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Stoke 4 Flames of Freedom

There are those who say we must sacrifice some of our freedoms to fight these terrorists. I say, if we do this terrorists will have won. Instead of reducing our freedoms, we should nourish them. Instead of snuffing ou t 4 flames of freedom, let us light them brighter. Stoke them and make them stronger:

1 - FREE SPEECH - You need to give up some privacy, some say. We need freer use of wiretaps, others say. In a war there must be a limit to free speech. My reply: If you limit free speech, what is purpose of figh t? You do not fight by surrendering most cherished freedom. Not only must we keep free speech alive, we must make it stronger.

2 - FREE RELIGION - Some say, let us use religious and ethnic profiling to keep tabs on possible terrorists. Others, even now, are attacking Muslims. We must fight terrorists by allowing everyone to practice his own religion or lack of religion. We must not smother one of our strengths and thereby help terrorists in their fight against us.

3 - SELF GOVERNMENT - In times of crisis, political leaders tend to be more secretive, more authoritarian, less open to criticism, less democratic. We must avoid these misdirected approaches. If anything, we must be mor e open and inclusive, more eager for discussion, understanding and resolution of problems.

4 - INDIVIDUAL OPPORTUNITY - Make sure there is opportunity for everyone. This is tough in current bad economic situation. The airlines are getting a helping hand from government. How about people who have lost their jobs? Perhaps this is a good time to rebuild infrastructure - public buildings, roads, utilities, bridges, schools, environment - to supply work to those who need it.

Fan 4 Flames of Freedom Throughout World

Not only U.S., but all freedom-loving countries are under attack by terrorists. An excellent strategy for winning this fight is to increase number of countries on our side. In other words, let us do what we ca n to bring as many countries into freedom-loving part of world. We know how to do this and we should do it - freedom way, not military way:

1 - FREE SPEECH - We take free speech for granted. But there are many places around Globe where people know only what authorities allow them to know. In an age where we have so many sophisticated means for spreading news and information, this situation is outrageous. Our antagonists spread propaganda. We must spread true information. Information will beat propaganda every time.

2 - FREE RELIGION - We believe in this. But why keep this freedom to ourselves? Through our actions, through media, through diplomacy, through business contacts, and through any other means, let us show world th e value of religious liberty.

3 - SELF GOVERNMENT - Democracy has been making inroads in many countries before attack occurred. Let us not let up in fanning this flame. Let us try in every way possible to bring about democratic changes everywher e.

4 - INDIVIDUAL OPPORTUNITY - Here is where business people can contribute most. Instead of focusing on business opportunities in U.S. and other rich countries, we must search for opportunities in poor countries. True, citizens of rich countries have more money to spend. But they are getting tired of pursuing latest "new thing." Poor countries represent an untapped market. Help them get on their feet and they will become loyal customers. And you will help fan flame of individual opportunity, and thus, help win fight against terrorism.

AC : “This allowance, alas, cannot be made. Even if I were to accept your thesis about ‘The President as a regular Human Being’ – still his circumstances are not regular. The decisions that he faces – and very frequently - affect lives of billions. The conflicting pressures that he is under, gigantic amounts of information that he must digest, enormity of tasks facing him and strains and stresses that are surely results of these – all call for a special human alloy. If cracks are found in this alloy in room temperature – it raises doubts regarding its ability to withstand harsher conditions. If President lies concerning a personal matter, no matter how significant – who will guarantee veracity rather than prevarication in matters more significant to us ? If he is afraid of a court of law – how is he likely to command our armies in a time of war ? If he is evasive in his answers to Grand Jury – how can we rely on his resolve and determination when confronting world leaders and when faced with extreme situations ? If he loses his temper over petty matters – who will guarantee his coolheadedness when it is really required ? If criminal in small, household matters – why not in international arena ?”

DC : “Because this continuum is false. There is little correlation between reactive patterns in personal realms – and their far relatives in public domain. Implication by generalization is a logical fallacy. The most adulterous, querulous, and otherwise despicable people have been superb, far sighted statesmen. The most generous, benevolent, easygoing ones have become veritable political catastrophes. The public realm is not personal realm writ large. It is true that leader's personality interacts with his circumstances to yield policy choices. But relevance of his sexual predilections in this context is dubious indeed. It is true that his morals and general conformity to a certain value system will influence his actions and inactions – influence, but not determine them. It is true that his beliefs, experience, personality, character and temperament will colour way he does things – but rarely what he does and rarely more than colour. Paradoxically, in times of crisis, there is a tendency to overlook moral vices of a leader (or, for that matter, his moral virtues). If a proof was needed that moral and personal conduct are less relevant to proper leadership – this is it. When it really matters, we ignore these luxuries of righteousness and get on with business of selecting a leader. Not a symbol, not a standard bearer, not a superman. Simply a human being – with all flaws and weaknesses of one – who can chart water and navigate to safety flying in face of adverse circumstances.”

AC : “Like everything else in life, electing a leader is a process of compromise, a negotiation between ideal and real. I just happen to believe that a good leader is one who is closer to ideal. You believe that one has to be realistic, not to dream, not to expect. To me, this is mental death. My criticism is a cry of pain of disillusionment. But if I have to choose between deluding myself again and standing firmly on a corrupt and degenerate ground – I prefer, and always will, levity of dreams.”

Sam Vaknin is the author of Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited and After the Rain - How the West Lost the East. He is a columnist for Central Europe Review, United Press International (UPI) and eBookWeb and the editor of mental health and Central East Europe categories in The Open Directory, Suite101 and searcheurope.com.

Visit Sam's Web site at http://samvak.tripod.com