American Clarity Essays political, philosophical, and theological from an American romantic.

23. July 2012

In (partial) defense of President Obama’s Roanoke statement: individuals and collectivism

Though many issues divide the Republican and Democratic parties, one of the most crucial (and unfortunately, least understood) concerns the line drawn between individual and society. In a recent speech, the sitting president controversially remarked,

If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn’t get invented on its own. (more…)

20. July 2012

Atheism, theism, and the worth of individuals

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 16:46

One of the most memorable quotes from my youth is a line from Tyler Durden.  Leaning against a decaying building, addressing a few cultists engaged in heavy labor, his voice blaring in monotony through a megaphone, he spoke: “You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake.”  At the time, the quote seemed bizarre and almost comically subversive, as I was immersed in the self-esteem saturated period of the century’s dawn.  But having spent a good amount of time as a humanist, the quote feels far more natural a fit for humanism than the feel-good rhetoric and “winner” mentality of the period.  For once the shock and dehumanization of Durden’s statement wears off, the viewer is left with an entirely inconvenient question: supposing God doesn’t exist, if a man isn’t known by many (or any), how much value can he possibly have? (more…)

9. July 2012

Replacing our social security program justly

Filed under: economy,natural law and rights — admin @ 13:28

Though neither occupied by foreign armies, nor starved by famine, nor struck with plague, America lies in peril.  Not a single man of any character, patriotism, or intelligence denies the fact; the entire free world watches with bitten nails as Americans march ahead, without any sign of stopping or slowing, toward a demise entirely unnecessary, and yet seemingly predetermined by destiny. (more…)

3. July 2012

The danger of goodness: why Biblical Law matters to everyone

Filed under: natural law and rights,philosophy,politics — admin @ 14:09

The Creator having impressed His image upon mankind, justice is oftentimes taught not in ways conventional and scholastic, but according to manners mysterious and ethereal.   The other day, for instance, I had a dream in which I befriended a hamster.  He lived beside my childhood home, and I would spend my time going over to visit him, chatting for short bits of time, and carrying him around in my hand.  But there came a moment in the dream at which a third party entered.  A kitten, leering out of childlike inquisitiveness, pounced onto the scene, and before I had a good chance to assess the situation, I found him leaping toward my friend with mischievous intent. (more…)

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