Can We Talk 2

Different Points of View (Ideals)

         There are three points of view at work in America, according to a Rutgers magazine article. Mind you, I read it summarized by someone else, not the original. This writer claims that all three points of view are needed to balance out each other. It also explains the various reactions to current events.

         The first view is utilitarian. It upholds the most good for the most people. It is the drive behind democracy and majority rule. It has its pitfalls in that sometimes minority groups get left out. It requires protesting, voting, etc., to adjust the laws to be more inclusive. It does not allow one group's or individual's rights to be lost to another; compromise may be necessary.


         The second view is commontarian. I didn't know that was a word, but I promise "common" was in it. (It's not the same as communitarian.) This one pushes the idea of the common good or greater good for the most possible people. If change is necessary, then the loss of property or life of a few is necessary and permissible. If the loss or destruction leads to change, a constructive purpose has been accomplished.

         The third is libertarian. Occasionally, you hear of a libertarian running for office. He holds individual freedom to be of utmost importance. The writer claims that in a true libertarian society, you end up with more homeless, cities become centers of sleaze, and rich people get richer by gambling with other people's money. I guess since you can't regulate people's hearts, the evil can prey upon the weak with ease in this scenario.

         All three have great ideals, but all three have weaknesses. Knowing this doesn't solve anything or relieve our minds. But it does shed some light on what's happening.