Tag: unity

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general freedom ideological culture

Jeep & Freedom

Bruce Springsteen

“Bruce Springsteen issued a call for common ground, unity and political centrism,” CNN reported, “in a 2‑minute long ad for Jeep [that ran] during the Super Bowl on Sunday.”

The Detroit Free Press called the commercial a “healing message.”

Not so much over at The Federalist, a conservative outlet, where Mollie Hemingway listed three main problems:

1. The Messenger Is Known For Hating Republicans

2. The Images Were All Off

3. The Argument For Unity Was Not Made Well

I don’t disagree with her. Springsteen, after all, said he would leave the U.S. if President Trump were re-​elected; he has long supported Democrats and bashed Republicans.

But, nevertheless … I heard something that rang true. 

“Now fear has never been the best of who we are,” spoke Mr. Springsteen. That’s a truism.

But the Boss added, “And as for freedom, it’s not the property of just the fortunate few; it belongs to us all. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, it’s what connects us. And we need that connection.”

Yes. We. Do. 

Freedom unites us … because we can do our own thing.

Whether Born in the USA or recent arrivals to these shores, let us celebrate not what government can legislate, mandate, or make us do, but what those in power cannot make us do, that we are free to speak truth as we see it and to dream, build and achieve a better tomorrow of our own making. 

It all sure fits with Jeep’s “Go Anywhere. Do Anything” slogan. And I have no doubt they mean “anything” as long as you don’t impinge on anyone else’s rights.

Just note that the slogan applies to us, not our politicians.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob. 

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Categories
responsibility

Fear Itself

Unity

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Not often do I quote FDR. Strictly speaking, his statement was false then — at the beginning of the decade-​plus-​long Great Depression that led to WWII. 

And it is false now. 

There is plenty more to fear than merely fear itself. 

But it does point up the importance of not allowing fear to drive our decisions — as individuals, in families, as well as for governments and civil society.

We are facing a worldwide pandemic, something not seen in over 100 years, which we can only hope is not more global or deadly than the so-​called Spanish Flu in 1918. This is largely uncharted territory. 

Therefore, even when public officials make what turn out to be poor decisions, I plan to be as understanding as possible. This is not aimed at any specific public official or specific accompanying criticism. Instead, let it be a broad policy — though, of course, we must hold corrupt or criminally negligent decisions accountable.

It’s a great time to give each other a break from politics and to foster a spirit of love and connectedness to our neighbors — even [gulp] politicians — replacing the natural fear that will otherwise occupy our thoughts and actions.

During this crisis, I hope that officials at all levels will summon ‘We, the People’ to do what we can as volunteers, whether working sequestered in our homes or in roles outside the home. We are an enormous strength.

And please, oh leaders, fill the information vacuum with daily accurate information — keep Anthony Fauci close to a microphone. And help them, journalists.

Let’s rise to the occasion by getting tough and staying united.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.

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Unity

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Categories
Accountability general freedom national politics & policies responsibility too much government

It Didn’t Last

September 11, 911, unity, U.S., trust, confidence, government

“September 11 is one of our worst days but it brought out the best in us,” proclaimed Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander.

Today is the 16th anniversary of that terrible day … arriving as Hurricane Irma smashes into Florida and with fresh memories of so many acts of kindness and heroism by first responders and minuteman citizen volunteers alike rescuing folks from the recent flooding in Houston caused by Hurricane Harvey.

“These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat,” then-​President George W. Bush told the American people that frightful evening. “But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.”

He was correct about the people of this country. All kinds of folks stepped up in a myriad of ways to help. 

But what about the government?

Well, the “public’s trust in government,” according to Pew Research, “which was mired in the 30% range through much of the past decade, doubled in the wake of the attacks.”

That uptick wasn’t to last. Public disgust with the federal government reverted to form. By 2015, reports Pew, “Only 19% of Americans today say they can trust the government in Washington to do what is right ‘just about always’ (3%) or ‘most of the time’ (16%).”

What happened?

Well, have you met the Washington politicians?

And can our country really be “strong,” as Mr. Bush declared, if government cannot earn the trust of even one of every five Americans?

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.

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