“[T]hough of all poses a moral pose is the most offensive, still to have a pose at all is something.”

I suppose it is better to have principles, than to have none, even if they are 'wrong.' Using the moral high-ground to justify what would normally be considered a crime is classic political propaganda -- where do you think income taxes, property taxes, trade licensing, etc. came from? They are all violations of the free American citizen, but have been implemented in authoritarian fashion for 'the common good'. This is the ultimate 'offense' against the noble sovereign individual.