Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience

Thoreau gave us his opinion on governmental issues and whether it is right for them to make decisions for us.  He states that the government cannot force us to perform duties that we believe to be unjust.  I believe that Thoreau brings up a great point because after all many of us question the morality of governmental decisions at times.  If we look at slavery as an example, how can the government allow such a discriminating practice to be pursued? Are we just supposed to believe things are right because they are legal? Is everything that is legal moral, or should moral things be legal? It proposes a very debated concept.  “That government is best which governs least.” This quote explains exactly how he felt towards the political authorities.  Just because the government declares something to be legal does not mean everyone should have to follow it.  Politicians should stay out of our lives as much as possible in order to give us the freedom we deserve.  Especially if it goes against their personal morals and values.  He was imprisoned for refusing to pay the poll tax, not because he was unable to do so but because he did not want his money to be used for an immoral acts.  After reading Thoreau, I saw a different perspective than the loyal one I always had.  He proposes many good points and I was very interested to keep reading.