Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Our Newest Op Ed
The Wonders of the Liberal Mind
- Eric Reikowski
In a recent article, syndicated columnist and author Ben Shapiro noted the latest example of lackadaisical liberal logic-the so-called "chickenhawk" argument. This argument, like many other liberal arguments, is both erroneous and unfair. It is built upon the premise that one must have first-hand combat experience in order to support the wars being waged overseas by U.S. troops. However, no such experience is necessary if one wishes to denounce the United States as an evil, imperialistic nation and demean American military efforts abroad.
In fact, dissent-no matter how obnoxious or unfounded it may be-is the highest form of expression a leftist can utter. You are not a true patriot until you have burned your first flag.
Now, as any mildly informed American already knows, the United States Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to their opinions whether they have served in the military or not. As Shapiro wrote, "Representative democracy necessarily means that millions of us vote on issues with which we have had little practical experience." That is a plain and simple fact.
However, instead of stopping there, Shapiro carries the chickenhawk logic all the way to its inane conclusions. In public, liberals might view the opinions of military personnel with reverence but the private reality is that they would absolutely abhor military control over foreign affairs. Liberals would not even consider putting hawkish personalities in charge of the armed forces. Doing so would be total anathema to their pacifist philosophy. To put it bluntly, liberals are not about to put the alcoholic in charge of the liquor cabinet............
Click HERE To Read On
- Eric Reikowski
In a recent article, syndicated columnist and author Ben Shapiro noted the latest example of lackadaisical liberal logic-the so-called "chickenhawk" argument. This argument, like many other liberal arguments, is both erroneous and unfair. It is built upon the premise that one must have first-hand combat experience in order to support the wars being waged overseas by U.S. troops. However, no such experience is necessary if one wishes to denounce the United States as an evil, imperialistic nation and demean American military efforts abroad.
In fact, dissent-no matter how obnoxious or unfounded it may be-is the highest form of expression a leftist can utter. You are not a true patriot until you have burned your first flag.
Now, as any mildly informed American already knows, the United States Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to their opinions whether they have served in the military or not. As Shapiro wrote, "Representative democracy necessarily means that millions of us vote on issues with which we have had little practical experience." That is a plain and simple fact.
However, instead of stopping there, Shapiro carries the chickenhawk logic all the way to its inane conclusions. In public, liberals might view the opinions of military personnel with reverence but the private reality is that they would absolutely abhor military control over foreign affairs. Liberals would not even consider putting hawkish personalities in charge of the armed forces. Doing so would be total anathema to their pacifist philosophy. To put it bluntly, liberals are not about to put the alcoholic in charge of the liquor cabinet............
Click HERE To Read On
# posted by Publius @ 9/06/2005 02:00:00 AM 
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