Safety versus liberty

[pjohns]

The recent Covid-19 scare is, I think, highlighting a major shift in our national thinking.

It seems as if a great many Americans are now preferring safety over liberty, whenever the two come into conflict.

Let me put it this way: Our national symbol is the bald eagle.

One wonders if it would really be more appropriate to replace it with, say, the groundhog--who turns and runs, at the first sign of possible danger.

[Chris]

No member named liberty on this forum...oh, oops.

I always go back to H. W. Brands's The Strange Death of American Liberalism that chronicles how Americans in times of crisis unite, become more liberal, even give up liberty to safety, and, fortunately, as the crisis subsides, reverse course. The corona crisis may well push us toward safety, and even a liberal election, but we sure as hell ain't very united.

[Matt Dillon]

The recent Covid-19 scare is, I think, highlighting a major shift in our national thinking.

It seems as if a great many Americans are now preferring safety over liberty, whenever the two come into conflict.

Let me put it this way: Our national symbol is the bald eagle.

One wonders if it would really be more appropriate to replace it with, say, the groundhog--who turns and runs, at the first sign of possible danger.

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin

[Mister D]

The recent Covid-19 scare is, I think, highlighting a major shift in our national thinking.

It seems as if a great many Americans are now preferring safety over liberty, whenever the two come into conflict.

Let me put it this way: Our national symbol is the bald eagle.

One wonders if it would really be more appropriate to replace it with, say, the groundhog--who turns and runs, at the first sign of possible danger.

Or maybe the balding progressive suburbanite.

[patrickt]

Americans no longer value freedom. The government with an incredible number of laws and regulations isn't enough so they form HomeOwners Associations to take more freedom.

[CCitizen]

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin

Forgive me for resurrecting a very old thread, but I disagree. I know that OP was much more prominent then any of us, but I disagree. Many people disagree with prominent people on Twitter.

[CCitizen]

It seems as if a great many Americans are now preferring safety over liberty, whenever the two come into conflict.

I believe in Welfare State and high taxes for the rich. I oppose drugs and tobacco. I believe Society must ensure safety of its subjects.

[Jen]

The recent Covid-19 scare is, I think, highlighting a major shift in our national thinking.

It seems as if a great many Americans are now preferring safety over liberty, whenever the two come into conflict.

Let me put it this way: Our national symbol is the bald eagle.

One wonders if it would really be more appropriate to replace it with, say, the groundhog--who turns and runs, at the first sign of possible danger.

I am fearless. I know how to take care of myself. I am able to decide whether to take a risk or opt for safer action. I do not need anyone to tell me what to do.

I resent it when a store where I want to shop tells me I must wear a mask, but I am also rule-abiding and law-abiding so I comply. Just as the bakery had the right not to make a gay cake, a store has the right to require a mask for entry. If I don't want to wear a mask, I just don't shop at that store.

At this point in time, I don't feel I am the run-away ground hog if I don't throw a fit about masks.

But the trend is set. This is a test and we have shown that we comply with whatever rules are set. If our government decides that Covid is transmitted in church services and private funerals ... but Covid isn't transmitted in protests and rioting or State funerals, then, someone needs to stand up and say "WTH!?"

There is a fine line between just being safe and taking away our freedoms for nefarious purposes and in this country we are flirting with that line right now.

[Cletus]

I believe in Welfare State and high taxes for the rich. I oppose drugs and tobacco. I believe Society must ensure safety of its subjects.

This is where you go wrong, Junior. We are not "subjects" of king or country in the United States. We are free citizens.

[Chris]

I believe in Welfare State and high taxes for the rich. I oppose drugs and tobacco. I believe Society must ensure safety of its subjects.

That would make us subjects. Then you'd see protests, and it wouldn't be pretty.