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The terms of the debate are in need of an update.
People often speak of “values:” “American values,” “family values,” etc. Examples of things that are considered values are of course, “families” or “cooperation” or “opportunity.” And so we have traditionally used vague sentences such as “we value cooperation” and “we value opportunity.”
A dictionary definition of the word “value” includes:
“A principle, standard, or quality considered worthwhile or desirable: “The speech was a summons back to the patrician values of restraint and responsibility” (Jonathan Alter).”
Are “cooperation” or “families” or “opportunity” a principle, or a standard? Few single words could be a principle or a standard. Does it help to add words, for example, “we value successful families”? It just underlines how vague it is. We “value” them? Great—that and 5 bucks will buy you a cappucino.
They are perhaps a “quality,” but that word is also vague. This whole debate is in need of an update of the terms in which it is conducted.
I would like to contribute a suggestion. A preferable word might be “goals.” Some examples:
That works very well, does it not? We can define and specify and particularize a goal, via one or more sentences. A person or persons can take action to achieve a goal.
I’m not suggesting that it’s of no benefit to talk about values. I’m just saying that it’s in need of an upgrade.
It is much more powerful to speak of goals, than of values.
Patterico discusses concerns that the FEC may seek to limit the freedom of speech of bloggers with regard to the expression of political views.
I personally regard such a limitation on freedom of speech in this country to be unthinkable. I can’t imagine such limitations being passed as regulations or as legislation.
But I take the Patterico Pledge that:
If the FEC makes rules that limit my First Amendment right to express my opinion on core political issues, I will not obey those rules.
I can’t even imagine the FEC attempting to muzzle American freedom of speech in this way. This isn’t Iran. And I would react with outrage and peaceful civil disobedience were such a thing to happen.
Everything Bart Simpson Ever Wrote On The Blackboard is conveniently listed here. .
(via GorrillaMask. )
The Iraqi legislature meets for the first time:
BAGHDAD—Iraq’s newly elected legislators celebrated their nation’s democracy in high spirits yesterday,* taking their oaths of office and vowing to uphold the laws of the land at the largely ceremonial opening of the National Assembly that was elected in January.
Neither a series of mortar blasts outside nor the ever-present drone of attack helicopters overhead could dampen the spirits of the politicians and diplomats who gathered for the ceremony inside the heavily fortified green zone.
“It is a great day, and it is a historic day,” said Saad Jawad Qindeel, an incoming member of parliament and a member of the Shi’ite alliance that holds a narrow majority in the chamber.
“This is the first freely elected national assembly convening in the history of Iraq. And this is the first national assembly that will elect a legitimate government that has come through the ballot boxes.”
People all over the world want freedom. And they will show great courage to get it.
