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Should I embrace liberalism?
Jewish World Review ^ | 5/24/02 | Marianne M. Jennings

Posted on 05/24/2002 7:01:05 PM PDT by Caleb1411

I'm considering becoming a leftist. Leftists lead the life of Riley. Of course, such ethnic idioms must cease. Leftists hold the best real estate. San Francisco, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, and Seattle are havens for the tolerant elite. Honolulu has so many leftists that it ranked 199 in Forbes' analysis of 200 places to do business. Balmy breezes and pineapple do not abide capitalists. Leftists aren't in Phoenix with 110-degree summers and 110,000 scorpions or Fargo with wind chills that freeze fillings.

And, oh, the leftist crowd and glitterazzi do commune. Chelsea Clinton sat with Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna at the Versace spring fashion show. A Bush daughter with fake ID and a real Prada backpack couldn't crack that social ring. Dick Cheney has succumbed to celebrity leftist temptation. He will travel to Africa with save-the-world Bono. Neil Simon had no odder couple, but Cheney's flesh was weak.

Leftist parents don't spank, they mollycoddle. The parents of that daft, smiling mailbox teen bomber, Luke Helder, who idolized grins so much that his targets formed a smiley face, are pieces of work. The father assured that their beloved lad with the pipe bombs "is not dangerous" and bemoans their lack of understanding as his parents.

You can spot leftist parents from a zip code away because they spout platitudes of friendship with their felonious progeny. Leftist parents follow the path of least resistance, in awe of youthful exploration, even when it involves death or dismemberment.

Those of us out here using corporeal punishment, and living with grumpy children forced to tow the line, grow weary of our unpopularity. When John Walker Lindh's mother saw him upon his return from Afghanistan, she pledged her love and support. A local talk radio host said, "What mother wouldn't do the same, even for a traitor?" Whereupon my oldest son chimed in, "Right here. My mother would meet me at the plane with a paddle. Jail would look good."

The popularity of leftist parents is exceeded only by the popularity of ex-presidents of the leftist genre. Enter Jimmy Carter, stage left Havana, courting a Nobel by cuddling with fascist Fidel. How pleased the folks chained in prison and those destined to become shark bait as they make the freedom trek to Key West must be to see their oppressor embraced by a peanut farmer whose greatest presidential act was leaving.

What is it about Cuba that charms celebs and other leftists? Alanis Morissette says she found herself there. Among the children with no milk and humans with no rights? Sen. Barbara Boxer took Mickey Hart, the Grateful Dead drummer, another odd couple, with her on what has become the pop pilgrimage of the ribbon-lapelled crowd- Cuba through Castro's delusional eyes. It's ever so chic to "hang" with Castro, as Mr. Hart describes it. Political prisoners hang with Castro, too, in the literal sense.

Leftist skills in selective oblivion are unsurpassed. Despite temptation, I cannot surrender the profound conviction that distinguishes conservatives from leftists. We conservatives will not be suckered, except occasionally by televangelists with bouffant hair, of both genders. The central plank of the conservative platform is that principle trumps all and tough love stops licentiousness. Principle earns Mr. Bush grief from his own party. Leftists couldn't bring themselves to condemn Clinton for adultery in the White House, perjury in depositions, and money changing in the Map Room, but conservatives jump all over Bush for a weak education bill and weaker support for Israel.

Castro opens his doors and Enron-like facade to any drummer, star or San Francisco lefty for the very same reason celebrities open their homes and hearts to Barbara Walters. There will be no hardball.

Castro can spot a rube from an island away. And Jimmy Carter is a big one. He has been a PR tool for Arafat while his foundation rakes in Arab funding. Carter was also a fool for that charmer Daniel Ortega, playing his hammer and Habitat for Humanity card to help a cruel and unusual dictator. He jumped in, unsuccessfully, to aid the Sandinistas in Managua. Is it a surprise that Amy Carter is a mess?

Dangerous leaders know leftists are gullible egotists who make ideal patsies because they ask no questions and bring along their media friends for positive press. Children play leftist parents for fools in the same way. In the parent/leftist mind, children and dictators can do no wrong.

Leftists are like Susan Johnson, fiancée to Arthur Bach in the film, "Arthur." She says, "The right woman could stop you from drinking." Conservatives are like Arthur who responds, "It would take an awfully big woman." Playing the anti-leftist role is a tough, lonely job that mandates a flag on the lapel, a dose of honesty and more than an occasional rebuke - of brats and dictators, which is what brats become and remain, with help from indulgent leftists.

