Liberal Democracy

[poliphilo]

Western Liberal Democracy tolerates and even protects those who desire its downfall. That's its nature.  It cannot launch pre-emptive strikes against its internal enemies without destroying itself. 

It values freedom of speech so highly it allows the speech that could bring it down.

It accepts that freedom cannot be defended by curtailing freedom.

It gambles on goodwill always being stronger than evil will, on love being stronger than hate.

It is prepared to take risks with its own security.

Its enemies call it weak; it would be more accurate to call it complacent in its strength.

It may seem fragile, but it is held together by a balance of forces, by tension- like a gothic cathedral or a suspension bridge.

We should be proud of it. 

For all its faults, it is the best society we've built- as yet.

Comments

[pecosbill.livejournal.com]

Why can't some people see all that? I'm talking about people who call themselves patriots and lovers of freedom; who would be willing to sacrifice everything, including our freedom, to save our freedom. I see such a strong authoritarian streak in conservatism, neo or otherwise, such a strong desire to attack those who are different, who don't fit in.

I certainly agree with your ideas here and also that they are very well said.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

Super patriots are often in love with a dream version of their country and not with the thing itself.

Towards the end of his life John Wayne was so disgusted with the USA that he seriously considered moving to Mexico.

[daisytells.livejournal.com]

I did not know that. I'm wondering whose policies made him feel that way. Ever since the Vietnam War and the Watergate thing there have been extreme switches from time to time.

[haikujaguar.livejournal.com]

How funny... I was thinking the same thing about the extreme other side. :)