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A Further Perspective
New Year’s Resolutions for Enhancing Liberty
And pulling back from the “fiscal cliff.”
In past years of writing for a state-based, free-market think tank, I have suggested New Year’s resolutions aimed at Missouri policymakers. This year, my New Year’s resolutions are more personal and they go out to all Americans who are deeply worried about the future of our country. Is there no stopping the drift toward more spending and higher taxes, along with ever-increasing debt, heavier regulation, stunted growth, and greater and greater dependence on government? Are we about to barrel-roll over a Niagara-like “cliff” into a financial panic and a hard recession?
These are my resolutions for 2013:
1. Ask not what government can do for you; ask what you can do for yourself — without being a burden to others. Recognize, and encourage others to recognize, the grave danger that is posed by a supposedly “caring” government which is in the habit of making promises it cannot keep.
2. Do not go quietly into the dark night of buying into arguments about “fairness” and “social justice” as an excuse for the limitless expansion of government. You will be accused of being heartless, cruel, just plain stupid, or worse. But do not let others define you, or dismiss you — when they are the ones who press ahead in ignoring the lessons of history, common sense, and genuine humanity.
3. Always keep in mind that our history and form of government (unlike many other hopeful but fleeting “democracies”) were not built on the proposition of One Man, One Vote, One Time. The great debate in the U.S.A. about the size and scope of government did not end with the 2012 elections. But the proponents of big government are seeking cloture — attempting to discredit and marginalize those who continue to believe in liberty, limited government, and individual responsibility as the essential pillars of democratic self-rule and human progress.
4. Write out — and be prepared to defend — your own Declaration of Independence against the prevailing orthodoxies of the Hollywood/academia/media elite, who favor every kind of “free lunch” — whether it is universal, “free” health care or universal, “free” college education even if it means severely limiting individual choice, undermining quality, and raising the real costs of health care and higher education.
5. Do not shy away from the battle of ideas as it continues to evolve inside your own family, your circle of friends and acquaintances, your community, and state. Ideas have consequences, and it is time to consider the catastrophic consequences of thinking it is possible to expand government spending and mandates without destroying jobs and economic growth — and condemning young people to the bleakest of futures. You only have to look at the extraordinarily high rates of unemployment and under-employment among young people in much of Europe (the nations teetering on the brink of bankruptcy) to appreciate the magnitude of the threat.
There is solace in the wisdom of our Founding Fathers, who looked upon anti-federalist sentiment at the state and local levels as an important bulwark in an enduring democracy. They used the words “the states” and “the people” interchangeably. Thus, the 10th Amendment, the final element in the Bill of Rights drafted in 1789 as part of the U.S. Constitution, famously states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
We the people can begin to reassert the principles of liberty and limited government by stopping the growth of crony capitalism (and crony unionism) at the local and state levels which occurs (in Missouri and other states) when officials award tax credits, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and other subsidies to politically favored businesses and constituencies.
Along with other states, we in Missouri can say “no” both to the expansion of Medicaid in our state and to the creation of a state-run health insurance exchange that would implement the hugely expensive, deeply flawed, and greatly unpopular Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare).
The battle for liberty, freedom, and responsible self-government continues. Indeed, it is never-ending.
About the Author
Andrew B. Wilson, a frequent contributor to The American Spectator, writes from St. Louis.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (81) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Andrew B. Wilson
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aware| 1.4.13 @ 6:31AM
Spend less time reading Federalists and more time reading anti-Federalists, since they were right all along. As long as there is "crisis" the State will grow and as long as there is the State there will be crisis.
Aristocat| 1.5.13 @ 4:09AM
I am from Missouri, but I have to admit that Todd Aiken was responsible for Republicans losing the Senate races: 24-8...That's 75% !!!
What a dork to refuse to drop out due to his selfishness....A Democrat mole I guess...
MelvinNC| 1.4.13 @ 8:10AM
Fairness...Justice...Yea, we all want that don't we?