JWR contributor Marianne M. Jennings is a professor of legal and ethical studies at Arizona State University.


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: conservatives; leftists; liberals

1 posted on 05/24/2002 7:01:06 PM PDT by Caleb1411
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To: Caleb1411
"Should I embrace liberalism?"

Yes! With a choke hold around its neck until it has absolutely no life in it.

2 posted on 05/24/2002 7:03:56 PM PDT by Davea
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To: Caleb1411
Wow! Bump! Ping! Yeah! There are so many great quotable quotes in there I don't know where to start!!
3 posted on 05/24/2002 7:06:59 PM PDT by Anamensis
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To: Anamensis
I know what you mean. I just fired this excerpt off to a few friends:

. . .Despite temptation, I cannot surrender the profound conviction that distinguishes conservatives from leftists. We conservatives will not be suckered, except occasionally by televangelists with bouffant hair, of both genders. The central plank of the conservative platform is that principle trumps all and tough love stops licentiousness.

4 posted on 05/24/2002 7:09:20 PM PDT by Caleb1411
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To: BibChr
BUMP
5 posted on 05/24/2002 7:10:14 PM PDT by Caleb1411
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To: Davea
I hate it when good words are abused:

Main Entry: lib·er·al·ism Pronunciation: 'li-b(&-)r&-"li-z&m Function: noun Date: 1819 1 : the quality or state of being liberal 2 a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard
That was from Merriam Webster Online.
6 posted on 05/24/2002 7:10:16 PM PDT by Tribune7
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To: Caleb1411
Should I embrace liberalism?

By all means

Only if you mean 150 years ago when being liberal meant you believed in personal liberty, freedom, natural law and not socialism.

I sometimes tell people, when asked if what party do I belong to, that I am 150 year old liberal.

7 posted on 05/24/2002 7:10:23 PM PDT by JZoback
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To: Caleb1411
Don't forget in order to be a good lefty, you must bring yourself to lothe the boy scouts, marriage, adoption, and the SCOTUS.
8 posted on 05/24/2002 7:11:18 PM PDT by ChadGore
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To: Caleb1411
If you embrace liberalism, liberalism will embrace you back. It's commonly known as a deadly embrace.
9 posted on 05/24/2002 7:12:02 PM PDT by Consort
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To: Caleb1411
However,

Those of us out here using corporeal punishment, and living with grumpy children forced to tow the line, grow weary of our unpopularity.

I always thought that it was "toe the line."

10 posted on 05/24/2002 7:12:21 PM PDT by Anamensis
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To: Tribune7
Thank you for the definition. You just proved the point in my post
11 posted on 05/24/2002 7:12:25 PM PDT by JZoback
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To: Caleb1411
Quote of the Day by pabianice 5/25/02
12 posted on 05/24/2002 7:13:36 PM PDT by RJayneJ
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To: Caleb1411
Shoot, I liked "Is it a surprise that Amy Carter is a mess?" I thought that said it all!
13 posted on 05/24/2002 7:13:39 PM PDT by Anamensis
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To: Caleb1411
Delightful rant BUMP!
14 posted on 05/24/2002 7:15:59 PM PDT by jennyp
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To: Caleb1411
The Leftists are mostly the people who want to be (or who are) the rich elite. They think they know how the rest of us prols should live.
The Conservatives are the ones who think everyone should be able to find their own destiny.

If I could be guaranteed that I would be the elite and you would be the worker that would make my life-style possible, then maybe I would be a Leftist.
My only problem is that I can't figure out how to force *you* to work if all of the benefits come to *me*.
Sigh.

15 posted on 05/24/2002 7:18:46 PM PDT by speekinout
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To: Caleb1411
Wow! Thanks!

I was all ready to get PO'ed and had a pleasant laugh instead.

16 posted on 05/24/2002 7:19:28 PM PDT by DoctorMichael
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To: ChadGore
Don't forget in order to be a good lefty, you must bring yourself to lothe the boy scouts, marriage, adoption, and the SCOTUS.

Half the SCOTUS, anyway. The lefties line up to do obeisance to Souter, Ginsburg, and Stevens.

17 posted on 05/24/2002 7:20:24 PM PDT by Caleb1411
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To: jla
I would HATE you to miss this one! *S*
18 posted on 05/24/2002 7:23:20 PM PDT by Happygal
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To: speekinout
If I could be guaranteed that I would be the elite and you would be the worker that would make my life-style possible, then maybe I would be a Leftist. My only problem is that I can't figure out how to force *you* to work if all of the benefits come to *me*. Sigh.

