Oh say Curve-o's, Did ya miss me?
Iffy been mucking about out in the free world, dutifully pursuing happiness and securing the peace in the household. It’s more than a full time job. I have been watching some of the election shenannygans with one eye, and listening with my bad ear, and that along with a frank and open discussion with senior Jose Cuervo inspired me to take a stab at political punditry. Here goes:
One of John-boy Edwards’ pet themes during his early bid for the demonocratic Presidential numbanation was that there are “two Americas”.
Danged if I don't agree with him!
One of those two Americas, the one he likes, would be happier if it were part of the European Union. That one is an America that wants socialism as its governing philosophy, and that thinks the whole idea of sovereign nations is antiquated. It is an America that thinks making more things illegal will make bad people behave, an America that thinks bad people behave badly because society has failed them, and that thinks the foundation of security both personal and national lies in the lyrics of “Love is All You Need”. That one is an America that glorifies government above all other forms of human endeavor and that regards self-interest, personal responsibility and individual initiative as vices rather than virtues.
The other America, the one I like, believes that a nation owns its sovereignty. It believes that a free republic of sovereign states, united under a constitution that clearly and specifically delimits the scope and reach of its federal government is the greatest idea yet to be advanced for governing a people. This America believes that ownership of property and economic freedom are the essential manifestations of liberty and that ones choice of labor as well as the disposition of the fruits of that labor are the sole provinces of each individual.
My America finds virtue in rugged individualism and self-reliance.
For us, the greatest failing would be that we should become a burden upon our neighbor, and our greatest joy would be in the opportunity to show him charity. We are the remnants of the original United States of America, the nation that was born in a rage against tyranny and forged in the fire and blood of war. We don’t fear war nor do we fear our enemies and we give them no quarter. We are not fools who court death, but neither do we lack the courage in whatever amounts required to remain free. My America turns away from the hairy teat of the nanny state and our palates will not suffer the loathsome government cheese made from its soured milk. Live free or die! We say. Don’t tread on us! Give us liberty or give us death! Those are the words that inspire us. Our America is nothing like that other America. Ours is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Theirs is the land of perpetual childhood with the lordly state as parent and guardian.
There are two Americas, John-boy, and the differences seem frankly irreconcilable. Does this mean it is time to start interviewing divorce lawyers?
Is that fifes and drums I hear?
Cheers!
Posted by IFYA, editor who don't need Neil Youngs around anyhow!
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