Yesterday, in my article about the RIAA's latest outrage, I wrote:
"As the public/private distinction blurs from both ends, right and left alike will be forced to rethink some of their underlying axioms.Exhibit #1: frequent guest-blogger M. Simon points me at this Nat Hentoff article from the Village Voice. Guess who the ACLU's new friends are?If and when they do so, some startling conclusions may emerge. Some of the people they had long considered enemies may turn out to be their most useful friends and allies, even as some of the pet axioms from both sides resurface in rather unexpected contexts. More on these issues another day."
Ever notice that when the "two sides come together", it's the conservatives that are doing the moving? In the link provided, it is conservatives "joining" the ACLU for example. Any mention of liberals joining, say, the Cato Institute? Both sides, liberal and conservative, claim idealogically driven activity. Yet the only politicians and organizations I ever see breaking ranks are conservative. Is it because the press only highlights conservative defections? Or is it that only conservatives are willing to sacrifice personal ambition for idealogical principles? Is Tony Blair the exception that proves the rule?
For the specific issues at hand, I'm thrilled to see the defections as I believe the various "Patriot" acts are dangerous in the extreme and don't do a thing to achieve their stated goal--enhancing our security. They tend to enhance DoJ job/mission security and protect against criticism, though...
Jacob