[FRIAM] Fallback in barbarism

[Gary Schiltz]

I would say that it is possible because it is allowed. The American mythos
has always emphasized the individual over the collective society, freedom
(with responsibility in theory, but usually lacking) from government
interference, and generally a distrust of government in general. There is a
very fine line between libertarianism and anarchism. Our constitutionally
enshrined freedoms, with little, if any, enshrined responsibilities, allows
people to never grow up. A society of adolescents. Most citizens come to
understand the need to grow up and be responsible citizens, but are too
willing to tolerate those who don't. Couple that with the inherent disdain
for government and almost religious devotion to the right to bear arms, and
you have a recipe for fringe anti-government militia groups. A few sayings
make it clear: "Give me liberty, or give me death" (Patrick Henry); "Those
who are willing to give up a little freedom for a little security, deserve
neither." (Benjamin Franklin, paraphrased); "You can take my gun when you
pry it from my cold, dead hands." (popularized by the National Rifle
Association). This is my take on it, as someone who grew up in deep red
Kansas.

On Thu, Jan 7, 2021 at 5:01 PM Jochen Fromm <jofr at cas-group.net> wrote:

> I must say the images from CNN which we receive here in Europe are a bit
> disturbing. The mob that stormed the heart of American democracy felt like
> anarchy, like a fallback in barbaric ancient times - the time of Barbarians
> vs Romans or even the stone age. It is like Neanderthals found a way to use
> a time machine to travel into the 21st century: one guy was dressed in fur
> pelts and was holding a wooden stick like a wizard from Lord of the Rings,
> and one half-naked guy was wearing furs and horns (the one known as "Q
> shaman"). Long-haired bearded guys have been looting stuff like cavemen -
> in the center of Washington D.C.!
> https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-ELECTION/PROTESTS/qmyvmqewmvr/
>
> How is this possible in the oldest democracy of the world?
>
> -J.
>
>
>
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