You know what real justice and real fairness is? Going into a department store and the mens shoe department having as many shoes on sale as the woman's department. Thats justice, and thats fairness. But do the men get it? Hell no, we're told that we're evil mean rotten bastards, who screwed everything up and we deserve not having as many shoes on sale as the girls.
So we're told there is no justice for us, because we're the evil ones and are not worthy of fairness and justice. And our only worth in the world is pubic condemnation.
"Melvin, were in the hell did this type of thinking come from?"
I thought once that is what this Country fostered and stood for. But boy was I and the department store mens shoe department wrong.
Joellen| 1.4.13 @ 8:21AM
Thank you Mr. Wilson, your article is a "send to all" that hopefully will be read by all.
It really is goint to be just like our first Revolution, a few who understand what's at hand and winning the battles, slowly and with a lot of suffering, but with a determination that eventually won the war. You know just like the worldy battle we must fight everyday between Good and evil.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:10AM
You had your "Revolution" with Reagan. It has failed, now take your little stupid ideas and go home. You and your Reps have been terrible stewards of the economy and foreign policy, left the country in shambles, nearly bankrupt.
Hell, they still are terrible. Everytime the House of Reps (Republican) does anything, it hurt America more.
You Republicans hate government, you can't govern and it shows. From 9/11 to Iraq and Afghansitan, Katrina, the Bush Depression, the threat of default in 2011 by the Republicans, threat of shutting down the government in 2011 by the Republicans, the fiscal cliff, hell, they can't even pass relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy 2 months ago - all this mess created by Republicans - and you think they should be in charge?
They shouldn't be in charge of a kid's birthday party - they would screw up a 1 car funeral.
No, your boys have done enough damage to America - and now America sees it. Your time has passed, you can go home now and take up knitting.
MelvinNC| 1.4.13 @ 1:15PM
I dislike the Republicans as much as anyone, but answer this one question Purp? I had to write a check for an extra $950.00 last year, and my income did not increase. Under the Republicans my tax rate was lower, I still had to pay extra, but not almost a grand.
Why purp I get up during the week at four in the morning and get home just after dark, I go into the Seafood Market here in Jacksonville NC and I see young females from the government housing complex purchasing Alaskan King crab and Prawns and using they're EBT card and I have to purchase the cheapest fish the market has? Where's the fairness Purp? Where is this social justice? I want some to, is it because of my color? Is it because of my age? What is it Purp, you appear to have the answers come buddy help me out here. I want to eat King Crab and have Obama put a medal around my neck like he did to Warren Buffet.
I also want to be like little Timmy Geitner who owes taxes, but he doesn't have to pay a fine or interest. Come Purp tell, enlighten. I'm not be sarcastic I just want fairness and social justice.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:29PM
Oh, please Melvin ... take up drug dealing, then you can have crab everyday... don't you know theys all drug dealin' ?
But the downside is a beotch if you're caught.
Interesting how you focus on the poorest getting something more than you when the Mitt Romney's of the world have screwed you far more often and deeper and you don't even care. Do you have any clue how the Corporatocracy and Feudal Corporate system has you in chains? And they've made you like it.
But you, you wanna blame someone having King Crab for dinner coming from the projects, while the billions are sucked out from under you.
Amazing, your powers of observation and insight. They need a bit of a sharpening pal. You are clearly clueless.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:01PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:42PM
Oh, please Melvin ... take up drug dealing, then you can have crab everyday... don't you know theys all drug dealin' ?
But the downside is a beotch if you're caught.
Interesting how you focus on the poorest getting something more than you when the Mitt Romney's of the world have screwed you far more often and deeper and you don't even care. Do you have any clue how the Corporatocracy and Feudal Corporate system has you in chains? And they've made you like it.
But you, you wanna blame someone having King Crab for dinner coming from the projects, while the billions are sucked out from under you.
Amazing, your powers of observation and insight. They need a bit of a sharpening pal. You are clearly clueless.
