| Porcupine_I said: Define Freedom first. |
That's the point. They never really define it. Does freedom mean being able to start a business without so many government regulations and tax? The US is probably better than most places for that. Or does freedom mean that I can go to a bar after 2AM with a 20 year old responsible adult? The US is worse about that than most of the world. Or does it simply mean that I can speak against the government, assemble peaceably, etc. OWS is testing the boundaries for that freedom at the moment. Let's not forget "free speech zones" which is a paradox in itself. Does it mean the freedom for citizens to have equal opportunity to find employment without having to worry about race, gender, religion, SO, etc.? Or does it mean that business owners can hire or deny anyone for race or any other reason?
There are many ways to define freedom, which is one reason I think that the statement is too vague.
"Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, IT IS THE LEADERS of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is TELL THEM THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN ANY COUNTRY." --Hermann Goering, leading Nazi party member, at the Nuremberg War Crime Trials
Conservatives: Pushing for a small enough government to be a guest in your living room, or even better - your uterus.
