Read the whole article, of which this is a small sample:
At any rate, I am steadfastly opposed to the notion that holders of the offices of government are supposed to function as leaders. Furthermore, to a man and woman, all who cherish the liberties that our forefathers bequeathed to us should be no less opposed to this view.
First of all, if our politicians are our leaders, then the electorate consists of followers. But those who consider their individuality a blessing are the followers of no government. It is antagonism toward individuality, the belief that it is a burden to be lifted, that impels its enemies to seek out leaders. And what better leaders are there than those who have at their disposal a monopoly on power?
Second, if politicians are leaders and citizens followers, then the country itself is a movement. A movement exists, not for its own sake, but for the sake of realizing goals that are believed to be independent of it: Liberty, Equality, Social Justice, and the like. It is the goals or ideals of a movement that distinguish it as the movement that it is. This is the first characteristic of any movement to be noted.
No comments:
Post a Comment