State of the World

I have some thoughts to share. The following are stirred by recent readings.

1.      Liberal governance is an academic term; what is its full meaning?

2.      Illiberal governance is also an academic term; what is its full meaning?

3.      Which is America – a liberal form of government, or an illiberal one? 

4.      The term ‘libtard’ is a pejorative indicating negative shade against those who are educated, involved, altruistic, religious and supportive of an involved government – of, for and  by the people

5.      Those who toss out the term libtard to others are most likely ‘illiberal’ people who do not support strong central government? This needs clarification and articulation.

6.      China and Russia are illiberal in the sense that they are centrally controlled government societies. The people are told they have voice and authority, but they do not; only the ruling elites have such authority. Control is absolute; dissidents are killed or imprisoned; they are silenced and not allowed to participate. This includes educated and academic persons.

7.      Free market economies are considered liberal; but the truth of the matter is that free markets are truly rare. Most markets are controlled by regulations and laws. Should they be?

8.      Regulations in liberal societies are distrusted by the conservatives; a movement is currently underway in America to remove much regulation and ‘simplify’ market operations. This is the central nut of the illiberal movement. Eliminate regulation so markets and freedom of action are restored; no government control of them. Problems result when greed and natural human behaviors take over the markets and distort market results; millions of people are hurt by such markets, and only a few benefit. This is feeding the greedy more wealth at the expense of the many. As a society we need to discuss this and decide what we would rather have.

9.      Liberal and conservative are two terms that are in disarray today because the liberal and illiberal government movements appear to overlap the first two terms. Propaganda further distorts the issues.

10.   The pendulum of history and social movements is consistent and constant. We experience the arc motion with momentary results that seem to be long lasting; that is our immediate experience, not the time worn result. We need to see these things via different lenses to understand them better.

We need to clarify all of these if we are to have a public discussion of any value.

Having said this, when do we start? By what rules of engagement do we recognize in order to maintain civil and worthwhile discussion? I have suggested moderated discussion groups of 50 or fewer on a weekly basis in church settings. There are people who dislike the suggested setting as inappropriate or already value oriented steering the discussion. It doesn’t have to be like that; discipline will keep it amiable and fruitful for those with differing opinions. But if the setting is still feared, where then are alternative sites?  The public library? City Hall? A local school?  I am open to suggestions.

Of course, who organizes this is important. Who is trusted to moderate the discussions? Who is entrusted with scheduling the topics and speakers? Who in the community would willingly step forward to support this effort?

I’m willing. A party of one, however, will not work. Who else will volunteer? And who decides which volunteers may be inappropriate for the group leadership?

Please let me know either by email (saffordcu@gmail.com) or Facebook response, or comment via the blog site. All inputs are welcome. Reminder: please be civil. “We reap what we sow.”

May 23, 2018