>
How come you Americans are so sensitive when it is about freedom? In a truly and omnipresent free environment (that is, in an anarchistic environment) not many of us would have survived this long. Perhaps even more important than freedom is civilization. I prefer to live in a civilized world over a completely free world. >
>Because this nation was FOUNDED on the idea of individual rights - it is the first nation in the world that embodies the Renaissance period, the age of Enlightenment, individual liberties, Aristotelian logic that holds man as an end to himself....it is the nation that has forged ahead of other nations in a vast number of endeavors.....and this is no coincidence. This nation is in part the reason why you enjoy the standard of living that you do.
From the speech of our Royal Highness the Prince of Orange at the NY400 Week Welcoming Ceremony, September 8, 2009
This independence was built on a passion for liberty, on freedom of conscience and on the unwavering belief that everyone has the right to the pursuit of happiness. These were the values the Halve Maen and all the other Dutch ships that made the same crossing in the years after 1609 brought to these shores and to New Amsterdam. These are the principles on which this great city was built and every New Yorker, regardless of their background, race or creed, will agree that these principles have always been and will always remain its defining characteristics.http://www.ny400.org/pressroom/speech-held-by-his-royal-highness-the-prince-of-orange-at-the-ny400-week-welcoming-ceremony-september-8-2009-2Kevin, don't make the mistake that liberty and tolerance are USA copyright and patented. They aren't. The Dutch brought it to New Amsterdam. We are even more experienced than you. And I get the hunch that we are still better in it, although this can't be said about each and every individual 'here' and 'there'.
>Note: please understand that I don't think this makes American citizens any "better" than anyone....but it DOES make our nation the greatest nation on earth.
Megalomania, that's the correct word, right?
>True freedom is not anarchy - you still have a govt in a free society, where the only proper role is protecting citizens (and I'll make room for certain public works).
Ah, so you don't object a government that at times forces its citizens?
Groet,
Peter de Valença
Constructive frustration is the breeding ground of genius.
If there’s no willingness to moderate for the sake of good debate, then I have no willingness to debate at all.
Let's develop superb standards that will end the holy wars.
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