For a modest fee, Jesse Jackson (Extortionists R Us) will provide the tutelage you need.

19 posted on 05/24/2002 7:24:12 PM PDT by Caleb1411
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To: DoctorMichael
I was all ready to get PO'ed and had a pleasant laugh instead.

I think the savvy Ms. Jennings knew her headline would be good for an initially visceral reaction.

20 posted on 05/24/2002 7:26:25 PM PDT by Caleb1411
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To: Caleb1411
"Should I embrace liberalism?"

sounds creepy

21 posted on 05/24/2002 7:43:58 PM PDT by let freedom sing
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To: Caleb1411
Those of us out here using corporeal punishment...

Corporeal? The opposite of which is ethereal or transcendental or metaphysical (punishment)? Is he sure that's the word he wanted; I wonder?

Do you think maybe he meant "corporal"? Or are we and the Brits separated on that one, too?

22 posted on 05/24/2002 7:44:01 PM PDT by Migraine
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To: Caleb1411
Should I embrace liberalism?

Have you had your shots?

23 posted on 05/24/2002 7:44:55 PM PDT by Reaganesque
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To: Davea
"Should I embrace liberalism?"

Yes! With a choke hold around its neck until it has absolutely no life in it.

Outstanding post!!!!

24 posted on 05/24/2002 7:48:10 PM PDT by ForOurFuture
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To: JZoback
Glad to be of service.
25 posted on 05/24/2002 8:03:15 PM PDT by Tribune7
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To: Caleb1411
Ha! Liberalism is a social disease.
26 posted on 05/24/2002 8:13:16 PM PDT by Twodees
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To: Caleb1411
On my death bed, I will change my voter registration from Republican to Democrat. It's better that a RAT die, than a solid conservative.
27 posted on 05/24/2002 9:44:08 PM PDT by stylin19a
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To: stylin19a
So you intend to start voting DemocRAT after you die?
28 posted on 05/24/2002 9:49:27 PM PDT by Paleo Conservative
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To: Paleo Conservative
Hey, how did you know I was originally from Chicago ?
29 posted on 05/24/2002 10:08:56 PM PDT by stylin19a
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To: Paleo Conservative
Hey, how did you know I was originally from Chicago ?
30 posted on 05/24/2002 10:10:44 PM PDT by stylin19a
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To: ChadGore
everybody lies!
31 posted on 05/24/2002 10:10:57 PM PDT by ectm
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To: JZoback
"I sometimes tell people, when asked if what party do I belong to, that I am 150 year old liberal."

Barry Goldwater described himself as "a 19th century liberal".

32 posted on 05/24/2002 10:18:44 PM PDT by okie01
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To: Caleb1411
Should I embrace liberalism?

Please use two dowel rods and piano wire before you embrace it.

33 posted on 05/24/2002 10:44:28 PM PDT by Centurion2000
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To: Tribune7
Moreover, the correct phrase is "to[e] the line." The editor was asleep at the switch.
34 posted on 05/24/2002 10:48:59 PM PDT by 1rudeboy
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To: Caleb1411
Should I embrace liberalism?

I don't know, should you? After all, George W. Bush's policies are as left-wing as can be.

35 posted on 05/24/2002 11:18:13 PM PDT by FreedomFriend
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To: Caleb1411
"Most prodigal people also take from the wrong sources, and on this account they are illiberal; they become acquisitive because they want to spend money and cannot do so readily, since their resources quickly run out; so they are forced to get a supply from [elsewhere]. What is more, since they care nothing for honorable conduct, they take money irresponsibly from any source; because they are eager to give, and it makes no difference to them how or from where they get it. For this very reason their gifts are not liberal either, because they are not fine, nor given from a fine motive, nor in the right degree." - Aristotle, Ethics, c.334-23 b.c.

"The modern definition of 'racist' is someone who is winning an argument with a liberal." - Peter Brimelow, National Review (2/1/93).

"A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel." - Robert Frost.

"Whenever I hear people talking about "liberal" ideas, I am always astounded that men should so love to fool themselves with empty sounds. An idea should never be liberal: it must be vigorous, positive, and without loose ends so that it may fulfill its divine mission and be productive. The proper place for liberality is in the realm of the emotions." - Goethe.

"Arguing with a liberal is like wrestling with swine, everyone gets dirty, but the liberal loves it." - PsyOp.

