McMussolini (Ilana Mercer On The Conservative Dilemma Between Socialism And Statism Alert)

Recall, Barack's bride had already cautioned that her husband would not let Americans be complacent. Under an Obama administration, the right to opt out and be left alone – an essential ingredient of American individualism – would be frowned upon. Obama himself has called for "shared sacrifice." "At $3.5 billion a year," reported the Washington Post, Obama's "service plan would "grow the AmeriCorps program … expand the Foreign Service and create an Energy Corps to conduct renewable energy and environmental cleanup projects."

Pilfering from the people so as to establish brigades that'll corral them into this or the other service is immoral and unconstitutional. It's also unnecessary. As a percentage of their aggregate income, Americans give more to charity than citizens of any other country. Their time Americans donate with equal generosity. The extent, the depth and the consistency of America's private giving negate the need for Obama's political pelf.

McCain's national greatness "conservatism" sees the individual as a cog in the service of the collective. Contra McMussolini, the American Founders placed the individual before the collective, giving pride of place to individual liberties before duties. James Madison and the other founders attempted to forestall raw democracy by devising a republic, the hallmark of which was the preservation of individual liberty. The Bill of Rights places primacy on the rights of the individual.

An interesting conservative dilemma, one that Ilana Mercer summarizes as follows:

Asks Samples: "The election of a progressive like … Obama would deprive conservatives of power. The election of a progressive like McCain would deprive conservatives of both the government and the means to resist progressivism. Which is the lesser evil?"

Its not like we can resist socialism or encroaching statism. I'd happily vote NOTA if there was such a choice. Government today just has too much power.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

Work parties in “National Service” is not my idea of where I would like this country to go. I have worked considerably in this area over the past six years. Volunteerism is a community building element. The best money invested in strengthening a community is in leadership training (group dynamics, running a meeting, asset mapping, strategic and action planning, fundraising, project development) ; non-profit Board development; and collaboration and public/private partnerships. What you want to end up with is a community that is self-determinant, has a shared vision, has multiple leaders, a culture of collaboration among organizations, youth involvement in leadership and a high degree of volunteerism among residents. You want to leverage public funds with private business and foundation grants to assist in developing strong communities that select their own directions. You do not want a National bureaucracy that musters volunteers to come in and do what the government thinks is best. This creates dependence, a culture of victimization and everything the Republican Party is against.

John McCain is so right on this. The private sector does it best. AmeriCrops can help by providing help to community nonprofits while building skills and work experience. VISTA can help bring expertise into a community, but it sounds like Obama wants a work corps as an alternative to military service. This will not help build and strengthen communities from the inside out. You will end up with a nation of New Orleans victims awaiting outside help.

I'd be happy to blow that frown right off their face if they showed up on my doorstep demanding I turn over my children. Buckshot or hollow-point? I'm courteous to my "guests"...

Obama himself has called for "shared sacrifice." "At $3.5 billion a year," reported the Washington Post, Obama's "service plan would "grow the AmeriCorps program … expand the Foreign Service and create an Energy Corps to conduct renewable energy and environmental cleanup projects."

Forced indentured servitude to the state. FO:OB!

This whole topic goes over the heads of probably at least 75% of the voting public. That's why the campaign is about Britney Spears, skin color, "change", experience, greek columns, lipstick, gaffes, and other such nonsense.

It's striking to go back and read some of Reagan's speeches, before he was elected. They were reasoned, they concerned deep, timeless principles of the highest importance. Now it's just a big joke. We have achieved pure democracy, and are reaping the results.

I can't see how the winner will have a mandate to do anything, since issues really have nothing to do with the election thus far.

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