Moe Blotz| 1.5.13 @ 11:48AM
Oy Purp lady, are you a FOO? Friend of Obama or Fan of Obama. Or you could be a FOB. Friend/Fan of Barry.
JD| 1.4.13 @ 1:24PM
Purp's comment explains America's problem in a nutshell. He is as completely wrong as a person can be about anything. He gets the causes of all of our problems completely backwards.
Making Democrats own what they have done is paramount.
TLP| 1.4.13 @ 3:37PM
He's a Guy who thinks he's a Girl.
Why would anyone think that he would be right about anything else?
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:31PM
Are you still here? I thought they kicked you to the curb... just as irrelevant as ever I see.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:01PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:42PM
Are you still here? I thought they kicked you to the curb... just as irrelevant as ever I see.
TLP| 1.4.13 @ 3:38PM
Go to Mr. Bowman's Column from yesterday.
Join us.
You won't be disappointed.
junkyard infidel| 1.4.13 @ 3:42PM
perp has the thought process of a dung beetle ! nuff said !
Petronius| 1.4.13 @ 5:37PM
j i
You're giving dung beetles quite a cut. They have the good sense to keep their shit, and would be loathe to throw it at anybody else. His Real animus is his belief that We owe him and all the rest of the lowlife on this planet a living. We don't owe anybody anything. All the money WE Earn is Ours. And All that his government takes from Us to buy votes from all the parasites in both parties is an affront to Our American Dream which was the Founder's objective: the concept of empire building at the personal and familial level. President Reagan was not Conservative enough. He believed that economic expansion would generate a movement to reject the New Deal among the electorate which was never in the offing after 50 years. People are now so conditioned to having government protect them from their own folly, it's a nonstarter. Just look at the Occupiers and their infantile demands that the world be ordered to their liking. It's now too late. And there are no Adults in Washington who would try spanking these brats and sending them to bed without supper. Let the crash come. Then we'll see who survives.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:42PM
Petropenis - I have never said anyone owes me a thing, nor anyone else. But I understand you MUST believe that, you HAVE to make me into the bogieman so you can attack me.
Who told you ALL the money you earn is YOURS? The Fiscal Fairy? LMAO. You owe from the day you are born pal. No escape, no choice.
Your side has lost the argument and you can't handle it ... I get that.
Society demands government and a rationale, sane, caring society demands that government provide for the least among us. It's that simple. But it has to be paid for.
Of course, you knuckleheads pick out an abuser of the system and point at them as the most awful moocher just like all the rest. When in fact, your own grandmother, father, disabled uncle, the Iraq vet next door and college kid across the street and whomever all need and deserve our help from time to time. Most have paid for the insurance that keeps them going (Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment) and some are so bad off they need help even when they couldn't pay for insurance (Medicaid, Food Stamps).
Just because you, right now, do not benefit from any of these programs, well, they should be abolished, right?
How stupid and envious of the poorest can you be? Shame on you.
You complain about the Occupiers - why dont you complain about the Grandma Tea Partier that rails against the Gub'mint run healthcare, while she enjoys Medicare and wouldn't dream of giving it up?
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:01PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:41PM
Petropenis - I have never said anyone owes me a thing, nor anyone else. But I understand you MUST believe that, you HAVE to make me into the bogieman so you can attack me.
Who told you ALL the money you earn is YOURS? The Fiscal Fairy? LMAO. You owe from the day you are born pal. No escape, no choice.
Your side has lost the argument and you can't handle it ... I get that.
Society demands government and a rationale, sane, caring society demands that government provide for the least among us. It's that simple. But it has to be paid for.
Of course, you knuckleheads pick out an abuser of the system and point at them as the most awful moocher just like all the rest. When in fact, your own grandmother, father, disabled uncle, the Iraq vet next door and college kid across the street and whomever all need and deserve our help from time to time. Most have paid for the insurance that keeps them going (Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment) and some are so bad off they need help even when they couldn't pay for insurance (Medicaid, Food Stamps).
Just because you, right now, do not benefit from any of these programs, well, they should be abolished, right?
