank of America’s European Derivatives
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/shock-report-federal-reserve-to-backstop-bank-of-americas-european-derivatives/
Report: ‘Apparent Conflict of Interest’ Between Fed Directors and Bailouts
Report Post »http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-apparent-conflict-of-interest-between-fed-directors-and-bailouts/
cous1933
Posted on October 22, 2011 at 10:32pmFella,
Apology accepted but not necessary. I always enjoy your posts. You take on the irrational Paul haters in a very effective way.
Riseandshine,
Report Post »I’m glad you enjoyed that article. Jack Kerwick always writes excellent op ed columns for New American. If you’re not familiar with him, I recommend going back to the link and clicking on his name on the bar above the article to access his archived articles.
For me, guys like Kerwick, Tom Woods, Laurence Vance, and Judge Napolitano have completely replaced Beck, Limbaugh, and Hannity. I consider that a huge upgrade.
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 5:56pmhe is right about so much, thank you your honor.
Report Post »vivrobbins
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:34pmDitto Snow, the Judge is a good guy.
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