Thanks

Wow, those thoughts yesterday were incredible. Everyone expressed themselves so well. I really enjoyed reading all the posts, even though I haven't commented yet. Commenting on Carpe Noctem tends to suck the commenter into a never-ending debate, so I've been trying to stay out of those lately XD

I'm really glad you all posted, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading every pst. Awesome thoughts, y'all :)

Liberty: I am a Libertarian...

This is an awesome idea. *huge grin* And I am totally excited. This is the first time I've done this over here, so bear with me. ;)

Everyday, the political debate (or lack thereof) in the United States goes on. It ebbs and flows, heats and cools as time goes on. High points of political debate (election time) and low (the middle point where there are no elections) follow each other with regularity. This political debate most often seems to center around two major points of view- Republican or Democrat, "conservative" or "liberal", right or left...

Yet a growing faction of the American population increasingly turn away from these "traditional" labels. Refusing to define themselves with the narrow strictures of a set roster of ideas and a political moniker that goes with them, these people strike out largely on their own. Several things unite these freelancers, though what has come to be called the Libertarian movement has people ranging from the anarchist to the near-Republican to the near-Democrat. Yet most Libertarians can agree on three things-

1. Personal liberty is the most important thing
2. The Constitution of the United States is a pretty good model for a non interventionist government
3. For America to survive, even in her current state of semi-decay, she must return to some semblance of what she once was

There is much dissension among Libertarian ranks; so much so that sometimes, Libertarians can seem to be broken down into several parties of thought rather than just one. This is, perhaps, one of our greatest strengths. Rather than being slaves to a central party doctrine that reigns paramount over our own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and convictions, Libertarians have comparative freedom to decide their own way.

One instance of this is embodied in the Libertarian Party platform. All individuals are sovereign over their own lives, the passage reads, and defense of each individual's choices and rights is paramount: more important than any personal conviction. Of course, one thing must be stated right now- that, though each individual's choice is defended, each individual also cannot trample on the rights of another. That would not be freedom; that is anarchy.

I myself became what could be termed a Libertarian, soon after my "political awakening." (In other words, when I became a political junkie and couldn't stop thinking about it.) I didn't like the Republican platform (no freedom of choice, morality, or thought), nor did I care for the Democratic stance (no economic freedom, curtailed freedom of speech). And so I went somewhere out in the netherworld, and found the Libertarians.

That is, to me, the most beautiful thing about the Libertarians: they are neither Republican nor Democrat, but neither are they in the center somewhere. The major parties have, over the years, drifted closer and closer to one another, and by now, little true difference between them exists. The Libertarians, however, act as a replacement for an old, worn-out system that is doing little for the American people beyond sinking them further into debt, corruption, and war. And yet Libertarianism is not so exclusive in its ideology and party structure that it does not negate voting for another party if one believes said party would more aptly fit ones view of our country.

I am a Libertarian in large part because I don't believe there are any other options (Republican or Democrat, or even the Constitution Party) that truly fit what I believe. I believe, like the Libertarians, that each human being on the globe has a right to do whatever they want so long as that does not interfere with the rights of another. I think that government should play only a minor role in the lives of its citizens- and certainly not as much as it is playing now.

On Your Mark...Get Set....GO!

The invitations have been sent. Let the posting begin!

Growing List...

Followers Say coming up in about two weeks! If you missed the post with the "rules", here's a link. Thanks to everyone who's emailed me (livinglovinglaughinglearning@gmail.com). The list of participants is growing nicely!

Lissy
Post 1: "I disbelieve the Theory of Evolution because of biological processes"
Post 2: President John Adams' inaugural speech with her own commentary. (This post would likely be a bit lengthy, and she was wondering if you all would still be interesting in reading it?)

Christopher Kennedy
What the Bible means to him

KnightWing
"It's Always a Choice": Believing in God or being an Atheist is always a choice based on pre-assumptions.

Liberty
Post 1: "I am a Libertarian because..."
Post 2: The War on Terror

Tragedy101:
A response to the post "The New America"

If I've made a mistake about what you're planning to post or missed someone's email, please let me know!

There's no deadline for entering, just email me before the 27th so I can send you the invitation to post when the time comes.

Thanks!

Followers Say Reminder

Followers Say is coming up in just a little less than three weeks! (Saturday, March 27th) It's definitely sneaking up on me, so it might be for you, too!

If you're too lazy to scroll down and read the information about Followers Say, here's a link for you ;)

Second Biannual Followers Say

So far the participants who have emailed me (livinglovinglaughinglearning@gmail.com) are:

Lissy
Post 1: "I disbelieve the Theory of Evolution because of biological processes"
Post 2: President John Adams' inaugural speech with her own commentary. (This post would likely be a bit lengthy, and she was wondering if you all would still be interesting in reading it?)

Christopher Kennedy
What the Bible means to him

There is no deadline for "entering", but I will need you to email me so I will have a way to send the invitation to post on March 27th.

Probably Followers Say won't be as big this time around. I think September will be the main Follower Say. Still, it's nice to have two opportunities a year in case you've got some good ideas floating around!

Looking forward to reading everyone's posts and and responses to others' posts!

Second Biannual Followers Say

The second biannual Followers Say is coming up on March 27. It seems like it came fast, doesn't it?

Most of you probably remember what this is about, but for those of you who weren't here back in September, let me explain this a little by reposting the original announcement (dates and some specifics modified):

On Saturday March 27th there is going to be a special edition of Carpe Noctem: "Followers Say..." You will be granted access to posting on Carpe Noctem from midnight on the 25, to 11:59pm on the 26. You will be allowed to post up to three times during that twelve hours, on three separate topics of your choice.

I know my awesome followers have lots to say on lots of issues, and it's difficult to fully explain your point just through commenting.

Suggested Topics:
1. "I believe/disbelieve Evolution because..."
2. "I believe/disbelieve in God because..."
3. "My opinion on our president is..."
4. "I am a republican/democrat because..."
5. "My view on political-correctness is..."
6. "What I think God meant in Genesis is..."
7. "I think global warming..."
8. "I believe homosexuality is a choice/is not a choice because..."
9. An in-depth critique or response to any of my previous posts.
10. An idea of your own. (Please email me your idea ahead of time.)

"Rules":
-You can chose 1-3 topics from the above list.
-If you have another topic you would like to discuss, please shoot me an email just so I'll know.
-You can post up to 3 times during the 12 hour period.
-Profanity is discouraged, but if that's the only way you can think to express yourself, go right ahead. Hopefully, though, we're all articulate enough to avoid that whenever possible.
-Preferably, you must be a follower of Carpe Noctem to participate, but you don't *have* to be. I'd appreciate it, though :)

Preferred formatting of your post(s):
-Please put your name and the title of your post in the title.
-Please state which idea you chose at the beginning of your post.
-Please address one idea per post. (Don't address all the possible ideas in a single post.)

This is an extremely laid-back kind of thing. I'm not going to remove part or all of your post because it offends me. Even if it does, this is your time to share, not mine.

If you or someone you know would like to participate in Followers Say, email me at livinglovinglaughinglearning@gmail.com and I'll send you the link to join Carpe Noctem for the day of March 27. Hope you decide to join!

This time around, I plan to have an award for all those who participate in Followers Say.

As always, questions, comments, concerns, or Hey-How-Are-Yous can be sent to that email, too :)