How stupid and envious of the poorest can you be? Shame on you.
You complain about the Occupiers - why dont you complain about the Grandma Tea Partier that rails against the Gub'mint run healthcare, while she enjoys Medicare and wouldn't dream of giving it up?
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:32PM
Wow Junkie - that was brilliant! I'm so ashamed now... LMAO ... you dud.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:31PM
JD - you can't make anyone own that for which YOU are responsible. You've tried, Fixed News tries constantly, but America sees through the bs now and it won't work any longer.
You all are in for a very rude awakening when you finally figure it out for yourselves. But you heard it here first.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:00PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
c. j. acworth| 1.4.13 @ 8:35AM
I like the idea the author puts out in point #4. Taking time to write out what you believe will sharpen your focus and force you to engage in a bit of criticl thinking and internal debate. Good practice for those who, like me, have a tendency to wander and lose track of my points.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 9:03AM
"The battle for liberty, freedom, and responsible self-government continues. Indeed, it is never-ending. " - Thank You... These are all Liberal Ideas and Philosophies. These ideals are American ideals, but were created by the Founders, who were liberals.
There is nothing mutually exclusive about government, liberty, freedom and individual responsibility from coexisting side by side.
Conservatism bastardizes the ideals to pretend to own these tenets of America, but they don't.
Bad Government is just as much to be corrected as is Bad Business or Bad Individual Behavior.
But Government is not inherently bad and our government is not tyrannical. It is under our control, regardless of the all screaming here to the contrary. If you don't like something about government, blame yourself. You and I elected them.
The Corporation has a place in society, as does Religion and Government. Neither is inherently good or bad, unless run well or not by the people in charge. The demonization of either is just plain stupid. We need them all ... but we simply need to curtail any excesses - that only happens if we are involved... not complaining and sitting on our a**.
Joellen| 1.4.13 @ 9:17AM
I DID NOT elect these social communist nor did most of those who truly understand their agenda - and Perp please stop the lecturing and actually talk to someone who "ESCAPED" from BAD governments run by the Tyrants that you seem to ignore have taken root here. In case you forgot, I didnt, Obama care was FORCED on the American people, whether they voted for him or not, it was not inacted in accordance to the Constitution.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:03AM
My Ignorant Joey - When you win an election, have the majority and can pass legislation - that IS our system and it is Constitutional.
Obamacare was passed by a duly elected Senate, House of Reps and signed by the President, as prescribed by the US Constitution. It is LAW. It IS also Constitutional-the Supreme Court says so. And not YOU, nor Rush Loudmouth, nor Fixed News are the deciders - the Supremes are, by law, by the US Constitution, period.
The fact you don't like something is just too bad, so sad, for YOU.
Now, if you didn't vote for them, and you lost, is just your problem.
Perhaps you should run better candidates in the future, if you can find any Republicans worth anything - ya know, smarter, more industrious, better speaker, more for the people and less for the almighty dollar. Until then, you must abide by the law. Resistance is futile, you WILL be assimilated...
Have a nice day.
Tom Kyba| 1.4.13 @ 11:24AM
Good morning Mr. hygeine-deficiency. You're still a fool. Your posts are still useless and are produced only to annoy, and everyone is still responding with "the idiot's at it again". Here's hoping you and all of your friend have a great new year.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:44PM
Poor Tommie - can't argue, so degrade... I get it. You can't be bothered debating an issue - but in this case, I understand. There is no debate.
I stated fact, and the facts are indisputable. Now move along, see if you can figure it out.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:01PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:43PM
Poor Tommie - can't argue, so degrade... I get it. You can't be bothered debating an issue - but in this case, I understand. There is no debate.
I stated fact, and the facts are indisputable. Now move along, see if you can figure it out.
Drunken Sailor| 1.4.13 @ 11:07AM
Joellen,
Nice try but Purp can't even understand the changes that have taken place in our founding fathers definitin of liberal and todays definition disguising Socialism and big goverment as Liberalism.
