We Need Militant Nationalism

[David Horn]

(07-12-2017, 11:26 AM)Bob Butler 54 Wrote:

(07-12-2017, 10:37 AM)David Horn Wrote: I essentially agree with this, but would like to add a comment of my own. 

There seems to be an ongoing attempt by both sides to skip the first step in any discussion, defining the first principles they are attempting to achieve, prior to lashing out at the other side.  Instead, both sides start with a dissected policy agenda and try to shoehorn it into a narrative that is consistent and, more to the point, aligned with their side.  What that leaves is a validation hole in their argument.  How do you argue that this or that idea achieves your goals, when the goals are murky at best?  I think we can agree that several primary goals can be identified, if not universally shared.  I'll list those that seem important to me:

1. Greater general prosperity is always net good, though how it is shared can be argued 
   
2. More contributors to the economy is better than fewer contributors, since greater participation assists with achieving the first goal
   
3. People need to feel safe and secure in their lives and possessions at all levels.  Foreign threats are important, but safe neighborhoods are too.
   

I could add more.  Most if not all fit under the rubric of FDR's Four Freedoms.  Perhaps that terminology should be avoided, since it is implicitly partisan, though it shouldn't be.  Just set the goals.  Then show how your ideas make it achievable.

I've no problem with the above.  I agree that neither side is being great about first principles.  We could correct this here.

Your three points do seem to come under the Four Freedoms, notably the positive Freedoms from Fear and Want.

Perhaps partisan language might be avoided, but if the goal is to set not murky major goals for the parties or perspectives, it seems hard do avoid partisan language without watering down the messages.  I tried to set the red approach in a positive way without going on the attack too badly, but I feel sure a true red believer could do significantly better.

Color me dubious. We all seem to march ever further into our respective corners, and no one seems ready to stop. We have get to 'stop' before any of us can start to retrace our steps. Count me among the guilty.