“I work for nothing but my own profit—which I make by selling a product they need to men who are willing and able to buy it. . . . we deal as equals by mutual consent to mutual advantage and I am proud of every penny I have earned in this manner”, so said one of the characters from the novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. One of the things I admire about the unabashed capitalist is that there is no hypocrisy in philosophy and actions. What you see is what you get.
I struggle with the nouveau liberal. When I hear them speak, I find many compelling topics. Care for the poor and down-trodden, concern for the environment, universal free-speech, etc. However, the words that are spoken frequently are not followed by the actions. Let me give you a couple of examples.
A friend of mine is supportive of Proposition 8 in California. This is a proposition that will make the constitution of California define marriage as between a man and a woman. Obviously a controversial and important issue regardless of which side one supports. So my friend who supports the proposition decided to show support by posting signs on the fence that is on their street front property. A passerby stopped and proceeded to tear down the signs and when confronted stated “I am exercising my right to free speech.” Does that strike anyone else as hypocritical?
Granted, a small thing. But I don't believe it represents an isolated incident. While there are many that truly live according to their platform, I believe the leaders of the movement do not. Hence to my general dissatisfaction with the liberal leadership in this country, not the liberal, people-oriented platform which I can embrace. What I observe is:
- We must protect the environment unless it is inconvenient for me.
- We must protect free speech unless the speech is against my pet issue.
- We must equalize income even if it takes motivation away from those that have the greatest talent and ability.
Those are just some examples. I much more prefer the system that calls for personal responsibility, that rewards me for my success and doesn’t reward me, or provide a safety net when I fail. In that way, I am motivated to improve and contribute to society. I also feel the need to contribute to society because I recognize that my success is the result of more than my own talents and effort. There is a reason we call them “God-given talents.” But I will contribute freely, and need no government to tell me where to contribute. I love the definition of liberal which equates it to being generous. That is something I can live and support.