His taunts are a childish attempt to get under your skin. It's what gets him off. He doesn't care what may be good for the country, only what is good for his party. Don't waste your time.
TLP| 1.4.13 @ 3:40PM
Have you been to Mr. Bowman's Column from yesterday, lately?
We're waiting.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:47PM
Drunk-Boy - This country is far better off in the hands of the Democrats. They pay the bills, even if they have to raise taxes to do it. Right now it's a bit difficult digging out of the hole you Republicans put us in and your Reps are absolutely no help.
Your Conservatism is really Authoritarianism, which in other words is Fascism, but you won't admit it. You want strong leaders, strong military and you don't mind using the BIG Government for anything YOU like.
That isn't limited government, but keep believing your fallacy.
Your party can't govern, doesn't want to govern well, and will be happy to completely dismantle the government - and stupidly, you think that's a good idea! LMFAO ...
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:00PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
SUBVET| 1.4.13 @ 12:47PM
Joellen.........don't forget E15 like it or not it's started in the south and spreding like wild fire. Any car older than 2012 beware all factory warranties are void if E15 is used.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:00PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
cicero| 1.4.13 @ 9:12AM
While hoping to sound not too pessimistic, the fact remains that we just had an election where more than 50% of the citizens voted for more government, more free stuff, and less personal responsibility. After 3 decades or so of opening our boarders and arms to a class of people that came here for the free stuff, we are now in a position of reaping our rewards. I am not talking of just those from below our southern boarders. We have given preferential treatment to immigrants from countries where government has been the source of all wealth. Add to that the inauguration of our overgenerous welfare state programs, and it is obvious that we have initiated our own demise.
Just how do you propose to turn this thing around by issuing New Years' resolutions? I would suggest that the first resolution should have been to resolve to work to shut down the public school system. Next, cut out all student loans for higher(?) education. Follow that by cutting all support payments for any but the 1st child of an unwedd mother - and none for children born in wedlock, unless the father is dead. No possible, you say? You are probably correct. Good luck.
TLP| 1.4.13 @ 3:40PM
Have you been to Mr. Bowman's Column from yesterday, lately?
We're waiting.
Pecos Pete| 1.4.13 @ 9:37AM
Mr. Wilson: Your resolutions are commendable. And, if everyone in the USA subscribed to them, the USA would quickly return to fiscal and moral sanity. The problem is: 51% of the voters on November 6, 2012 wanted more government. We have a president who wants to increase that 51% to 55% or more in 2016. We have a Congress that is dysfunctional and unable to defend Constitutional principles. King O has four more years to campaign about class warfare.
My New Year's Resolution: Do everything I can to help my family survive the next 20 years.
Al Adab| 1.4.13 @ 10:57AM
Cicero, Pete:
If only we could find more, there are some, elected officials who realized their purpose was to expand and defend the liberty of the citizens instead of fulfilling every wish of every special interest group and constituancy they face. Then we might truly have a new birth of freedom.
We might do well to recall that it was Barry Goldwater who said, (forgive me not having the book and exact wording in front of me) they will acuse me of not tending to the needs of my constituants by bringing home the bacon, but I will respond I thought my purpose was to defend their Liberty.
Pecos Pete| 1.4.13 @ 11:07AM
Al: Maybe Tom Cruz from Texas? We'll see.
Von Mises Jr| 1.4.13 @ 11:55AM
Cicero, Pete and Al:
I mourn for my country, but I am a happy warrior and optimistic. Many Americans have done the right thing cutting their debt dramatically and understanding how to make money even if it is at the expense of the country. I have time to read and to help educate the youth in my family so that they will succeed individually. If you know what is wrong, you can do what is right for yourself and your family.
Socrates, Jesus Christ and Sir Thomas More were all willing to give their lives for honor and faith in the truth and the Word. They can take our lives but they cannot take our spirit.
I see Caliban is back today. I wonder why TAS would suspend TLP but let the lowest of low lives such as Caliban have a voice that is unwelcome. But all are free to speak, even evil.
