Saturday, February 18, 2006
(Weekly Column)One of the great fallacies in modern lore is that liberalism stands for nothing and liberals have no core beliefs. The right wing, from the Pope to the President, has impugned the left by unfairly portraying it as a valueless movement mired in moral relativism.
This could not be further from the truth. Indeed, the left is the backbone of freedom, the defender of personal liberty, the guarantor of free speech and religious worship and the nurturer of democratic movements across the globe. Far from believing in nothing, wherever liberal democratic values prevail, civilizations flourish and emancipated people thrive.
The cornerstone of liberalism is the idea that each person is endowed with the precious gift of liberty and can freely choose his or her own path - for better or worse. We believe this is crucial to greater enlightenment, personal growth, and ultimate fulfillment. It also offers the best opportunity for people to realize their dreams and achieve their spiritual promise.
Liberalism encourages exploration and education. It reveres science and celebrates the inquisitive mind. Indeed, liberal values are often superior to those held on the right, because they are tenaciously subjected to rigorous examination. Beliefs that are questioned and still prevail are the ones that stand the test of time. Far from moral relativism, liberalism searches for the ultimate value in which to build a moral foundation: Truth.
Right wing movements across the globe often seem uninterested in such truth if it contradicts their obdurate belief systems. Reality averse, they are woefully unable to adjust to new understandings, burgeoning ideas and cultural awakenings.
Liberals believe in the power of reason, while conservatives are often just plain reactionary. This is why the GOP is the party of the "southern strategy" and anti-gay subterfuge. Republican power is directly related to fertilizing fear and fomenting fanaticism.
Modern conservatives are often discomfited by the complexities of life and demand answers to the world's many unanswerable questions. They arrogantly and disingenuously claim to have absolute truth, while liberalism boldly proclaims that it does not have such ubiquitous powers of understanding. Liberalism is for those who are unafraid to fully embrace the magnificent journey of life and tackle the great mysteries of our time.
Modern conservatives will claim that liberals are sacrilegious for holding such beliefs. To the contrary, liberals are often extraordinarily religious or spiritual people. However, they diverge with conservatives in that they believe the strongest faith is one that is subject to healthy skepticism and painstaking examination. In encouraging people to explore all faiths - free of guilt, shame, coercion or fear - liberalism also offers people the greatest number of spiritual options.
Conservatives often attack gay rights because they know it is the mark of a free society that abhors authoritarian control. If a country treats gay people with dignity and respect and offers them equality, it signals that the country bases its decisions on sound education, rationalism and science. This inevitably leads towards success in all spheres of life.
Countries that ostracize and penalize homosexuals tend to be superstitious, rigid and anti-intellectual. This almost uniformly leads to poverty, war, oppression and ultimately tyranny.
A cynic might argue that the United States is not as gay friendly as other countries, yet, it is the richest country in the world. True, but nearly all of America's cities and states that are centers of profit and creativity offer increased levels of acceptance for homosexuals. States most hostile to gay people are relatively backwards, with lower levels of education and income.
In essence, gay rights is the canary in the coal mine for freedom and prosperity. Unfortunately, the bird is hacking, signaling a period of increased oppression and a dangerous erosion of freedom. It is up to us to rescue this nation from the hazardous, retrograde path it is now on.
It is time we proudly stand up for what we believe in. If we don't defend our values, our opponents will define them. Progressive does not mean passive. Our compassion does not mean that we lack passion. Our respect for other beliefs does not signify that we don't hold strong beliefs of our own that we are willing to fight for.
Indeed, our power comes from our ability to adjust to reality. We are secure in our values, yet humble enough to adapt if our viewpoints are proven obsolete. Wherever liberal democracy takes root, a strong and proud record of economic, moral, social and political achievement follows.
In this midterm election year, I hope that you will be inspired to defend your values and work to create a better society where all people can live in dignified harmony and achieve the pinnacle of their social, spiritual and human potential. In other words, create a more liberal world.
20 Comments:
Liberals have always been on the right side of history. It was a liberal who first said that slavery was wrong, that women should vote, and that the races should not be separated, just to name a few.
Even in their respective times, those ideas were met by conservatives with venom, but now, conservatives accept them as truth. This is evidenced by the President speaking at Coretta Scott King's funeral. In the 1960s, he would have stayed away.
