I think it's close to critical that we have a nationwide -- if not worldwide -- brainstorm on fundamental political topics. Freedom, rights, limited government, and their several domains of applicability are no longer shared concepts on whose meaning there is general agreement; instead, they've become "shibboleths."
The ancient Hebrews used the word "shibboleth" as a password to their fortified places, because their enemies could not pronounce it properly. In current parlance, a "shibboleth" is a position-point that's effectively beyond debate. That is, when you introduce it to a discussion, your opponent is unable to respond effectively, except perhaps to note that you've changed the subject. Another term for this is "motherhood issue."
Everyone is for "freedom." Everyone believes in "rights." Everyone believes in keeping government to its "proper duties." It's when you get down to details that the conflicts come out.
This is too large a topic for a full exploration on FreeRepublic's bandwidth. Watch the Palace; with luck, I'll have a piece up there within a day or so.
Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit the Palace Of Reason:
http://palaceofreason.com