But to put it in perspective, imagine if you were that POS. A low life that dumpster dives for the scraps successful people discard. Let's face it. An EBT Card troll is about as low-life as one can get. And the ignorance in monumental, if it is not evil that is actually more despicable. So count your blessings that you are not that monstrous Caliban or the poor woman that birthed it.
Ronsch| 1.4.13 @ 12:47PM
Von,
Are you the same name over at The American Thinker?
Anyway, the reason Purp is such a tool is that he gre w up (maybe that is a misnomer) in the era of "gimme, gimme, gimme" and has not actually had to work for anything, at least from the tone of his posts.) He (or she) claims to work at a Fortune 500 company, or is that his own business (he lies as much as NerObama, so I get confused...LOL)
I guess he could be working for one of George Soro's front operations, or possibly Warren Buffet, or maybe even GE or Google, Facebook or one of those absolutely stellar companies.
In any event, he will blame Bush for the mess his hero "got" from Bush...Even though his hero was right there voting "present" and "yea" for all of those stimulus bills, and then enacting his own, even though he called the Bush deficits "unpatriotic." Of course, Purp will firte back with the worn mantra about the "two wars" Bush started for "oil" (Yeah, right) that his hero also supported.
Von Mises Jr| 1.4.13 @ 2:06PM
One and the same. AT has only a few trolls and they are mostly ignored. I would hope the good people commenting at TAS would learn to do the same.
Call the POS out, but do not get sucked into his propaganda. It is a fool’s errand.
TLP| 1.4.13 @ 3:41PM
Have you been to Mr. Bowman's Column from yesterday, lately?
We're waiting.
Al Adab| 1.4.13 @ 12:47PM
Cato likewise chose to die rather than submit to the tyranny of Ceasar. Cicero too paid that ptrice. History records their devotion to liberty as of more value.
Von Mises Jr| 1.4.13 @ 2:08PM
I have the "Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" in my library but have not read it yet. Thank you for the fine addition to my point, my friend.
Al Adab| 1.4.13 @ 3:29PM
Jr:
A new one just out titled, Romes Last Citizen, is a biography of Cato. There were two elder and younger. Statesmen both. Gibbon starts too late and doesn't cover the late republic period.
Cathago delenda est!
Al Adab| 1.4.13 @ 3:35PM
...also Jr., I tried Thinker yesterday but only got the "please wait" every time I tried to post. Did a log in and all so don't know what the problem was. Any suggestions?
Von Mises Jr| 1.4.13 @ 7:46PM
They may not allow you to post until your registration is complete. They do a good job keeping out the trolls and eliminating multiple names like Perp, Jefferson, nathan, blah blah blah....all the same low-life logging in and out doing the troll trick of appearing like there is more than one stupid Ahole.
There are some fine writers at AT and there are many fine and intelligent people whom post comments. They have better format for conversation and provide a like button so you know that people welcomed your thoughts.
But this in not to take away from TAS whom has several wonderful writers, as well as fine and interesting commentary, you included.
David T| 1.4.13 @ 10:09AM
Our Founders recognized that a free people must first be a virtuous people. Without virtue there can be no liberty, and without "religion" (i.e., Christianity) there can be no virtue.
The public school system has destroyed public virtue in this country by systematically removing all vestiges of religious education from the curriculum. As Benjamin Rush said, "Without religion, I believe that learning does real mischief to the morals and principles of mankind."
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:14AM
The Founder were Deists, not Christians. They believed in a Creator, but did not subscribe to any one religion. In fact, Thomas Jefferson abhored religion and created his own "Bible" removing what he didn't like in the original. A true Christian would never have done that, would they?
What's missing in public education is not religion, but Civics. How to be or become a good citizen.
Al Adab| 1.4.13 @ 11:38AM
Western Civ has been debating that question for 2500 years Purp, and it is a good one. What is a good citizen? What is a good life? What is a good society?
