This statement is a classic Republican saying, made by a man reviled by the left but I've started to honestly wonder - how can people disagree with what he said here? Why is this not a quote repeated by the left and the right? So simple question - do you agree or disagree with the statements in the video?
Hey man, hope you had a good weekend. "Extremism in the defense of Liberty is no Vice" "Moderation in the pursuit if Justice is no Virtue" Extremism, & Moderation are subjective to the society at large, whose opinion on the use of those terms, is understood differently, at different times, through different cultures. I gotta chew on this more though I think. Sorry if off topic. Ciao for Now.
Depends what is meant by 'liberty', and by 'extremism'. Personally, I regard liberty as 'not totalitarianism/authoritarianism', so would agree that some form of extremism is warranted if this liberty (freedom from totalitarianism) is at risk. Of course in the west, we've not been under threat of totalitarianism in many many decades, and in some places, not for centuries. We voluntarily elect to remain 'free'. That has now changed, and there is a real possibility of totalitarianism gaining ground. We've not yet taken extremist action against it, but I suspect we'll need to in the not too distant future. No idea what this new totalitarianism might look and feel like, as lived. Giving it some thought, you'd have to conclude it would be not entirely dissimilar to George Orwell's nightmare. At least, while there may well be surface indicators of individual liberty (that shallow version of 'diversity' so loved by Progs) .. we would probably be subjected to censorship in words, action, and possibly even thought. We would probably be watched carefully for any sign of dissent .. by fellow citizens. No need for a vast police or military .. when the citizens are adequately brainwashed to police each other. There would be a forced social climate .. in which it would be illegal to gather in groups of more than a certain number, if one is of a race or type not pleasing to the authority. We would also be compelled to associate with those selected by the authority, at work, at school, and even casually. We would be also be compelled to say certain things, at certain times .. with a failure to do so precipitating police/legal action. No, I've never been to Canada.
No, "moderation" in pursuit of justice can be a virtue in my opinion and generally extremism equates to mob mentality and criminality in which the ends justify any means. For example, one Democrat member of the forum posted he did not care how many people are murdered if the end result is Trump is no longer president. Is that acceptable due to the belief that this is necessary to protect "freedom?"
In the context that Barry Goldwater said it, and coming from him, I do indeed support it. Too bad nearly all our politicians today are either America-hating radical socialists, or, gutless, worthless, sell-out Republicans-in-name-ONLY....
