Discount Sale

What would happen if we treated our individual rights as commodities? If we broke freedom and democracy down into their constituent elements (like the right to privacy, right to free speech, etc.), then how much would each one be worth to you? What would you trade it for? It would be interesting to see an online game, or an extension of EBay, where you could trade away rights that you think you'll never need. For example, if I don't ever think or say anything outrageous, maybe I'd like to sell my right to free speech for a trip to Europe...or some new home furnishings. --

I wrote the above in March 2006. Judging by the news today, it's gone beyond games.

Discount sale?

What would happen if we treated our individual rights as commodities? If we broke freedom and democracy down into their constituent elements (like the right to privacy, right to free speech, etc.), then how much would each one be worth to you? What would you trade it for? It would be interesting to see an online game, or an extension of EBay, where you could trade away rights that you think you'll never need. For example, if I don't ever think or say anything outrageous, maybe I'd like to sell my right to free speech for a trip to Europe...or some new home furnishings.