I am conservative, and have been pleased to agree on some things with the libertarians, and interested in exploring areas of disagreement. The main problem is the idea property rights trump every other consideration, including the need for an adequate regard for decency and civic virtue.
Feelings should not trump ideas. One reason is that the person who listens to his heart as an oracle has abdicated his responsibility to answer for his opinions, removed himself from scrutiny, and succumbed to arbitrariness. Every deluded fool "knows" that what he believes is true, and denounces others when challenged. How to arbitrate except through rational discourse?
Freedom is a moral necessity, for we must each take responsibility for our actions. A nation of "wards of the state" is untenable, for where will we get the adults to care for us?
Freedom is a practical necessity, because largely free markets are the best engine of economic development and material progress devised.
Freedom is a political necessity, because the only way to prevent the depredations of government is to hold it accountable, and only those who are concern to maintain there liberty will do so.
We must civilize the rising generation, and uphold civilized standards in general. However, refraining from interfering too much in the business of others is one of those standards.
Generally, you seem to have made a good start in questioning the established assumptions of an academic environment, which is great! Perhaps in the future there will be more discussion, and less acrimony, on this thread.... |
