I read just about everything you write, and I have to say that, in retrospect, this is probably the most important piece to date. This nation is in a full blown identity crisis and the words that came out Justice Jackson's mouth are full throated propaganda straight from the good 'ole U.S.S.R. It has infiltrated every aspect of American society. The phrase, "it takes a village," comes to mind. This kind of rhetoric is ingrained in totalitarian thought, whether it be Marxist, fascist, progressive, or any other ism or hybrid thereof. We would be fools to think they will surrender or give up lightly without some sort of "bloodbath" in the process. Children belong to the state, government is instituted to protect its citizens from themselves, and for the greater good are not only kitschy phrases but a way of life for those so inclined, and they represent a larger portion of American society than most are willing to admit. Your post, along with the apt described analogies, are spot on with the precariousness of our current tenuous political / cultural situation. Either the American Experiment is worth salvaging, or we accept the "offer that we can't refuse!"
I too read almost everything Steven writes, and I agree, this and his last piece (which contained some excellent historical information) have been two of his best and most relevant.
But with all tge discussion about the government's role in guiding people, why do u not hear anything about " But they were Wrong! They censored good advice and broadcast bad!"
It was the government telling kids to jump off the roof of covid, hiding election information, hiding criticism of Afghanistan...
Most of us that are liberty inclined inherently already know the answer to your rhetorical question. The solution is not to educate those otherwise inclined, but those not inclined, or rather the willfully or naively ignorant within the masses. Just as it has taken America several generations to reach cultural and political "critical mass," it will take more than one generation to repair the damage that has been done, if ever. That is the sad state of current affairs, and one I won't see rectified in my lifetime, but that I pray my grandchildren or great grandchildren will inherit. Government, regardless its status as a necessary evil, is the enemy of a free and thriving society, and until enough understand that, the slide into authoritarianism will continue unimpeded and unabated regardless of the guardrails in place within the Constitution of these United States of America! We MUST be the stopgap in order to stem the tide and stop the bleeding.
You know, in a way, KBJ was not incorrect - the First Amendment *does* hamstring the government. That was by intent. Those amendments were written specifically to prevent government doing exactly what it is KBJ wants to do - violate the rights government exists to protect. I mention her and that statement in my next piece (to be published tomorrow morning) because it goes to the heart of the question: from where do our rights originate? Our founding fathers would not reference Rousseau in answer to that query. They would look instead to the likes of Hobbes, Locke, and Payne. Americans need to learn some history; because that rhyme is comin' round, and it appears none who understand are anywhere to be found.
I've referenced Obama and his charter of negative liberty rhetoric on numerous occasions. KBJ's comments are merely an extension of that same philosophy, and it is, by its very nature, a dangerous ideology that, over time, allows the chains of statism to sit ever so lightly upon the shoulders of its own countrymen until they recognize freedom no more.
I read just about everything you write, and I have to say that, in retrospect, this is probably the most important piece to date. This nation is in a full blown identity crisis and the words that came out Justice Jackson's mouth are full throated propaganda straight from the good 'ole U.S.S.R. It has infiltrated every aspect of American society. The phrase, "it takes a village," comes to mind. This kind of rhetoric is ingrained in totalitarian thought, whether it be Marxist, fascist, progressive, or any other ism or hybrid thereof. We would be fools to think they will surrender or give up lightly without some sort of "bloodbath" in the process. Children belong to the state, government is instituted to protect its citizens from themselves, and for the greater good are not only kitschy phrases but a way of life for those so inclined, and they represent a larger portion of American society than most are willing to admit. Your post, along with the apt described analogies, are spot on with the precariousness of our current tenuous political / cultural situation. Either the American Experiment is worth salvaging, or we accept the "offer that we can't refuse!"
I too read almost everything Steven writes, and I agree, this and his last piece (which contained some excellent historical information) have been two of his best and most relevant.
Excellent.
But with all tge discussion about the government's role in guiding people, why do u not hear anything about " But they were Wrong! They censored good advice and broadcast bad!"
It was the government telling kids to jump off the roof of covid, hiding election information, hiding criticism of Afghanistan...
Most of us that are liberty inclined inherently already know the answer to your rhetorical question. The solution is not to educate those otherwise inclined, but those not inclined, or rather the willfully or naively ignorant within the masses. Just as it has taken America several generations to reach cultural and political "critical mass," it will take more than one generation to repair the damage that has been done, if ever. That is the sad state of current affairs, and one I won't see rectified in my lifetime, but that I pray my grandchildren or great grandchildren will inherit. Government, regardless its status as a necessary evil, is the enemy of a free and thriving society, and until enough understand that, the slide into authoritarianism will continue unimpeded and unabated regardless of the guardrails in place within the Constitution of these United States of America! We MUST be the stopgap in order to stem the tide and stop the bleeding.
You know, in a way, KBJ was not incorrect - the First Amendment *does* hamstring the government. That was by intent. Those amendments were written specifically to prevent government doing exactly what it is KBJ wants to do - violate the rights government exists to protect. I mention her and that statement in my next piece (to be published tomorrow morning) because it goes to the heart of the question: from where do our rights originate? Our founding fathers would not reference Rousseau in answer to that query. They would look instead to the likes of Hobbes, Locke, and Payne. Americans need to learn some history; because that rhyme is comin' round, and it appears none who understand are anywhere to be found.
I've referenced Obama and his charter of negative liberty rhetoric on numerous occasions. KBJ's comments are merely an extension of that same philosophy, and it is, by its very nature, a dangerous ideology that, over time, allows the chains of statism to sit ever so lightly upon the shoulders of its own countrymen until they recognize freedom no more.
The AI generated photo at the beginning looks like Ayan Hirsi Ali.