American History

» pink101 - What Limits

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This is, arguably, the most important site at Suite101.com.
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But, American history, in and of itself, goes nowhere unless we are able to understand how it applies to our present state of being.
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What limits will be set on the issues that can be raised here? For example, the ideas involved in understanding conservatism and liberalism. Would they be considered appropriate issues for discussion here.
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-- posted by pink101

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» JohnCrandall - What Limits

In response to What Limits posted by pink101:

As far as I know, there are no limits on what can be discussed. Personally, and in the tradition of America's Founding Fathers, I believe in free speech as a necessary right for the citizens of a free society, and in free discussion as the most likely way to reach the most informed opinions.

As far as liberal or conservative in the current popular usage, I'm not sure I ever really understood what those were. Both the major political parties in modern America are off the left side of "liberal" from any American historical perspective before 1930, and both support the tax and spend policies implemented on a Keynesian model just prior to WWII. I've been called a conservative, and even a reactionary by people who seem to think they know what they are talking about, but my guiding light in questions of American Politics is the Constitution, and the original intent of the founders as far as I am able to understand what that intent was. I have a rather strong dislike for the policies and performance of both major parties at this point in time, making me, I suppose, an independent.

-- posted by JohnCrandall

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» pink101 - Happy To Read

In response to What Limits posted by JohnCrandall:
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I was happy to read your response of "no limits".
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I am currently listening to a DVD copy of the book, Whose Freedom, by George Lakoff.
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http://www.amazon.com/Whose-Freedom-Batt...
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He is Richard and Rhoda Goldman Professor of Cognitive Science and Linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley, and a founding senior fellow of the Rockridge Institute, a center for research devoted to promoting progressive ideas.
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His book, while not technically a history, is relative to American History in the sense that it deals with history as it is unfolding in our present time.
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http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/resear...
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It would be good to discuss the book with persons who have some knowledge of the issues involved in the book.
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Maybe there can be some interest.
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http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/cognit...
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-- posted by pink101

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