Jeff Thomas
New member
I am sure others have expressed this concept more eloquently than I. But in conversation over the last few days I have begun to think that our developing political absurdities may actually be a natural result of the unparalleled good times America currently enjoys.
I don't presume to suggest that all of us are enjoying wonderful, wealthy and unblemished lives. But, when taken as a whole, human society has never prospered as Americans do now. American citizens enjoy medical care of tremendous quality and accessibility (in spite of the wails from our Democrat friends). Our technology is granting fantastic improvements in productivity, quality of life and education (for those who take advantage of the resource). We generally eat as much as we want, with tremendous variety of safe and nutritious food. And, when we fight the wars our leaders pursue, we have become so superior with our technology that in the last decade we have waged war in a devastating way upon our 'enemies', with negligible loss of our own troops and equipment. The economy seems to know no bounds, and our stock and bond markets soar nearly to the heavens.
Sure, there is trouble, and we still have many unfortunate people who do not enjoy many of these great benefits. But overall, our current society's prosperity and success sometimes seems almost surreal.
Now consider how we react to crime, terrorism and various violent acts. While in the past such acts would generate a hue and cry for capture and punishment of the perpetrators, now we turn to legislation and lawsuits. Instead of seeking justice for the transgression, the media, our politicians and various (usually liberal) groups seek to change the system. Adopt new laws, restrict old freedoms. After all 'if we can save one life', 'we'll do it for the children', 'this should never happen again' and so on.
So, I wonder. Has our society reached such a successful state that we can no longer tolerate any failure? Are we seemingly so close to perfection that these blemishes stand in even bolder relief than they would otherwise? In sum, will we sacrifice the freedoms that led us to this great prosperity and progress in a vain attempt to complete the 'perfection'?
Our current debate regarding firearms, self-defense and freedom may not only be critical to our survival as a nation, but it is also a fascinating study in the psychology of American culture. I wonder if we will return to a realization that relinquishing freedom cannot buy security? And, for that matter, I wonder if a good old-fashioned recession might refocus Americans on reality?
Or, am I just totally off base, and wasting band width?
I wonder.
I don't presume to suggest that all of us are enjoying wonderful, wealthy and unblemished lives. But, when taken as a whole, human society has never prospered as Americans do now. American citizens enjoy medical care of tremendous quality and accessibility (in spite of the wails from our Democrat friends). Our technology is granting fantastic improvements in productivity, quality of life and education (for those who take advantage of the resource). We generally eat as much as we want, with tremendous variety of safe and nutritious food. And, when we fight the wars our leaders pursue, we have become so superior with our technology that in the last decade we have waged war in a devastating way upon our 'enemies', with negligible loss of our own troops and equipment. The economy seems to know no bounds, and our stock and bond markets soar nearly to the heavens.
Sure, there is trouble, and we still have many unfortunate people who do not enjoy many of these great benefits. But overall, our current society's prosperity and success sometimes seems almost surreal.
Now consider how we react to crime, terrorism and various violent acts. While in the past such acts would generate a hue and cry for capture and punishment of the perpetrators, now we turn to legislation and lawsuits. Instead of seeking justice for the transgression, the media, our politicians and various (usually liberal) groups seek to change the system. Adopt new laws, restrict old freedoms. After all 'if we can save one life', 'we'll do it for the children', 'this should never happen again' and so on.
So, I wonder. Has our society reached such a successful state that we can no longer tolerate any failure? Are we seemingly so close to perfection that these blemishes stand in even bolder relief than they would otherwise? In sum, will we sacrifice the freedoms that led us to this great prosperity and progress in a vain attempt to complete the 'perfection'?
Our current debate regarding firearms, self-defense and freedom may not only be critical to our survival as a nation, but it is also a fascinating study in the psychology of American culture. I wonder if we will return to a realization that relinquishing freedom cannot buy security? And, for that matter, I wonder if a good old-fashioned recession might refocus Americans on reality?
Or, am I just totally off base, and wasting band width?
I wonder.