I recently had an exchange with a Leftist, wherein he characterized all of us who value liberty and self-defense as “a bunch of weekend warriors with chips on our shoulders”, and no concept of the “common good”. When I pointed out that all the tyrants of history disarmed their citizenry before starting their extermination campaigns, he accused me of gaslighting. He further suggested that if I want to be a free man in a dangerous world, I should move to Somalia, or some similar place.
After a few days of cogitating on this, I had an epiphany. This was a perfect example of America being a victim of her own success. Within the American sphere of influence, and particularly within her own borders, people have been so safe, and so prosperous, for so long, that they can’t even imagine a world of danger and deprivation. The Leftist in question has most likely, never been under fire, or had a gun pointed at him, or even gone hungry.
It occurred to me, that this is true of most Americans. As a result, the very idea that the world is a dangerous place, filled with evil or selfish people, is not only abhorrent, but inconceivable to them. How can people be going hungry in the wealthiest nation in history? How is it that people are dying of violence in the safest, most secure place on Earth? It must be America’s fault, right? We’ve failed, somehow, right?
Wrong. Earth is a fallen world. Evil, tyranny, deprivation and violence, are its natural state. The fact is that America has done more to lift more people out of those kinds of circumstances than any society in human history. It’s because of our success at improving the human condition, that we have the luxury of self-flagellation. Are we perfect? Of course not. Have people fallen through the cracks, or been left behind? absolutely.
But, even our poor are better off the than the poor just about ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD. I know this, because I’ve been poor. I know what it’s like to sit in the dark, because I couldn’t pay my electric bill. I know what it’s like to ration a pound of pasta, a jar of sauce and a loaf of bread for a week. I know what it’s like to go to bed sick and hungry. What’s more, I’ve had weapons pointed at me. I’ve been shot at. I’ve had to fight for my life and the lives of those in my charge.
But, even during those times, I knew. I KNEW, that I was better off than MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. I had a clean, dry place to live. I had hot and cold running water, that I didn’t have to boil. I OWNED MY OWN CAR! I had the right to keep the tools needed to defend not only my life, but the lives of those around me. And I had (and still have) the duty and the privilege to exercise that right.
My friends, Liberty is too precious a thing to trade for the illusion of safety. In the end, we have to look out for ourselves and each other. If we cede our rights and responsibilities to the State, we won’t be safer. The only difference will be that the violence we experience will be legal. I am a free man. I won’t disarm, and I won’t surrender. Molon Labe.
10 replies on “Pax Americana”
Sadly, we are all headed towards an almost inevitable confrontation between the left and the right in this country. Although those on the right would prefer just to be left alone, protecting themselves and their families while not threatening others, the left simply can’t allow that. Conservatives must be brought to heel. Must be taught to obey the dictates of an all powerful Federal Government which controls all aspects of our lives. When the final confrontation occurs, it will all come down to who our military and law enforcement support. President Obama inserted many left leaning military leaders in top positions of authority to push his leftist agenda. The same is true of the law enforcement agencies of many of our major cities. When push finally comes to shove, will the rank and file support their officers or the citizens they are sworn to protect? That is the very troubling question we face. Look to Venezuela for a possible answer.
The Left’s ideal society is one of co-dependent mediocrity. No one excels, no one stands out. Grey people in a grey world. Me, I’m fighting to my last breath.
Me, too.
Agree, the statement “we are a victim of our own success” tells the story in a nutshell. It is troubling to see the hoards lining up to demand the state take more of our liberty.
Remember the steps of the death of empires.
1. The age of outburst (or pioneers).
2. The age of conquests.
3. The age of commerce.
4. The age of affluence.
5. The age of intellect.
6. The age of decadence.
7. The age of decline and collapse.
We’re almost there.
In my view, I’m afraid we’re at Stage 7. 🙁
Well said though its not just America; the whole western world is under attack, often with the same arguments and ideas on the left.
Liberty is old. There is a chain of providence.
Jewish law -> Christian faith and mercy -> Magna Carta -> Dutch Protestant reformation ideas -> Scottish reformation -> British Reformation & glorious revolution {an elected monarch: William of Orange & later George I} -> The american colonial parliamentary laws -> The revolution -> Wilberforce in Britain-> US civil war law reforms -> Constitutional monarchy -> WW2 -> British decolonisation [almost without a shot fired] -> Commonwealth law.
Its a long list with ideas criss-crossing the English speaking world.
Indeed. The legacy of Western Civilization has advanced Humanity more than anything in Human history.. The mind boggles.
My friend, this is an awesome post. Of course I agree, and Thank You Sincerely for writing it.
Molon Labe
You are too kind. I write what I think. I’m glad that you found it edifying.