Freedom’s Truth: Justice and Responsibility
“Liberty and the American Idea” is a writing project that includes this blog, a forthcoming book, and additional resources to come.
The project explores the dynamic interplay of freedom and responsibility in American history and heritage, and challenges our thinking about the ethical foundations of liberty itself. It is a response to the decades-long degradation of social and economic conditions in the United States, to the loss of civility and trust among Americans, and to the weakening of integrity and self-reliance in the American character.
Without partisan political posturing, the book and blog offer insights into how personal freedom and empowerment can be realized despite our differences and the obstacles we face. A practical strategy is offered to facilitate a long-term approach to stability and honorable prosperity, and a path forward to engage every citizen.
The book is organized in two parts. The first reviews aspects of the history and ideas that have contributed to our strength as a nation or to our difficulties. Offered without partisan judgment, it attempts to outline the traditions, ideas and issues, which will be important in any realistic consideration of the future. My intended purpose is to encourage and facilitate this most essential dialogue.
The second half of the book presents a strategic proposal for making such dialogue possible, for stabilizing our lives and regenerating confidence in the future. It offers a path forward that will not be easy, but which I believe to be the only possible means for navigating through the darkness ahead—and to emerge intact on the other side.
The proposed strategy is founded upon the expectation of a long and deepening crisis. It is based on the proposition that authentic dialogue and constructive problem-solving will only be possible in functional local communities—and that it will be material necessity that motivates such cooperation. Only in this way can we gradually come to understand and influence one another as fellow-citizens must.
Dependable working relationships that support safety and survival in a collapsing society will become essential. Trustworthiness, patience and forbearance will be motivated by practical necessity. Without this, the future will remain mired in conflict and helplessness.
This is an extremely demanding proposition. Yet, I believe we have no choice. Americans are, indeed, challenged to rise to the next level.
The strategy is outlined briefly in the introduction to the book, (linked at the top of this page), and developed fully in the book. The project will include the development of practical resources for well-organized and authentic American communities.
Until the book is published, most blog posts will be adapted from or related to the manuscript. Several completed chapters are made available in draft at the top of this page, as well as the Introduction to the book. An annotated table of contents is also available. Thoughtful responses from readers, and dialog among readers, will be welcomed and greatly appreciated. Rules of engagement are posted at the bottom of the homepage.