AnalPhilosopher

“[I]t is ambition enough to be employed as an under-labourer in clearing the ground a little,
and removing some of the rubbish that lies in the way to knowledge.” —John Locke, 1689

“[P]hilosophy can no more show a man what he should attach importance to
than geometry can show a man where he should stand.” —Peter Winch, 1968

Flag Day

Today is Flag Day in the United States. The American flag is a physical object—a piece of colored cloth—but it is imbued with meaning for Americans. It is a symbol of this great country. Leftists compare the actual country with what it might be and find it lacking. I compare it with what it might be and find it admirable. Leftists hate it that there are poor people in this country. By what standard are they poor? The poorest person in this country is considerably better off than the affluent in other countries. And let's keep in mind that this is the land of opportunity. That's not a cliché. It's a substantive truth. There is nothing stopping anyone from accumulating wealth, power, or status in this country. There is nothing preventing anyone from being happy. Just look at all the people of humble beginnings who made something of themselves. Whatever you think of Bill Clinton, he is a self-made man. He succeeded through hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. I love my country. It is the greatest country in the history of the world, morally and otherwise. Pause to count your blessings on this Flag Day. When you hear a leftist run this country down, pity the fool.

Kevin Stroup (mail):
I do not pity leftist. I call them out and try to make them explain and justify their beliefs and attitudes. After all, they do not hesitate to challenge and even denigrate conservatives. An eye for an eye. You have done an excellent job on calling them out. Thank you for the good work. Its nice to see academics who are not reality impaired. I know too many who are.
6.14.2005 1:33pm
Mindy (mail):
I think Bill Clinton is more of an anomaly than the epitome of what someone from an humble background can do. But nevertheless, even liberals believe in the American dream.

Think how dumb some of your college students seem...and then compare them to the people who can't even get in to college or don't have the motivation to go. Those people are the ones living in poverty or homelessness, etc.

Colin Powell is another example of someone who made it to the top, but he went the military route, which is very difficult.
6.14.2005 2:41pm
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