Fools rush in where angels fear to tread...
I suppose since no one (including all the Mihuran Akal) has responded
to the provocative posting of Dr. Tekie with regards to Justice, The
Reagan Doctrine, Liberitarianism, individualism, economic democracy,
and other big-think items, I should. Or, rather, I should speak
through my guru. (Incidentally, when I say "Mihuran Akal" I mean it as
a compliment. Although it is quite "fashionable" to beat up on the
educated elite, and the Mihuran Akal do love self-flaggelation, and I
am aware that there is a lot of reverse-snobbery where the uneducated
sneer at the educated, I don't think they should apologize for their
achievements. Notice I keep saying "they" and this is no false
modesty.)
First of all, Tekie, I am not a conservative. Nor am I a libertarian:
libertarians are simply anarchists who packaged their philosophy in a
more palatable way (much as the Communists call themselves Socialists,
the Socialists call themselves Liberals and the Liberals call
themselves Progressives and the Progressives call themselves
Environmentalists). I would call my philosophy that of a Minimalist.
A minimalist in the power of the Central government. A minimalist in
all things except one: National Defense. The world is a bad place and
East Africa is a terrible neighborhood and it is the responsibility of
our government to acquire as many arsenals as we can afford. In fact, I
wish we had a Dr Teller in our Mihuran Akal.
Is this part of the Reagan Doctrine? No. Long before I ever heard of
Ronald Reagan, I met my political guru: a guy whose book I read in the
late 70's when books by Kim Il Sung, Mao, Marx, Engels, Mickey Spillane
(ok, Harold Robbins, too) were practically required reading in the
environment I was in. I think some of you may be surprised by who it
is so I will disclose the name of the philosopher at the end of this
posting. This is what the "philosopher" had to say (my comments in
brackets):
On Mixing Religion With Politics
" I can say without the slightest hesitation and yet in all
humility, that those who say that religion has nothing to do with
politics do not know what religion means. [here I would add that
"they" don't know politics, either. Of course, I maintain that
secularism is a religion but that is a different argument.]
On The Role of Government:
" A government that is ideal governs the least...I look upon an
increase of the power of the State with the greatest fear because,
although while apparently doing good by minimizing exploitation, it
does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality which
lies at the root of all progress." [so, all ye craving "economic
justice" or, in the words of Ghidewon, "economic democracy" and other
pie-in-the-sky illusions: forget it. It has been tried and it has
failed miserably. Remember the 80/20 rule: regardless of the field or
endeavor, 20% of the people will always dominate the 80%. Dehai is no
exception. Ditto in economic matters. And I say this although I am a
charter member of the 80 percenters]
On The Power of the Individual:
"The power of suggestion is such that a man at last becomes what
he believes himself to be." [I believe our president, Isias Afwerki,
said much the same thing in his revealing "Hwyet" interview. So,
anything that deters the development of the individual from seeking
growth (statism, communal mumbo-jumbo and other collectivist theory
sounds good but, in the end, is impractical. I am all for voluntary
associations which is what we had back home. These voluntary
associations had the sole power to accept/deny members and if they
wanted to, say, an All-Male club, the coercive power of the government
shouldn't force them to accept women.]
Majority/Minority:
"They [minorities] cannot-must not-lose faith in themselves or in
their mission because they may be a minority. Indeed, all reform has
been brought about by the action of minorities in all countries and
under all climes. Majorities simply follow minorities." [take heart,
affirmative-action lovers. We don't need the government to "save us";
we will do--and we are doing--just fine without them.]
On the Welfare State:
" One drowning man will never save another...The rule should be
"No labor, no meal." [Exhibit A: look at any ghetto in the USA]
Loyalty:
"To be loyal to an organization must not mean subordination of
one's settled convictions....The only tyrant I accept in this world is
the 'still small voice' within me." [believe this and you don't have
to check with anyone or any authority to determine if you should
believe whatever you believe. In the 70's, the ELF followers used to
criticize mercilessly the EPLF for forcibly recruiting members. When,
a few months later, the ELF leadership followed suit and enforced
conscription, the ELF cadres, when asked what they thought, responded:
"Let me check with the ELF leadership!]
Tolerance:
"...nor should we even secretly pray that anyone should be
converted but our inmost prayer should be that...a Moslem be a better
Moslem and a Christian a better Christian. [Amen]
Crime & Punishment
"He who injures others, is jealous of others, is not fit to live
in the world." [I used to think that the author supports the death
penalty; however, he does say, " God alone can take life because He
alone gives it." I
suppose even the great ones can be mistaken!
So, who is this heartless, mean, cruel, man? Hint: the guy was a
lawyer. Give up? It was Mahatma Gandhi.
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