"What gives the new despotism its peculiar effectiveness is indeed its liaison with humanitarianism, but beyond this fact its capacity for entering into the smallest details of human life."
by:
Robert Nisbet (1913-1996) American sociologist, author
Is meaningless without more explanation. -- Dick Trice
Hmmm, Communitarian Traditionalist eh? Is it becoming a bit clearer that there might be the promotion of an agenda here? -- Terry Berg, Occidental, CA
There is considerable truth here. But one has to think on it for a bit to perceive it. Something like this has already begun the process of turning the USA into a truly despotic socialist state, -- John-Douglas, Nassau
The new despotism with its deceptive lies that are told often enough to be believed, legalized crimes, and intrusive dehumanizing of the individual now secures its clueless chattel cradle to grave. -- Mike, Norwalk
The only reason we buy into this nanny-statism is the promise of a better world based on humanitarian principles -- same for religion. In the end, though, government and religion if given carte blanche become over-intrusive and over-zealous in their causes resulting in a form of totalitarianism held together by violence and intimidation. Collective power must always be kept in check by individual responsibility. -- E Archer, NYC
Is this quote saying "humanitarianism bad". God help us if we have come to that. I have been visitiing wonderful museums, parks, monuments placed there by wealthy individuals for no other person than to share with 'humanity". Can this quote be casting aspersions on humanitarianism? What the hell is going on here? PS: Have you ever met a conservative or Republican humanitarian? -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas
Waffler, the quote is shedding light on those despots that are criminally enslaving each and every, any and all, to the smallest details of human life under the guise of humanitarianism. Humanitarianism is not bad. Just because you call an act good though, doesn't make it so or, it doesn't mean it tangibly promotes freedom, liberty, life, happiness, etc. AND on my monthly excursions to do Katrina relief, there are far more conservative/Republican humanitarians than anyone else. It seems most 'anyone' else would rather sit on their laurels and have the government steal the money, using such ill gotten booty to finance the re-build and enslavement of all the locals. -- Mike, Norwalk
Mike, the reason that you see more conservative types doing that type of work is because conservatives see a problem and do something about it. Liberals tend to look for someone to blame and transfer any actions required to government. Any perceived problem is viewed as a political opportunity by liberal politicians. Conservatives see it as a community service opportunity. -- warren, olathe
The use of humanitarianism as one facet of cover for the socialist agenda works very well. It lets people feel good as they march unknowingly into socialist slavery. Unfortunately most of us are that easily fooled. -- J Carlton, Calgary
-- RobertSRQ
Political government is an arbitrary entity that retains a monopoly on the legal use and exercise of force. The only appropriate use of government is to protect the life, liberty, and property of the individual. Could such protection of life, liberty, or property be considered "humane" or within the bounds of "humanitarianism"? Sure. As J Carlton and Mike have both described, just because something is defined as being humane doesn't, however, make it so. Some of the greatest atrocities and infringements on liberty and freedom have came from an overzealous majority or a vile despot in the name of "humanitarianism." It has been said the most feared words liberty can hear are: "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help." -- Logan, Memphis, TN
-- Dick Trice
-- John-Douglas, Nassau
-- Mike, Norwalk
-- RobertSRQ