In another hundred years or so, conservatives will be accepting the rights of gays and lesbians just as they now accept that slavery was wrong, that women should vote, and that the races should be integrated. Conservatives were the ones who fought those ideas when they first came about! I wonder if they have ever learned that change is inevitable and there is nothing they can do about that. Not even Ann Coulter. It is a shame that they are years behind the rest of us.
posted by Matthew, at
2/13/2006 12:18 PM
Wayne wrote: "[We should] work to create a better society where all people can live in dignified harmony and achieve the pinnacle of their social, spiritual and human potential."
I couldn't agree more with this stated objective of our efforts.
However, the Enlightenment ideals are increasingly at risk due to the concentration of wealth and power. Once the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity/human togetherness were furthered by entrepreneurial capitalism. But today, monopoly capitalism threatens more exploitation, destruction and death, as we witness in Afghanistan, Iraq and right here at home. In the struggle for resources and markets, production in service of private profit has led to intensified conflict. More conflict is inevitable no matter which party heads the regime in Washington.
The philosophy of liberalism that you describe simply cannot withstand the assault of concentrated greed that is battering at hardwon rights: rights identified by cleareyed visionaries and won in the streets and on the shop floors by organization of the oppressed and our allies.
Ultimately, the overthrow of the system of organized exploitation, racism and war must be undertaken. In a phrase, capitalism must be thrust aside and be replaced by socialism. The choice today is in even sharper relief than it was when Karl Marx asserted more than 150 years ago: "The choice is socialism or barbarism."
posted by Bob Schwartz, at
2/13/2006 6:09 PM
Meanwhile, a salute to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment:
"In the Name of God the Compassionate and Merciful...
Our city was the main base of operations for Abu Mousab Al Zarqawi. The city was completely held hostage in the hands of his henchmen. Our schools, governmental services, businesses and offices were closed. Our streets were silent, and no one dared to walk them. Our people were barricaded in their homes out of fear; death awaited them around every corner. Terrorists occupied and controlled the only hospital in the city. Their savagery reached such a level that they stuffed the corpses of children with explosives and tossed them into the streets in order to kill grieving parents attempting to retrieve the bodies of their young. This was the situation of our city until God prepared and delivered unto them the courageous soldiers of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, who liberated this city, ridding it of Zarqawi’s followers after harsh fighting, killing many terrorists, and forcing the remaining butchers to flee the city like rats to the surrounding areas, where the bravery of other 3d ACR soldiers in Sinjar, Rabiah, Zumar and Avgani finally destroyed them.
I have met many soldiers of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment; they are not only courageous men and women, but avenging angels sent by The God Himself to fight the evil of terrorism."
http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/004167.html
posted by , at
2/13/2006 6:32 PM
--
BRAVO Mr. Besen! BRAVO!
Most excellently said.
--
Paul in Houston
posted by , at
2/13/2006 11:24 PM
Absolutely Right ON Wayne!! Right on!
One of my favorite quotes comes from Oliver Wendal Holmes
When the question is asked and answered---
Why do I have to pay taxes?
Oliver Wendell Holmes, former Justice of the United States Supreme Court, said,
"Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society." In some respects, a "civilized society" is the rationale for government in the first place. The signers of the Declaration of Independence set out to establish a new form of government for the "protection of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". To this end, the framers of our constitution enumerated the proper fiscal functions of government as "to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States". Taxes are simply the preferred method for paying for these governmental functions, the other methods being the issuance of public debt and the issuance of money."
************************************************************
posted by , at
2/14/2006 1:17 AM
Anonymous Said: "I have met many soldiers of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment; they are not only courageous men and women, but avenging angels sent by The God Himself to fight the evil of terrorism."
God didn't send those men into harms way BUSH did and he Ain't God. I know God, he wouldn't have done such a disatrous deed!
posted by , at
2/14/2006 1:23 AM
Perfectly said Wayne, the only things I would have stressed a bit more would have been protection of the environment, protection of the rights of workers which includes distribution of wealth and universal health care and education.
Gary (NJ)
posted by , at
2/14/2006 10:03 AM
Dominick,
One of these days you will learn that in order to get the freedom you want for GLBT people there must be others who make a sacrifice for it.
