Electoral Reform

[kandrathe]

I don't. But as I posted in my reply to Ashock I have trouble understanding the concept of why anybody needs a religion. Looks like a "terrorists are muslims - muslims are terrorists" conclusion to me. If that made any sense, not too sure about the wording yet again.
I agree with you that the EU has a bad image of strwamlining everything and of being a bloated bureaucracy (sp?). Deserved, in part. But it really is, from my point of view, an idea to bring the people closer together, without taking away their identity. The fact that a lot of people shun the idea right out and turn towards nationalist movements is what scares me. Hooray for chauvinism. I understand Americans have a different concept or idea of patriotism than the average European, I still don't get it. But, similar to my opinions on religion, I may be weird in that matter and accept that I hold a minority opinion.

Might be best for me to drop religion and patriotism topics.
take care
Tarabulus

There is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. There is a difference between being religious and zealotry or fanaticism. I can be a patriot, a libertarian, and still have Christian moral standards. The difference is that I don't seek to force anyone to live my beliefs. And, I would never seek to have the State implement and enforce laws for the stated reason of liberty, and for the secondary reason of the cost of enforcement. I can seek to discuss, argue, educate and enlighten people to my way of thinking, but I would never force anyone to pay for the enforcement, or live my morality by law. Anyhow, this is how I define Liberty.

An example; on my way home from work the other day a van full of what I can only guess were strippers was in front of me. I suppose they were contracted to work some of the entertainment on the cruise boats on the vast lakes near where I live. They tried repeatedly to attract my attention through various very lewd behaviors, and being a happily married man I chose not to look. The more obviously I was unaffected, the more persistent and lewd their behavior became. Many men my age would have enjoyed the free peep show during rush hour. I don't really mind that they were doing what they were doing, but I had the freedom (and iron willpower) to choose not to partake even when it was thrust into my face.

I desire all people to be free to live as they desire within the boundaries of what is defined in law as a civil society. But, if we encroach on liberty with excessive taxation, laws, and government for the governors, then we succumb to the shackles of the state. In many places in America, we have forgotten what liberty, equality and justice really mean. And, I think people like Jester may marvel at a state motto like "Live free, or die". That revolutionary fervor and revulsion at the tyranny of King George which made America's early patriots consider that living under the yoke of an unjust government was worse than death. I cherish the freedoms defined within the US Constitution, for me and my children. So much so, that I would be willing to die to defend them from usurpation or dilution. This is patriotism. But, I don't believe my nation is better than another's. That is nationalism.

There are Christian kooks and there are Muslim kooks. But, the news is now filled with many more Muslim kooks these days. And, comparatively, I don't recall Christian militants beheading anyone lately, or sending their people strapped with bombs into crowds. While, the Muslim kooks are reaching into the very souls of nations and telling their peoples and government to watch out or they will incite their adherents to intifada or jihad. It's not that Muslim = terrorist, just that Muslim might = terrorist. Maybe not today, but maybe next week. The problems in France for example are partly a social justice issue, but also a Muslim issue.