By some folks' definition some to most of THR's staff are liberals. (More properly, libertarian in ideals, but an unwillingness to tamper with people's sex lives, religious life or lack thereof, and the recreational substances they ingest = "liberal" in quite a few minds. Some of them members here.)
Here is an interesting discussion of conservative, liberal, libertarian labels.
http://www.truthaboutliberty.com/conservatives-liberals-and-libertarians-explained/#.UUK3lxxopwc
Understanding THR does not wish to engage in political discussions, I must question how can that be avoided when looking at the gun control holocaust we are facing? Political philosophy is at the heart of this discussion no matter how much some may wish to avoid that obvious conclusion and the obvious discussion.
As a "conservative, right wing Christian," in the end, I believe much of what the founding fathers believed about our freedom and liberty yet many call them "classical liberals." These "classical liberals" are quite different from modern liberals in that their intent was to limit the powers of government and expand individual freedoms. Many would call them "libertarians" today, yet one clear difference is noted.
These men publicly attributed our rights to God which were called natural rights whether or not their private views differed. That is my belief as well that our rights our from God. Many called libertarian today do not. That is a specific difference between many of the writings of today's libertarians from those of our founding father's who are often called libertarian.
Indeed, JShirley, today, we have many conservatives, liberals, centrists, libertarians who all agree on that one point, they all have rejected the concept of God as the source of our rights.
Even if we can bring together a coalition of conservative, liberal, and libertarian gun owners, will that prevent the loss of rights which I believe are derived from God alone? It is my belief that it will not since I believe God is indeed real.
In Colorado, it appears that electing state legislators on the libertarian ideals of expanding individual liberty of decriminalizing marijuana helped bring in a Democratic majority on a topic opposed by conservative Republicans. Will that then allow the Democrats to usurp power paradoxically from those seeking more liberty? It appears in my opinion that is exactly what is happening. Political philosophy does matter and does have consequences. I would hope we would be allowed to discuss that openly on THR.
If not, then I have enjoyed my time here and will simply have to move on.
God bless,
Alaska
