To: Hadean
"they are a loose group of self-proclaimed Anarchists and Communists". Really? I've spent a bunch of time visiting their web site and discussion groups and have not seen either Anarchist or Communists there. There are a lot of self proclaimed libertarians and Constitutionalists. I surprised at the hostility to their project evidenced here. Here are a bunch of people who want to "roll back liberal programs", theoretically a goal of Free Republic (though this place has lost a lot of focus as its grown). They aim to do this completely by working within the US political system, peacefully. They are willing to move their families to help achieve this. In all of this I don't see anything that deserves the heavy scorn.
What's your plan. Tax rates are near 50% for high wage earners. We continue to be forced to contribute to the Social Security ponzi scheme. In my state the government is near broke from massive overspending from everything for mental health programs for drug addicts to building airial trams for a local hospital. We just elected another Democrat governor. I think the idea of trying to have *SOME* state with less government is a good one. In fact I think it's happening without the planning of this group. Conservatives and Libertarians are leaving places like Mass. and NY that are completely hostile to their views. Why live in a state with horrible gun laws and taxes when you can find one thats better.
Anyway, check it out for yourself. Here's the web site:
To: Jack Black
I surprised at the hostility to their project evidenced here. Here are a bunch of people who want to "roll back liberal programs", theoretically a goal of Free Republic (though this place has lost a lot of focus as its grown). They aim to do this completely by working within the US political system, peacefully. But somebody there might smoke pot, and that sends the statist control freaks into an absolute tizzy.
This sort of idea scares them. They love control much more than freedom.
28 posted on
02/23/2003 1:40:45 PM PST by
dead
To: Jack Black
Thank you for the first thoughtful post on this thread.
The thought of an organized party that actually believes its rhetoric and tries to act on it is a frightening prospect for Bushies and Dims alike.
To: Jack Black
I've spent a bunch of time visiting their web site and discussion groups and have not seen either Anarchist or Communists there.
As I've said, I took part in it. I was involved before the link you gave me even existed. They [Anarchists/Communists] may not partake in web discussions very often, but they are in membership and corse on their views. I assure you. I'm skeptical to believe that Constitutionalists and Anarchists can confederate to find a fair and uniform political process, most especially in a "carpetbagger" kind of situation certain to be subjective to a large opposition by not only by the pre-established government itself, but in the local scene of personal politics and hometown convictions people tend to lean towards. Many elements within the FSP want a whole new system, not just a seat and some Federal bargaining rights.
My point isn't to degrade the fundamental ideas of the movement. I respect Sorens for his views and efforts. My point is that I don't personally believe this particular mixture of elements can obtain the society they proclaim to want, providing the circumstances they intend to enter into and the background it builds itself off of.
The FSP was examined on Hannity & Colmes several months back, and it was painted by the left and right as a movement ineffectively cliche in its arguments and somewhat extreme with its expectations. This sort of PR is bad for recruiting serious, well educated and politically-influential people that can help the movement. Instead, youre left with the likes comparable to Jesse Jackson and a hell of a lot of rolling eyes. They are politically suave, but are setting themselves up for a sociological thrashing, IMO.
40 posted on
02/23/2003 3:19:20 PM PST by
Hadean
To: Jack Black
Jack, you may as well give up on providing information here. A lot of these Freepers have been conditioned so thoroughly by our collectivist system that they have no concept of what liberty means or what libertarianism is about. Their judgment is barely better than that of a liberal.
To: Jack Black; dead; rightofrush; Aarchaeus
"I'm surprised at the hostility to their project evidenced here. Here are a bunch of people who want to "roll back liberal programs", theoretically a goal of Free Republic (though this place has lost a lot of focus as its grown).
They aim to do this completely by working within the US political system, peacefully. They are willing to move their families to help achieve this. In all of this I don't see anything that deserves the heavy scorn."
-jb-
Whats really surprising about the hostility to the project, is the supposed political stance of those here at FR who are 'scorning'.
Most of them profess to believe in local standards and community majority rule.
They loudly champion states 'rights' to control moral standards, -- yet here they are scorning that same view when applied to political standards. - those same standards of our constitution.
Hypocrites all.
45 posted on
02/23/2003 5:02:51 PM PST by
tpaine
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