Freedom’s Truth: Justice and Responsibility
“Liberty and the American Idea” is a writing project that includes this blog and a forthcoming book, as well as additional resources to come.
The project explores the dynamic interplay between freedom and responsibility in our American heritage, and challenges our thinking about the ethical foundations of liberty itself. It is a response to the decades-long deterioration of social and economic conditions in the United States, to distrust and loss of civility among Americans, and to the degradation of integrity and self-reliance in the American character.
Justice is understood in this context as the defining expression of the fundamental implicate order upon which civilization is founded. Responsibility is the necessary role of citizenship.
Without partisan 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.
After briefly outlining the complexity of the challenges before us, the first half of the book reviews some of the historical forces and ways of thinking that have influenced current views and assumptions.
A strategic approach is then presented in the second half of the book which responds directly to the deepening disorder and confusion we can expect from a multitude of oncoming crises. Americans are encouraged to rise above our differences—at least to the extent necessary—to ensure local safety and the essential needs of our communities.
Concerted attention to resolving local problems and meeting shared needs will necessitate functional interpersonal relationships–leading to dialogue and engendering trust. Only in this way can we gradually come to understand and influence one another as fellow-citizens must.
This is an extremely demanding proposition. Yet, I believe we have no choice. Americans are, indeed, challenged to rise to the next level.
Strategic thinking 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. A tentative table of contents may sometimes be made available. Thoughtful responses from readers, and dialogue among readers, will be welcomed and greatly appreciated. Rules of engagement are posted at the bottom of the homepage.