Clarifying Where We Stand

This post is a slight detour from what I usually post. I was speaking to a friend today and asked him what he thought of what I had written so far, and he responded by saying some very nice things. But then, like a true friend, he gave me some constructive criticism. He noted that while I've taken my ideological potshots, I had not clearly defined by political belief system. I asked him to jot down his thoughts and here they are:

" I enter the discussion by saying I have the utmost respect for every person that has taken the time to add something to an already wonderful page. The editor has done a tremendous service by not only bringing up relevant issues but also making those issues fun to discuss. Those that provided feedback continue to capture my attention with their insightful comments. I probably, as much as it pains me to say, am the least well read and least educated person that has dared to contribute to the discussion. Ahh well….its all good.

I’m attracted to the editor’s libertarian perspective. I see it as a form of being an almost “through back” conservative. A conservative that really does believe and holds true to the fundamental economic, social, and moral constraints that have proven to lead to a stable individual, family, and nation. I love the idea of empowering the individual to be responsible for seizing the opportunities that life provides. I’m also not naïve enough to think that every person starts from the same point, has the same circumstances, dispositions, talents, abilities, training, parents, schooling, perspective, morals, or personal coaching. But I’ve been through enough to say, that most people in our nation really do have an abundance of opportunity that is simply undeniable.

The questions that I continue to ask of all the learned people that I converse with is simple. What is your belief about these issues at the very core? What is the most basic set of idea you subscribe to? Do you think that the government shall or can pave the path of prosperity for the nation? Do you think that expansion and proliferation of private enterprise can help nearly all people live life they want to? Is there a subtle mix of both that will allow the world to be at peace? I just would like to cut through all the nonsense about who said what to who because this person is all about saying this to get elected and all that stuff that wont matter when they get into office because they lied anyway.

I’d really like to find out what the root of the discussion is. Obviously if a person believes that the greatest good for the greatest number can be achieved by high amounts of taxation and government control then Mr. Dem would be a great president for your set of beliefs. And if another person thinks that the government needs to ease up on how, when, why, they intervene with private citizens rights and resources than may Mr. Rep or Mr. Libertarian would be the best president for this person. Hopefully, I’m clearly expressing my self.

I would like to get to a point where the true intentions of each individual could be clearly articulated. The conversation should not be about who can find the better obscure fact to prove another incompetent. The conservation should be who’s objectives and plans are best in accomplishing the mandate as human being of creating a better place for our fellow man to live. What the comments never addressed is this is how I think we can accomplish a better individual, and better family, and a better country. Who cares what the politicians say. Do we honestly believe them? Sorry, if Im cutting through all the intellectual clutter. Maybe, I’m not yet smart enough to comment on that level. But I believe if the simple people like me can get the thinkers like you all thinking in the right direction.. we might really start making a difference."

With this being said, allow me to attempt to sum up my political philosophy succinctly. I believe that government exists for one reason, which is to ensure the rights of the people and to prevent those rights from being infringed upon by other or by the government itself. I believe that people should be rewarded or chastised by the markets for their efforts or their lack thereof. In layman's terms, the government should be as small as possible, and should not interfere with my life so long as I do not directly interfere with an other's rights. I believe I should be able to make as much money as I can as long as I don't take it by force or deceit, and I don't think the government should take much if any of it. If others choose to give all their money away, not own guns or drugs or do something that I don't approve of, but won't harm me, I shall not interfere with it. In return, they should not interfere with me. Of course, this is an absolute standard which is unlikely to be enacted, but it illustrates what I think society should strive for. I am sure this will result in some interesting comments, and I look forward to hearing other people's personal political philosophy.