Can you name those brave adventurers who discovered those rights? When when did it happen. I know Columbus discovered the America in 1492. What it before that? Rights were not "discovered" through the cognitive process of reason by some some studious old professor type with a compass and a slide ruler. Right are inherent in humans (possibly endowed) and knowledge of them are available to everyone.
No it wasn't. Our nation was founded by the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. And what does that document say our our nation was founded on?
I think a nation, to survive, must have some cohesiveness. Must have something that binds them together. If many in the nations wish to move towards socialism and many wish to remain a capitalist society, as do I, then we have a divide. One for which there may not be an agreeable solution. If we cannot agree on such a basic tenet then what is ahead of us? So to answer your question, Yes. Yes we must agree on some core values. If we do not then we will move in different directions. Of course there is much room for amiable disagreement in many areas. But when fundamental political, economic and, yes, religious convictions which go to the core of men's souls are at odds... well, When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another...
IntenseDebate Notification <DIV>A house divided cannot stand. I believe that. If this poll truly reflects our nation's path then we have troubles ahead of us. I like your observations on what is missing. There is a line of thought as you describe. Not only do some of our fellow citizens believe it, much of our government is an advocate for it. I believe it a means to power for the latter. There is much talk about taking our government back, and I believe we must or we are doomed. But there are many powerful men who will do anything within there power to maintian the course they have plotted. Eventually I believe, as you suggest, there must be investment and sacrifice in exchange for gain. To gain freedom the investment is usually blood.</DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">
IntenseDebate Notification <DIV>You make some interesting points even thoughI don't agree with all. But here's the bottom line (or at least one of them). Socialism and capitalism are not compatible. At least in the extremes. Those dedicated to either will be fighting against each other for dominance. First in the political area but eventually it may spill over into a more volatile one. We fought against tyranny 233 ago. If a third of our population now (maybe more tomorrow) move us further toward socialism because they truly feel it is the better solution can civil conflict be far behind? </DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">
IntenseDebate Notification <DIV>I agree with you. As a parent I can see my failure in that area. Wanting your children to have a better life is normal. I think my generation, regretably, never taught the lessons of work, sacrafice and a penny earned is a penny saved.</DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">
IntenseDebate Notification <DIV>I appreciate you perspective but I am not interested in a religious discussion here. Don't get me wrong, I believe in God and that he is the source of our rights,and I have participated in other threads on that issue. I am not asking about politics or religion. My question here is are we fighting a losing battle when we try to preserve the union.</DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">
IntenseDebate Notification <DIV>That is why I fear for our nation. I applaud people who want to find a way to heal our nation and pull it back together. But a nation is a people with strong common bonds. There are many bonds but few aremore core than a belief in God (regardless of deism or theism roots) and a belief in freedom and private property. Everyone does not have to share these core beliefs but a very, very strong, overwhelmingmajority does. I will continue to help preserve our nation but I fear it is destined to separate just as we were in 1776. </DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">
I read a disturbing bit of news on a website today. A recent Rasmussen national survey found that only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism. 20% think socialism is better and 27% are not sure which is better. The numbers are worse for the under 30 crowd. On this website I've seen many conversation threads that discuss if there is or isn't a God and whether or not our rights emanate from God or they are a product of human ingenuity.
I do not wish to start thread about capitalism or socialism or religion. What I am concerned with is what hope does America have when we as a nation do not agree on such core values? I have often said over the past 8 to 10 years that I fully expect to see civil strife or, worse, states secede in my lifetime. I'm 53. How can a nation pull together when at the most fundamental levels we are pulling ourselves apart?
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