All legitimat3e and should be explored in education. Caveat however, is that it needs to be examined with the context of Western Civ. A good citizen in a Chinese state or Hindu state for example would be quite a different animal from one in an Islamic or alternativly a Western state.
A good society is, in that context, one which maximizes the liberty of the individual, not one which measures itself with the (marxist) standard of materialism. It is individual lioberty not the collective well being which is the standard of measurement for free societies. Education should indeed create good citizens. I think however, that you and I might differ on the definition thereof.
Drunken Sailor| 1.4.13 @ 2:05PM
Don't think it Al, Know it for fact. Great post but I think Purp may have trouble digesting it. Too many big words.
Al Adab| 1.4.13 @ 3:34PM
Thanks D/S:
Someday I'll remember to check my spelling and typos before I hit the submit button. I appreciate all of you being so generous with my fat fingers.
Have a great weekend.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:49PM
Come back Drunk-Boy when you have as many advanced degrees as I do ... which will be never, soo0.... good bye.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:03PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:41PM
Come back Drunk-Boy when you have as many advanced degrees as I do ... which will be never, soo0.... good bye.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:57PM
You proceed from the false premise that individual liberty and collective well being are mutually exclusive.
They are not ... they are symbiotic (oh, that's for Drunk-Boy, the wunderkind who surely knows what that means, dontcha DB? ).
The history of civilization is not the struggle of individuals vs. collective society, but more the struggle of the equality of individuals within that society, where no man is above another.
Hence we have proceeded from Absolute Rulers, Kings and Emperors to Enlightened Rulers to Rulers sharing power with legislatures to Republics and Democracies where egalitarianism is heightened.
Again, Individual Liberty and Collective Well Being coexist together quite well, except in tomes such as those written by that Idiot Ayn Rand. No matter how Individualistic Davy Crockett or Daniel Boone, they came from and went back to collective society, even to be Elected Representatives of the people, in one of their cases.
Marxism has nothing to do with this btw.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:03PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:40PM
You proceed from the false premise that individual liberty and collective well being are mutually exclusive.
They are not ... they are symbiotic (oh, that's for Drunk-Boy, the wunderkind who surely knows what that means, dontcha DB? ).
The history of civilization is not the struggle of individuals vs. collective society, but more the struggle of the equality of individuals within that society, where no man is above another.
Hence we have proceeded from Absolute Rulers, Kings and Emperors to Enlightened Rulers to Rulers sharing power with legislatures to Republics and Democracies where egalitarianism is heightened.
Again, Individual Liberty and Collective Well Being coexist together quite well, except in tomes such as those written by that Idiot Ayn Rand. No matter how Individualistic Davy Crockett or Daniel Boone, they came from and went back to collective society, even to be Elected Representatives of the people, in one of their cases.
Marxism has nothing to do with this btw.
David T| 1.4.13 @ 11:42AM
The colonial culture was so imbued with Christianity that even the deists and atheists of the time behaved as Christians. In a letter to the avowed atheist Thomas Paine, the deist Ben Franklin said Paine was "indebted to her originally, that is, to your religious education, for the habits of virtue upon which you now justly value yourself." The Founders understood that in order for outward liberty to flourish, men had to restrain their inner passions through the example of the Christian religion. Public (or "civic") virtue was Christian virtue.
Al Adab| 1.4.13 @ 12:45PM
"Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever."
Thomas Jefferson
TLP| 1.4.13 @ 3:42PM
Have you been to Mr. Bowman's Column from yesterday, lately?
We're waiting.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 8:58PM
David - Perhaps that's true; religion is a control on the masses. But that didn't mean they prescribed to religious tenets.
Remember "In God We Trust" didn't appear until the 1950's and God doesn't appear in our Founding Documents.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:04PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:40PM
David - Perhaps that's true; religion is a control on the masses. But that didn't mean they prescribed to religious tenets.
Remember "In God We Trust" didn't appear until the 1950's and God doesn't appear in our Founding Documents.
