tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8021468759553992081.post5290121623067164342..comments2023-06-03T07:46:46.395-07:00Comments on Mind of Mookie: What is America?Mookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01073027586188784701noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8021468759553992081.post-26864847537776939312009-03-27T19:51:00.000-07:002009-03-27T19:51:00.000-07:00Scott,"As for the misdeeds of American history, I ...Scott,<BR/><BR/>"As for the misdeeds of American history, I think the constitution reflects enlightenment ideals (from folk like Locke, Montesquieu, etc.) which were "ahead of their time" when compared to public practice."<BR/><BR/>Well, that was far more well put than I could seem to conjure up, but expresses exactly what I meant.<BR/><BR/>I call myself a conservative, more or less. I suppose in many aspects I'm far more a libertarian than anything. But I often avoid that particular label to keep from being grouped in with those extreme libertarians who are basically on the brink of being anarchists. I just want to be left alone to live my life, although recognizing myself as a part of the greater community. I am compassionate to those around me, sometimes to a fault, or in one actual instance, giving the shirt off my back despite my own ability to freeze to death in temperatures under 60! I like to help people, and I think people should help the people around them, and stand up for injustices done to others. While at the same tiem I am very prideful. I have accepted government help in the form of medicaid and food stamps, but only because I wouldn't let my pride be the reason my kids went without the doctoral and food needs. I hated the concept of accepting it, and worked hard to get into a position where we no longer needed it, because I feel every man should do his best to support his family on his own, before looking to assistance.<BR/><BR/>When I see a lot of people my age, I see both the workers who just can't make it on their wages, and those that specifically refuse to improve their lot in life for fear of losing out on the government assistance programs. I have great compassion for the first group, but the second I am conflicted between feelings of disgust and sorrow. And maybe its because I moved from the small town to the city, that I see more of the latter group these days, and I begin to wonder if somehow I inherited the views of some of my more hard working, old-fashioned ancestors?Mookiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01073027586188784701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8021468759553992081.post-38996382290071579572009-03-27T10:11:00.000-07:002009-03-27T10:11:00.000-07:00In my first year seminar we're starting to read th...In my first year seminar we're starting to read the book "Are We Rome," and think about the similarities and differences between Rome and the US. I sometimes feel like we're maybe like Rome near the end of its days as a Republic, as it morphed into being an empire.<BR/><BR/>As for the misdeeds of American history, I think the constitution reflects enlightenment ideals (from folk like Locke, Montesquieu, etc.) which were "ahead of their time" when compared to public practice. We've been playing catch up. But your question and essay are really interesting. <BR/><BR/>As for the larger issue...your post has evoked a variety of thoughts running around in my mind, which I'll have to contemplate before I post more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8021468759553992081.post-23229848399622000952009-03-26T14:42:00.000-07:002009-03-26T14:42:00.000-07:00Helen,And thats what I mean by knowing that not ev...Helen,<BR/><BR/>And thats what I mean by knowing that not everything is black and white. No society that has ever existed has come close to operating a perfect system at any time of their existence.<BR/><BR/>Just as the Romans took slaves, so too did we. Was it wrong on both occasions? Absolutely. And we can not change our past, but merely learn from it to better serve our future. Acknowledgement of our triumphs and failures is key. Triumph shows us the ways in which we have done right, while failure is also good in that it shows us which ways are not good.<BR/><BR/>As for the Constitution I believe it provides a firm bedrock of foundation from which to operate. I believe in its flexibility in allowing for ammendments, as time, or the realization of our mistakes, comes to bear the need. I also believe in the firmness of the Constitution's principles (not to be confused with the message that may have been contradictory with the actions of its writers- lke slave owners proclaiming all men free, etc).<BR/><BR/>In the Declaration of Independence, they proclaimed man's (which today at least, includes everyone, not just old white land-owning guys) right to three main things: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.<BR/><BR/>Life: Whether rich or poor, black or white, healthy or infirm, it is our life, and noone should be allowed to take that from us.<BR/><BR/>Liberty: Quite simply put, our freedom to lead our life according to our own moral and ethical code, provided we do not infringe on another's same right to liberty in the process.<BR/>Pursuit of Happiness: Now some people seem to forget the word pursuit in that last item. Many people, democrat and republican alike, seem to think that we have the right to not be offended, not see or hear anything we don't want to see or hear, to have this thing, or that thing, or whatever, according to their own wishes. Well, the thing it procaims truly is that the path you see to make you happy, you have every right to take a stroll down...to go after your goals, and earn them, again, as long as our pursuit of happiness doesn't infringe on the ability of someone else to pursue their path.<BR/><BR/>America, for all its faults in practice, is still that idea. the land of opportunity. We have our life, and we live it our way, like everyone else, pursuing our dreams and our goals as we see fit as individuals, but as a part of a larger society.<BR/><BR/>While I am waffling on the idea that Obama is or is not a Socialist, by definition of known practices (some policies he promotes say yes, other policies he promotes say no), this post doesn't even really address him. This is a piece I have been contemplating for years in my own head, but have yet, until now to put it down in more tangible form. I blame politicians in general. I mean we put power into the hands of people who can tax and regulate the life out of every single one of us, and despite complete lack of popularity, or a job well done, vote themselves a raise, give themselves the best money can offer them, without regard for anyone else in the end. And no matter what differences either side of the aisle tries to differentiate with the other, most often, you'll find them at the same cocktail parties and restuarants, together. And after all the campaigning is over and done, they all, with a few differences keep doing the same things, and every election you'll notice we never get any closer to finding solutions to problems that have existed for generations..just so there is something left to debate (that they have plenty of practice debating) the next time around.<BR/><BR/>The original principles of our founding, in pureness represent the strength of the idea that is America..that shining beacon. But the constant politicking for politicking's sake, and knee jerk reactionary laws for every single situation known to man, we have seen over the past few decades shows just how fragile the idea of America really is.Mookiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01073027586188784701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8021468759553992081.post-33747963244507641502009-03-26T13:46:00.000-07:002009-03-26T13:46:00.000-07:00Mike, Were you taught that America exists because ...Mike, Were you taught that America exists because of rebellion against the countries that footed the bill for the people to come here and explore in their names? Were you taught that the early settlers tried to enslave the natives who lived here? Were you taught that the early settlers built their wealth on the backs of slaves? Or, were you taught that the settlers came for freedom of religion and because they weren't free? The American dream in its many variations can come true only when we acknowledge our past strengths and weaknesses. A firm foundation matters. Than God for the flexibility of the Constitution. There is still hope for America. We are not yet defeated. But "the time is always ripe to do right." (MLK) Obama isn't the problem nor is he a socialist. Would that we realize that before it is too late.DeadMulehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01209584859435270113noreply@blogger.com