01-22-2018, 07:41 PM
(01-22-2018, 04:26 PM)pbrower2a Wrote:(01-20-2018, 08:52 PM)nebraska Wrote: If 50% of the US is Fascist and 50% is Communist then who will speak up for freedom?
About 5% of Americans are fascists or Marxists. About 15% of Americans are "Marxist Lite" or "Fascist Lite". Another 15% on either side are best described as "fellow travelers". About 20% of all Americans are hyper-partisan Republicans and another 20% are hyper-partisan Democrats. On each side about 5% are decided leaners R or D. That leaves 10% in the middle. They decide most elections.
I would go with PBower, with the following tidbits, observations or beliefs. There are more types of hyper-partisans than two. It isn't possible to make them shut up, or even be courteous. Even partisans can speak up for freedom as they see it. Often they shrilly speak for reducing freedom, for principles or values which if everyone abided by would make for something they find more pleasant. Freedom suggests that they should not be able to use violence, force or intimidation to impose their values on others. There are some who perceive any action by government as being violence, force or intimidation.
Is representative democracy tyranny? Can representatives side with elites to form tyranny, to kill freedom? Should libertarians use any means available to impose their values on others?
Do as thy will, but harm none. There are some who harm others. Elites do harm others, by claiming resources which are not shared equitably. Should the government criminalize behavior that harms others? Should the state not work for the general welfare? Should the state assure one particular company profits? As far back as the hunter-gatherers, the chiefs would seek the ability to command, resources and territory. Does anyone think to stop this? Is the ability to command freedom tyranny? How does one draw any line between criminalizing behavior that harms others, profitability, promoting the general welfare, and promoting a specific company's welfare?
The classic check and balance answer to the thread's question says freedom of speech should mean Trump should not use the government to partisan ends. However, you leave yourself open to suit if lies harm others.
That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.