Stormy| 1.4.13 @ 10:29AM
It is those very youth who teeter of the brink that are the strongest supporters of Obama. Using class warfare, he has gotten them in war with the "rich" who do not pay their fair share. He has successfully gotten them to believe that it is the rich who prevent them from achieving their dreams. Of course, for many of the youth today, their dream is not having a real job or family, it is chasing their dream and living free, with someone else paying the bills. Work is for someone other dumb slob.
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 9:00PM
But of course, your first couple of lines, this is true. Wealth continues to accumulate to the top 2% over the last 30 years - that is a fact.
Then you fall into ideological blather, bloviating about the mooching "youth" ... sad commentary on your knowledge.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:04PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:40PM
But of course, your first couple of lines, this is true. Wealth continues to accumulate to the top 2% over the last 30 years - that is a fact.
Then you fall into ideological blather, bloviating about the mooching "youth" ... sad commentary on your knowledge.
cicero| 1.4.13 @ 3:55PM
Al and Jr. - Just read a new book by Richard Myles -" Carthage Must Be Destroye ", or Cartagho Delenda Est. The Romans leaned on the ideas of "fides" and "civitas", even if they didn't always practice it. We seem to have given up such virtues (at least in our politics), and refuse to chastise those politicians who violate them.
This new concept that our founding fathers were "diests" is a hoot. Our secular leaders seem to think that if they can only get the populace to deny the existence of God, they themselves can assume that role, and the wealth that they are due by doing so. Augustus, anyone?
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 9:02PM
Do you even know what a "Deist" is? You clearly can't spell it.
The real Cicero is rolling with laughter in his grave.
CJW| 1.4.13 @ 10:04PM
Purp the Village Idiot
Now purpie descends into racism:
"Oh, and YOU'RE a LOSER ... can't even beat the black man... you're so awful... hahahaha (that's for your last line, you wanna dish it out, then take it)"
Can't even beat the "black man?" So you believe blacks are inferior and easy to beat.
Keep posting moron, you provide fresh material every day.
You are truly an idiot and a racist
Purp| 1.4.13 @ 10:39PM
Do you even know what a "Deist" is? You clearly can't spell it.
The real Cicero is rolling with laughter in his grave.
sdfhlk | 1.5.13 @ 1:23AM
Happy New Year,NBA ,NFL 2013
air max en france | 1.5.13 @ 3:54AM
Americans who are deeply worried about the future of our country. Is there no stopping the drift toward more spending and higher taxes, along with ever-increasing debt, heavier regulation, stunted growth, and greater and greater dependence on government? Are we about to barrel-roll over a Niagara-like “cliff” into a financial panic and a hard recession?
Purp| 1.5.13 @ 11:58AM
No worries... we've been here before. We are far from an overregulated society, although the more population we have the more rules we need. It's common sense.
Now, the propaganda that we are dependent on government, overregulated by government, have stunted growth and higher taxes and spending are all promulgated by the Corporate Feudal Lords in the name of helping the common man. They don't.
The more wealth is distributed amongst our people, call it whatever you want, the more prosperous we become, and the less dependent on government we are. Your Corporate Power Masters have turned logic on it's ear with all their money and power to do so through the media and elsewhere. The proof of their success is people on this site who are true believers and fight for "liberty" when it really is "laissez-faire" for the Koch Bros, Bain Capitals and their ilk, at the expense of the very common man they profess to care about. They don't.
When America has had enough - and I suspect we are just about there, the tide will change once again toward the average man and away from the elected, connected and wealthy.
It's gonna be a bumpy ride, but the Shadow Corporate US Government that Reagan ushered in is just about spent and the people are poised to take the country back and put the people first, and changing the Golden Rule - The people with the Gold shall NOT be making the rules any longer.
And America, us, and the World will be saved once again.
Butch| 1.6.13 @ 3:42PM
Har. You responded to a hacked junk robo-post which pulled text up directly from the author's article . . . which you obviously did not read before you began with your juvenile and quarter-educated posts.