The 3rd ACR surely made serious sacrifices for the freedom this city enjoys today per their mayor.
I also seriously doubt that George W. Bush would ever identify or even consider himself as "God"...
posted by , at
2/14/2006 10:10 AM
Anonymous: "One of these days you will learn that in order to get the freedom you want for GLBT people there must be others who make a sacrifice for it"
Oh and does that mean we should not only go to Iraq and create a war but next Iran? ALL for the GLBT freedoms? ahahahahahahaha. So how come you stress "others" must make a scarifice? Not you though? LOL
And I'll say it again, GOD would Not have started this horrid war ESPECIALLY one that killed Millions of innocent defenseless civilians and children in the name of a so called Democracy.
BUSH did this and I'll reiterate Bush is NOT GOD!
posted by , at
2/14/2006 12:56 PM
Dominick,
Wayne Besen and others (see last week) might challenge you on going to war with Iran.
Again, when did George W. Bush ever say he was God? (Still, I'll bet if his troops had liberated your city from al-Zarqawi said soldiers would look like angels to you.)
posted by , at
2/14/2006 1:47 PM
Anonymous,
Though I admire Wayne Besen and his work this forum isn't quite the popululace, but the opinion of some.
You seem to be confused. You were thanking GOD for sending men to Iraq---GOD did NOT send men to IRAQ, George, friggin' numb nuts lieing BUSH did! God would not have Done such a disastrous Deed, only MAN could do this.. And you know what? it's really silly to hold a conversation least of all an argument and one over GOD with with a person named Anonymous!
posted by , at
2/14/2006 9:47 PM
"The cornerstone of liberalism is the idea that each person is endowed with the precious gift of liberty and can freely choose his or her own path - for better or worse. We believe this is crucial to greater enlightenment, personal growth, and ultimate fulfillment. It also offers the best opportunity for people to realize their dreams and achieve their spiritual promise."
Unless you're an ex-gay who's left your gayness behind and are madly in love with a woman whom you want to marry and spend the rest of your life with...
posted by , at
2/20/2006 10:39 AM
Dominick,
Anonymous, you might want to check your facts. For the second time, "anonymous" didn't say God sent in the troops to Iraq...the mayor of the city which was chief terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's former base of operations was the one thanking God for GWB's troops.
posted by , at
2/20/2006 10:46 AM
