Garet Garrett: Far Forward of the Trenches
Garet Garrett believed in liberty and self-reliance, writes Bruce Ramsey, and not as two separate things. He was not eager to justify his belief. Some things just are, and liberty and self-reliance was who Americans were. Dependence on the state was an Old World idea, like the divine right of kings. Liberty, he believed, makes the individual strong. And how fares self-reliance? Better here than in Europe, but worse than in Asia. Self-reliance in the new America is not what it was. And how fares self-reliance? Better here than in Europe, but worse than in Asia. Self-reliance in the new America is not what it was. Garrett died a saddened man.
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Comments (5)
It would become a "prisoner of history," ruled by fear. Fear of what? "Fear of the barbarian," said Garrett.
This shows Garrett’s tremendous insight into the American character. The majority fear the barbarians, such as Al Qaeda, and hunger far more than they love their liberty. Communists, like FDR, promise to rescue the people from all barbarians and the people believe them. I have told my father that I can’t believe his father’s generation allowed FDR to steal their gold without so much as a whimper of protest. And for what? Empty promises that he never kept, nor could keep, and still they worship him.
Published: March 27, 2008 9:07 AM
Fundy,
Never mind the gold. I still can't believe my own generation let them force us to drive 55.
Published: March 27, 2008 9:34 AM
Pshaw.
The generation that was so afraid it gave up shiny yellow metal, and the generation that was afraid of mere velocity, are no match for the generation coming into its own right now.
If you were to ask -- and I've done so many times -- a highly educated engineer or scientist about 30 years of age about climatological issues, they cannot have a rational and coherent discussion. Global warming is real and man caused. No scientific questioning is necessary to reach this conclusion.
Fear of the weather? That's what I call a Rain of Terror!
I can't believe how many people of this generation well-versed in public policy support the "Global War For Terror".
For crap's sake, every time I see a new movie preview, it's some creepy horror thing with dead rotting bodies and bugs and unspeakable 40-watt lighting. This generation is not only afraid, but *likes* it. Revels in it.
I have a brother in law who is literally afraid of his children becoming "too literate", or to learn the foreign language that their mother speaks natively. He's afraid of getting a job, of owning a home, and of his wife surfing the Internet without supervision. I don't know what this means. He's in his middle fifties, old enough to know better, or anything at all. His opinions are very interesting -- in fact, he's my dipstick of national fear. (Actually, I don't call him "dip-*stick*, but I'm sure you get the picture.)
Me, I'm afraid of having my family live in this country for too much longer. I'm also afraid I can't figure out where's better.
Feer. It's what's for breakfast!
~jaq
Published: March 27, 2008 10:14 AM
Jaq:
I agree- I am that educated engineer/science type in his 30's, and I tell you there is hope. I don't buy that crap for a second; but we don't need to imagine the numbers of those that do. I live in some fear of that, but still I have hope.
How else to convince millions of people to trust the message and the messenger? by forcing your own propaganda through the public education system for generations, an example among many you could choose from.
If there is only one good thing, I take it from the message of recycling, of all places: "it starts in your own house".
Like Garet Garrett - educate yourself; glean from both sides the opinions and facts on a subject and make a stand. Don't take someone else's word that - "this is the truth - I am the decider, stick with me". I shudder at those words.
Published: March 27, 2008 11:52 AM
what a great article... I haven't finished it - printed for tonight. Awesome-O
Published: March 27, 2008 3:10 PM