Slavery is not THE original sin of our country. Slavery AND the genocide of the native population through settler colonialism. Slavery AND genocide. The evil twins. Joined at the hip.
I was a bit surprised by some aspects of this, as it didn't quite align with what I'd expect from a liberal. I'm just one voice online, but I’d like to share a few thoughts for consideration.
First, could you clarify what you actually mean by "liberal"? You mention "liberal democracy," but I'm not sure that's really a thing. From my understanding, liberalism focuses on protecting individual rights, while democracy can lean toward majority rule, not rights protection. The American Founders, for instance, were very critical of democracy and aimed to create a rights-protecting republic. IOW, terms like "liberal democracy" seem like a contradiction.
Second, you mention starvation in Gaza. I'm confused, has Hamas been destroyed? Have the hostages all been released? Is there actually starvation, and what is the source for this claim?
Similarly, should we also be concerned with Russians that get hurt in all those meanie Ukrainian drone attacks? Should I send aid to Russia along with any aid I send to Ukraine?
Finally, you suggest a "broad alliance," but I’m wondering about the specifics. What would this alliance stand for? Reagan’s coalition, for example, included diverse groups—religious conservatives, neocons, and liberals—but the results are Trump, MAGA, and the world on fire. Politics and foreign policy are in a real mess, and seemingly only getting worse.
How would going through the whole "broad alliance" thing again not repeat all the same mistakes?
Also, why would liberals find allies with non-liberals AKA authoritarians? Is that really going to help in "our common struggle against authoritarianism?"
Slavery is not THE original sin of our country. Slavery AND the genocide of the native population through settler colonialism. Slavery AND genocide. The evil twins. Joined at the hip.
Clarity. And yet, in all those words, you can’t find enough clarity to say that most basic of moral statements: Stop the genocide.
Still a lot of moral bemuddlement to clear up.
I was a bit surprised by some aspects of this, as it didn't quite align with what I'd expect from a liberal. I'm just one voice online, but I’d like to share a few thoughts for consideration.
First, could you clarify what you actually mean by "liberal"? You mention "liberal democracy," but I'm not sure that's really a thing. From my understanding, liberalism focuses on protecting individual rights, while democracy can lean toward majority rule, not rights protection. The American Founders, for instance, were very critical of democracy and aimed to create a rights-protecting republic. IOW, terms like "liberal democracy" seem like a contradiction.
Second, you mention starvation in Gaza. I'm confused, has Hamas been destroyed? Have the hostages all been released? Is there actually starvation, and what is the source for this claim?
Similarly, should we also be concerned with Russians that get hurt in all those meanie Ukrainian drone attacks? Should I send aid to Russia along with any aid I send to Ukraine?
Finally, you suggest a "broad alliance," but I’m wondering about the specifics. What would this alliance stand for? Reagan’s coalition, for example, included diverse groups—religious conservatives, neocons, and liberals—but the results are Trump, MAGA, and the world on fire. Politics and foreign policy are in a real mess, and seemingly only getting worse.
How would going through the whole "broad alliance" thing again not repeat all the same mistakes?
Also, why would liberals find allies with non-liberals AKA authoritarians? Is that really going to help in "our common struggle against authoritarianism?"
Very good points that you've made well.
Wow! Great speech!
And, for a clear headed view of the challenge, Letter from a Birmingham Jail.