"Unless you're an ex-gay who's left your gayness behind and are madly in love with a woman whom you want to marry and spend the rest of your life with..."
--- What an total ignoramous. Gay people are not trying to enact laws that prohibit so-called ex-gays from marrying or participating in American life. Unfortunately, you can't say the same about ex-gay groups. Men like Exodus Alan Chambers are trying to pass laws to perscute gay people .....So, your comparison is laughable at best.
posted by Wayne Besen, at
2/20/2006 11:26 AM
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posted by , at
3/19/2008 9:06 AM
心中一阵不安升降机，因为我忽然又想起了那道剑光升降平台，可怕的剑光升降台，美丽的剑光登车桥。为什么那一剑是那么的美丽货架，却又那么的可怕呢集装袋？在我倒下之前我说地磅，好美的剑塑料托盘，好恨的剑塑料托盘。我倒下了仓储笼。在我失去知觉之前仓储笼，我听到他说北京货架，这叫艺术超市货架，剑的艺术北京货架。
我并没有死广州货架，原来我的心是在右边仓储货架，而是不是左边货架厂。所以在那穿胸一剑之下我并没有死南京货架。
是一阵暴雨把我冲醒了货架公司。听说雨是上天的眼泪深圳货架，也许这天又有人死在那美丽的剑光之下吧服装货架！我张开嘴巴托盘，任雨水打进我的嘴托盘，直冲我的胃塑料托盘。我的伤口又开始流血塑料托盘，但已经不痛了木托盘。试问：仓储笼一个心已经死了的人仓储笼，肉体上的疼痛又算得了什么呢仓储笼？我知道我的刀再练一百年也无法那么美丽仓储笼，那么恨托盘，而且永远别想杀了他托盘。
我退出江湖了手推车，我没有通知江湖上的朋友们静音手推车，并来一个什么金盆洗手静音手推车，因为我的朋友们差不多都被他杀了置物架。我悄悄的走了置物架，隐进了山林之中堆垛架。俨然一个世外高人的样子堆垛架，每天一壶绿茶登高车，放在身边的几上登高车，然后或盯着一朵白云超市手推车，或盯着一片树叶物流手推车，或双目紧闭物流台车。我的刀在玉盆中泡了七七四十九天角钢货架，已经没有血腥味了角钢货架。然后我把它放在我的屋顶轻型货架，任它风吹雨打轻型货架。
十年就这年过去了中型货架。为何今天天忽然想起那柄剑中型货架，那道剑光重型货架？而且内心为什么如此不安重型货架？不应该是这样的仓库货架，对于一个喝了十年绿茶的人来说服装货架，面对死上海货架，也已不再惧怕精品货架，不再不安苏州货架，但今天又为何如此呢托盘货架？
莫非是他青岛货架，和他的剑库房货架，加上他的剑光沈阳货架。我已不问江湖之事天津货架，想他十年前也应该坐上武林盟主的位子了杭州货架，一个武林中人做了武林盟主山东货架，这一生还有什么要求的呢文件柜？
我不停的喝着绿茶工具柜。绿茶静心工具柜。但此时怎么也静不下来零件柜。茶已尽工作台。平时茶尽之时工作台，正也是日落之时工作桌。
一定快有什么事情发生了工作桌。
剑还是那美丽的剑Google左侧排名，如果再加上一道剑光吹塑机，就会形成剑的艺术色带，武学的艺术电源插座。
我问反光背心：为何还来找我滚针轴承，我已在十年之前就退出江湖了夜光粉。
他说文化石：因为你没死缎带，因为我没有对手风火轮。
我说激光打标机：十年前已不是你的对手平衡机，何况现在十年未动刀大功率led。
他说磁力泵：放眼天下梯子，只有你一个人是我的对手网眼袋，也只你一个人对我的威胁无尘布。
我不再说话手摇手电筒，因为我不知道说什么手板，我知道我十年前就开始找我毛巾布，发现我没有死就开始找我磁钢。我不死促销台，他心不安模具钢材。
他说时尚配饰：拿出你的刀筛网。
我说齿轮泵：我已无刀天使花房，命托辊，亦可有可无色丁。
他盯着我广告衫，握剑的手越来越紧钢坯，我知道那道美丽的剑光可能随时发出过滤网。在那美丽过后疏水阀，我的生命将画上句号胸章。
阳光照在了刀上发热管，反射到他的脸上手机耳机。他发现了那把刀螺杆，我的刀插销，宝刀蝴蝶，没有鞘的刀工具包。
刀已在我手中点钞机，刀还是那把刀配电箱，人却已不是那个人流苏，因为心不是那颗心沙滩巾。
他为了杀我竟找了我十年氯化镁，而为了和我比武竟帮我从屋顶拿下我的刀来双面胶带，并放在我的手中碳纤维。我忽然发现排线，他也变了汽车座垫，他在后悔十年前将所有高手都杀绝珍珠奶茶。
高手的悲哀太阳伞。
我握紧了刀桥架，我看着他的眼tpr，已经不再像十年前那样明亮了钢丝。
他的剑划出柴油发电机组，划出一道美丽的剑光护栏。我想围栏，这十年他大概在不停地使自己的剑光更美围栏。
我的刀也出了隔离网。简单的动作隔离网，一刀刺进了他的胸网片。那道美丽的光忽然停止网片，停在我的衣服上南京货架。
他说北京货架：这也是艺术北京货架，杀人的艺术北京货架，想不到你十年不动刀还懂这个艺术仓储货架。
我说仓储货架：因为我不想再让你痛苦了广州货架。
他说广州货架：谢谢货架厂。
我走了货架公司。我头也不回的走了塑料托盘。没有取回我的刀塑料托盘，因为我觉得它在我身边已经没用塑料托盘，我后悔我十年前为什么不扔了它塑料托盘？我听到了尸体倒下的声音塑料托盘。我流泪了塑料托盘，我真的不想杀他仓储笼，十年前不想仓储笼，十年后也不想仓储笼，因为我下山时答应过师父仓储笼，一切让着他仓储笼。
我叹了一口气仓储笼。远去仓储笼。
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