Posted on 12/10/2004 9:37:54 AM PST by rogerv
Hi, gang,
I was a regular contributor to the Kerry Online Forum and am now a regular contributor to the Common Ground Common Sense forum. I am a liberal, but I'll be the first to admit, I don't have all the answers. In fact, many of hte questions that matter to me probably matter to you too. I'm concerned with questions about how to tame power, whether governmental or corporate. I'm concern with the rule of law and how we can get the powerful to take it seriously. I'm concerned with the erosion of civil liberties. And yes, I am concerned about some things you may associate with liberalism--social safety nets and taking care of those who fall through the institutional cracks.
I'm here because I think agreement is overrated and that critics can be your best friends: they keep you from getting sloppy or careless. At any rate, I think there are things I can learn from you. I don't expect you are all agreed on anything--I expect there is a lot of diversity of opinion here. If you are interested in what I have said over at Common Ground Common Sense, I'm using the same handle both places, and you should feel free to come over and look around.
Anyway, I'm new here. Anybody care to give me a tour?
I recall one of the founders of this nation saying that to construct a government based on the premise of honesty and altruism of its officials would be "calculating on the weaker springs of human nature."
That they constructed a Constitution that did not fall into that trap, one which took into account the fact that people can't be relied upon to be honest and altruistic, is why it has become the longest-enduring such document in history.
give the poor guy a chance we have been dropping responses on him worse then the bombing of Baghdad during the first Gulf War.
BUMP post #327 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Union Leaders?! Wow!
A conservative union leader.
We really ARE a diverse group!
That's GOOD!
Winter is akumin in
I'm here because I think agreement is overrated and that critics can be your best friends: they keep you from getting sloppy or careless. At any rate, I think there are things I can learn from you. I don't expect you are all agreed on anything--I expect there is a lot of diversity of opinion here
****************************
I don't know. Does anyone else have that funny feeling?
Your suspicions are right on the mark.
You can yell "fire" in a crowded auditorium, but is it wise to do it?
Freedoms are only for those that can handle the responcibility.
For what it's worth, I'm skeptical of my motives. I don't think anybody's motives are pure. But I do have some serious questions, and I won't say anything but what I believe. And I will go on record saying there are some conservatives I actually like: Paul Gigot and David Brooks. I'll need to get back to you on the questions because I want to think about which ones to start with, and where is the appropriate forum to post them. Thanks for the welcome.
True! good points...
Myself personally on the spell check is I refuse it is a tool of the man meant to hold us down! :)
(sorry last rant on spell check was a DU persona slip) :)
Now this is interesting. How can you communicate with someone if you are always talking from a direction he's not seeing? This sounds a lot like redefining words to me.
I am impressed that you are still here and have posted a few more comments in this thread. However, I would be more impressed if you had answered the question immediately asked of you in post #2. How do you feel like your civil liberties have been eroded? Since you brought the topic to attention, I believe you should answer the question.
It is my belief if you can sincerely and honestly provide an answer, we can begin an open and helpful discussion for us all. Otherwise, that comment sounds like a Democrat talking point.
Ignore the troll comments for the time being there are a few that will call you it regardless.. looking forward to the converstations though.. Hopefully we don't agree... that is the spice of life.. :)
I think that your two posts are saying essentially the same thing.
One is talking about society, the other is talking about government, which makes them appear to be opposite.
We can trust members of our society to manage their own affairs and money as they see fit, but that doesn't mean that elected officials can or should be trusted with power over others.
Reminds me of muslims who spout, Islam, the religion of peace. Right before they saw your head off.
Maybe it's just my naturally suspicious nature, but I sense a soft probe from a stealth troll. Over 300 posts and not a single response of substance.
Don't feel pregnant and alone on this one, guys. My antennae are getting the same warning tingles...
Common sense ping! post #327
45 Goals of American Communism
Let us know how close you believe the democrat party's platform is to all the issues contained in the above link...and if you agree or support any of them.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.