Dear friends,Firstly, I think it is most appropriate to take a momentary time-out and render due thanks to the McSpotlight staff for providing us with this unique forum for discussion. I'm sure that this web page does not come cheap, and that much time, manpower, and money must be continually expended to maintain it. Thank you very much indeed McSpotlight for your generosity and kindness.
Now, back to the issues at hand.
Many of you know my views by now. Possibly you think that these views are new and novel, or that they are not even germane to the debate. Perhaps you don't even care (I can handle that as well). At a minimum though they do stretch the bounds of our thinking into integrated areas of politics, science, and other fields. I've recently been given a polite thump on the head (ouch!) by McSpotlight, and told to stick to the matter at hand (see God the Physicist, for those who don't know what I'm speaking of). As a gracious guest of this discussion page the point has been very well taken. Cheers.
Having said that however, I do wish to offer this one historical example in an effort to show how my views are 1) not new, 2) indeed pertinent to the discussion of "Capitalism and Alternatives", and 3) applicable to the members of this discussion group, all whilst remaining secular in argument. A difficult task indeed I must admit.
In the late 18th and early 19th century, France underwent a most troubled transformation. It had undergone a bloody revolution and was at the same time infused with an era of scientific enlightenment. Hence the "Age of Reason" was born and also, by no coincidence, a "Reign of Terror".
Across the Atlantic, a new nation was being born: the United States of America. The early settlers to this land came primarily to escape the oppressive regimes of Europe (see "the bottom line is that 'isms' don't get it" further down the chat page to understand who these people were). In its struggle for independence and its desire to create governance by the people, a magnificent Constitution was formed. The system of government that was established here was markedly different than what the world had ever known before. America as a nation immediately grew in stature, wealth, and strength.
France, whilst witnessing this remarkable ascent in America, and having to endure her own growing internal problems became curious at the new American experiment. In 1830 they sent a well respected judge, Alexis De Tocqueville, to investigate American society. His commission was to determine why America worked so well as opposed to the evermore problematic European states. In 1840 he wrote a book entitled "The Democracy of the United States". Here were his findings:
"I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and her boundless forests---and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and her institutions of higher learning---and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution---and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"
De Tocqueville's exhaustive ten year search 150+ years ago is still very instructional for us today. I see many of our discussion group colleagues in De Tocqueville's shoes right now searching for greatness and genius. Some are searching in economic systems (capitalism, communism, et. al.). Others are searching in institutional systems (socialism, governments, etc.). Still others are searching inwardly within themselves for intellectual and carnal fulfillment (objectivism, nihilism, etc.). But few are searching where De Tocqueville surely found it.
I simply offer this so that you too may share in his insight, joy, and wisdom. Thank you Mr. De Tocqueville.
And thank you very much indeed for reading. Cheers.
Robert M. Mitrocsak
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McSpotlight adds:
we're nearly in tears here - little Tellytubby tears ... 'how sweet the sound ...'.
