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To: King Prout

License -- individual action is unfettered. Anything goes. If it feels good, do it. The Modern approach. Santorum apparently doesn't like this. Neither do I. Libertarians support this more than either Republicans or Democrats.
Obligation: No obligations to anyone but yourself
Consequences: Bad things can happen and no one should be blamed except the individual who made choices that led to certain consequences.

Liberty -- society is unencumbered by layers of government restriction. You can live where you want, work where you want. Society may restrict individual action, and basic economic reality may restrict individual action even more, but government restrictions are intended to be minimized. The Republicans support this more than the Democrats.
Obligation: Individuals have obligations to other individuals and to society in general. Social constructions, such as the family or church, become centerpieces of social interaction. Individuals are valued, but are secondary to larger social forces. Government intrusion is to be expected if things go very wrong, and so society attempts to ameliorate problems within itself so that government intrusion is not invited.
Consequences: Anti-social behavior may lead to ostracism and perhaps even vigilante justice. Those who do not try to get along can expect little social assistance. Economic realities may be painful, although churches and charitable organizations are apt to cushion the blow to some extent.

Freedom -- individual actions are enabled. You want to go to college? Government will pay for it. You want to have an abortion? Government will pay for it. You are free to do as you wish, and be sure that others will bail you out if things go wrong. Democrats support this more than Republicans.
Obligation: No obligations to anyone but yourself. Society, however, and government itself is expected to have endless obligations to the individual.
Consequences: People who support this type of Freedom expect to be bailed out when trouble strikes.


14 posted on 09/07/2005 12:03:52 PM PDT by ClearCase_guy
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To: ClearCase_guy

better.


18 posted on 09/07/2005 12:18:24 PM PDT by King Prout (and the Clinton Legacy continues: like Herpes, it is a gift that keeps on giving.)
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To: ClearCase_guy

What you described as "Freedom" would more accurately be called "Entitlement."


21 posted on 09/07/2005 12:31:42 PM PDT by Larry Lucido
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