Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Just what is America's culture?

I think we have lost our culture in pursuit of our own individual life, liberty and happiness. We have forgotten that we need to be respectful and tolerant of others. Ironically and perhaps inconceivably to too many, by accepting that responsibility we are freer. We must accept the central premise of responsibility and respect for one another in order to freely enjoy our own pursuits. Too many of us have become too strident, too intolerant.

Take for instance that jerk at the Discovery offices. To him, climate change was paramount. In my opinion it was ok for him to proselytize to urge others to act. When he harmed and threatened others to persuade them to his point of view he crossed the line and shirked his responsibilities. Similarly, others who use their wealth or guile to mislead, bend and misinform shirk their responsibilities.

If we desire freedom, then we must accept responsibility for ourselves, for our actions and for our welfare. If we accept that responsibility then government need not provide for us, to enact a social agenda. Government should simply support a free, open and tolerant society.

To me, that is our culture and I wish we could get back to it.