[maine-iac7]

bttt

[SirJohnBarleycorn]

The moral discipline required for liberty is therefore the capacity to keep our use of freedom within boundaries consistent with respect for the determinations of God that make it possible.

Good essay. A materialistic, hedonistic, selfish people can not be governed under the light hand envisioned by the Founding Fathers and the government of such a people will eventually evolve into a police state.

[Zon]

It's about the true starting point of moral deliberation — the principles of moral judgment, the standards, ideas and ideals of what is to be praised, what is to be blamed, what is to be honored, what is to be condemned.

Initiation of force, threat of force and fraud to be condemned. Initiation of force is the denial of reason. First, the criminal initiating force denies his own ability to reason, and secondly, it denies the victim his ability to reason. 

[Gelato]

The first paragraph is outstanding:

In a republic such as the United States is supposed to be, the sovereignty of the people derives from and reflects the personal sovereignty of the individuals who comprise it. Therefore, the capacity for private choice and the nature of the choices made are inherently matters of public consequence.

No one else "gets it" like Keyes.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

2004 Senate Election Results

Name	Party	Votes	Percentage
Barack Obama	Democratic	3,524,702	70
Alan Keyes	Republican	1,371,882	27
Albert J. Franzen	Independent	79,481	2
Jerry Kohn	Libertarian	67,914	1

[Registered]

The American dream wasn't just about money and material advancement.

No, it sure wasn't Alan, but it's your chosen path unfortunately...