Comments on: Freedom Not Invited To The Party

By: Akston

Akston — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:08:57 +0000

When a speaker emphasizes duty to country over liberty, I find myself asking “who gets to decide what constitutes my duty, and to whom?” Speeches telling me my judgment is inferior to some collective, as interpreted by an anointed speaker, were plentiful in both conventions.

Take this, for example:

“It is thus necessary that the individual should finally come to realize that his own ego is of no importance in comparison with the existence of his nation; that the position of the individual ego is conditioned solely by the interests of the nation as a whole…that above all, the unity of a nation’s spirit and will are worth far more than the freedom of the spirit and will of an individual…we understand only the individual’s capacity to make sacrifices for the community, for his fellow man.”

But of course, that one wasn’t at either convention this year. I’m just trying to be a good citizen and obey Godwin’s Law.

By: Doug Mataconis

Doug Mataconis — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:10:50 +0000

Kay & Brad,

My problem with the “Country First” idea is that it comes dangerously close to a form of nationalism prevalent in conservative circles that is, at its core, anti-liberty.

By: Brad Warbiany

Brad Warbiany — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:55:54 +0000

Kay,

“Country First” in itself does not carry the connotations that Doug is insinuating. When you add it to the rest of McCain’s record, and some of the things he has said glorifying national service over the “narrow interests”, and you get a different picture.

McCain is not an individualist by any stretch of the imagination.

By: Quincy

Quincy — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:20:59 +0000

Republicans are only individualists when they’re out of power. Once in, they are autocratic collectivists, just like Democrats. This is not news.

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:15:09 +0000

It was interesting to see Goldwater Jr. speak at the “Rally for Ron Paul” while the GOP convention was occurring. For those in attendance at the RNC, I wonder if the image of “Mr. Conservative’s” son attending a counter-convention moved them to think about the direction of their party’s policies?

By: Doug Mataconis

Doug Mataconis — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:16:25 +0000

Kay,

The GOP can intend all it’s wants, but as the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

People who believed in free markets and individual liberty voted Republicans into office in 1994 and again in 2000 and 2004 and what did we get for it ?

The word “screwed” comes to mind.

George W. Bush may as well have been Lyndon Baines Johnson, because he’s increased the size of government even more than the previous President from Texas did.

By: Kay

Kay — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:14:10 +0000

Frankly, I don’t see the “Country First” slogan as being before freedom – the way I interpret it, and what I believe is meant is that all that is inherent in this country’s core and roots – i.e., our freedom and liberty – is to be protected at all cost. Now, do I believe that the republicans, or anyone else in the world of today will uphold that? Not on your life. Do I believe they have good intentions? Yes, I do. Perhaps that is a bit idealistic, but in reality, it’s no more idealistic than holding onto hope that a Bob Barr (who? is the reaction you get on the street to that name) is going to have a significant impact on this election.