36 posted on 05/24/2002 11:34:58 PM PDT by PsyOp
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To: Tribune7
"There is nothing which destroys itself so much as liberality, for by using it you lose the power of using it, and become either poor and despicable, or, to escape poverty, rapacious and hated." - Niccoló Machiavelli, The Prince, 1537.

Sort of a back to the future definition. Webster's has been turned on its head.

37 posted on 05/24/2002 11:37:54 PM PDT by PsyOp
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To: Jimer
If you embrace liberalism, liberalism will embrace you back.

The perfect symbol of Liberalism is the Iron Maiden. Feminin on the outside, full of sharp pointy things on the inside. It looks good until it sucks you in.

38 posted on 05/24/2002 11:41:27 PM PDT by PsyOp
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To: all
If you embrace liberalism, liberalism will embrace you back

hmm if liberalism tries to embrace me liberalism shall embrace the middle finger ever so slightly protruding from my fist! hehe

aint i the brash one here? :::big smile::

Mornin all!

39 posted on 05/24/2002 11:44:26 PM PDT by MetalHeadConservative35
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To: Migraine
corporeal punishment

I think we can make this work if you'll just embrace a more liberal view of the word. Corporeal refers to (dictionary not at my side) that which is tangible or physical.

So, if punishment is being inflicted on the physical body of the offender, perhaps corporeal isn't too far off the mark after all.

Just trying to help!  :^]

40 posted on 05/25/2002 1:07:21 AM PDT by pa_dweller
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To: Anamensis
I always thought that it was "toe the line."

It is. It's a term from prizefighting (boxing), specifically the he London Prize Ring rules which had been accepted in both Britain and America in 1838.

These rules, which were first used in a championship fight in 1839 in which James “Deaf” Burke lost the English title to William Thompson (“Bendigo”), provided for a ring 24 feet (7.32 metres) square and bounded by two ropes. When a fighter went down, the round ended and he was helped to his corner. The next round would begin 30 seconds later, with each boxer required to reach, unaided, a mark [it was a line] in the centre of the ring. If a fighter could not reach that mark [could not "toe the line"] by the end of eight additional seconds, he was declared the loser. Kicking, gouging, butting with the head, biting, and low blows were all declared fouls. (Source:Birmingham Fight Club)
The length of the rounds were not fixed; a round lasted until one of the fighter's was knocked out of the ring, or his knee or hand touched the canvas. The number of rounds wasn't fixed either, which is why there are recorded fights like: "In 1889 John L. Sullivan beat Jake Kilrain in 75 rounds to defend his heavyweight championship"(same source).
41 posted on 05/25/2002 1:29:10 PM PDT by xsysmgr
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To: xsysmgr
Let's try this again:

The length of the rounds was not fixed; a round lasted until one of the fighters was knocked out of the ring, or his knee or hand touched the canvas.

42 posted on 05/25/2002 1:33:25 PM PDT by xsysmgr
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To: FreedomFriend
A question .... when has the USA had a truly conservative constitutionalist president? Another question....What Conservative Presidents do you compare to our current President?
43 posted on 05/25/2002 3:29:38 PM PDT by wingnuts'nbolts
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To: Caleb1411
For a modest fee, Jesse Jackson (Extortionists R Us) will provide the tutelage you need.

I'm almost finished reading "Shakedown". Jesse doesn't do anything for a "modest fee". And yes, he is just the kind of Liberal I was talking about. The clintoons are another example.

44 posted on 05/25/2002 4:12:09 PM PDT by speekinout
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To: Caleb1411
Ah, yes....I always thought if I wanted to take the easy road, I'd go left. No thinking involved (just lies & propaganda -- tax the rich, spend, spend, spend - cut back on the military --what me worry?). No penalties for wrong decisions (they haven't done ANYTHING right and nobody calls their bluff). The government handles everything.
45 posted on 05/25/2002 4:19:34 PM PDT by The Raven
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To: Caleb1411
'Leftists are like Susan Johnson, fiancée to Arthur Bach in the film, "Arthur." She says, "The right woman could stop you from drinking." Conservatives are like Arthur who responds, "It would take an awfully big woman."'

LOL

46 posted on 05/25/2002 4:22:33 PM PDT by friendly
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To: Caleb1411
Absolutely a great post. Kudos!
47 posted on 05/25/2002 4:29:40 PM PDT by CharlesI
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To: friendly
We conservatives will not be suckered, except occasionally by televangelists with bouffant hair, of both genders.

BWHAAAAAAAAAAA!

48 posted on 05/25/2002 4:39:39 PM PDT by sirchtruth
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