[William McKinley]

Ragtime Cowgirl posted a great article about this speech here.

If you enjoy reading classic conservative speeches and writings, or articles about conservative icons, you may find some more of interest in these bookmarks

[Jean S]

This is a long read but it's worth reading. This paragraph stands out.

Such as it is, however, the press has become the greatest power within Western countries, exceeding that of the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. Yet one would like to ask: According to what law has it been elected and to whom is it responsible? In the Communist East, a journalist is frankly appointed as a state official. But who has voted Western journalists into their positions of power, for how long a time, and with what prerogatives?

Thanks for the post.

[Freee-dame]

Too bad every high school senior doesn't have to read his short book "One Day in The Life of Ivan Denisovich." It might help them value the liberty and freedom that they have here in the USA.

[cornelis]

A decline in courage may be the most striking feature that an outside observer notices in the West today

Courage, as in somewhere between "fear" and "make my day."

[happygrl]

Solzhenitsyn addresses several broad issues: the lack of courage and truth in the West's political life, the legalistic form of our society, the limits of the media in providing avenues for expression of ideas, and the materialistic turn that the West has taken since the Enlightenment.

In the years since he gave this speech, I believe that some in the West have turned, in response to the conservative movement in politics, religious life and intellectual outlook.

In addition, the internet has made possible the propagation of messages outside of the stranglehold of the media. This too has spread the ideas of truth and courage. I would like to believe that Solzhenitsyn's warning was heard and produced actions and a turning from the strictly materialistic outlook to which we were propelled a quarter century ago towards a spiritual outlook accountable to God.

A seminal speech still worth a read today.

[headsonpikes]

Thanks for posting.

Always timely.

[Fzob]

read later

[cornelis]

A statesman who wants to achieve something highly constructive for his country has to move cautiously and even timidly; thousands of hasty (and irresponsible) critics cling to him at all times; he is constantly rebuffed by parliament and the press. He has to prove that his every step is well founded and absolutely flawless. Indeed, an outstanding, truly great person who has unusual and unexpected initiatives in mind does not get any chance to assert himself; dozens of traps will be set for him from the beginning. Thus mediocrity triumphs under the guise of democratic restraints.

I always wonder who decides to place our stop signs, they keep me from being courteous.

[BeAllYouCanBe]

"The Western world has lost its civic courage, both as a whole and separately, in each country, in each government, in each political party, and, of course, in the United Nations. "

We live in a nation guided by self-esteem and protection from all negative feelings.(The establishment of the nanny-state.) The UN is seen by the liberals as the solution to all the world's problems??

This guy had it 100% right in 1978!! Great article, thanks.

[spunkets]

bump

[Utah Girl]

Ping

[betty boop]

Thanks for the great post, William McKinley!

P. thought you'd want to see this.

[Constitution Day]

Thanks for the post.
I saw this speech mentioned in NR's recent issue and look forward to reading it.