Op-Ed:Liberalism - Synopsis

The following is a letter that was published in the State Journal-Register (the local newspaper for Springfield, IL) and my reply to that letter, which was also published in the SJ-R. The topic is liberalism in America.

His Letter

Many young people today don't realize the price for freedom in American blood all over the world. Instead, they take for granted the luxuries and the freedom around them.

Thanks to our great American men and women who have served their country, we don't have to worry about roadside bombs and dictators who will remove you from your house and make you "disappear." Just think about having to worry about being blown up by a bomb every time you went out in public, as they do in Israel. Unbelievable!

That aside, our country has its own crisis. We have lost our moral compass; we cannot even agree on simple issues such as securing our borders (sovereignty) and we worry more about what's better for us than what's better for the country. Liberalism is in the process of destroying everything our forefathers set forth and with it the basis of morality and beliefs that made this country great!

Looking at the behavior of our elected officials, they seemed to have forgotten what this country was founded upon and what the sacrifice of millions will have been in vain if liberalism is allowed to redefine this once great country!

Liberalism is contrary to everything that has made this country great! May God forgive us for our shortcomings and continue to guide those who need his guidance to save this country from its self-indulgence and loss of morality guiding its principles. And may God bless all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and me.

As Abraham Lincoln put it, "the last, full measure of devotion."

Mike Moore

Riverton

My Reply

When I read Mike Moore's letter on May 30, 2006, I noticed that while he claimed that "[l]iberalism is in the process of destroying everything our forefathers set forth," he failed to give any specific reasons. I would like to remedy that.

Liberalism's basic tenet is the promotion of liberty. That translates into freedom of thought for individuals, limitations on power, especially of government and religion, the rule of law, the free exchange of ideas, a free market, and a system of government in which the rights of minorities are guaranteed. Sound familiar?

Liberalism certainly destroyed the King's precious colonies. And, it's true - Liberalism destroyed the constitution. Specifically, it destroyed the part that allowed slavery to exist legally in the United States. It also destroyed the part that made sure only white men voted.

Yes, liberalism has been destroying America for ages with its pesky ideals of liberty and freedom, even for those who don't have the power to defend themselves against the tyranny of the majority. And it will continue to do so.

Christopher Stone

Springfield