When people think of America, the first thing that comes to mind is Liberty. Liberty allows everyone in the nation to be free within society, having independent and freedom. The word liberty defines us as a nation, what America is truly about. While reading I did not agree when it was stated “here are again two methods of removing the causes of faction: the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests”. When we are given the same opinions, passions, and interest its takes away the diversity in America. When everyone is given a same passions, and interest, it takes away individuality and uniqueness in an individual. It as well takes away the right to choose.
America was built on the idea of having freedom, and not being controlled by one authority. When our liberty is taken away, and every citizen is given one state of mind we are going back to being under one control, and getting away from what our founding fathers had created from us. Although it is easier to have a nation with only one mind set, and everyone thinking the same, but it takes the way the rights of a citizen. It takes away the meaning of what America is supposed to stand for and the promises made to the citizens. At first America was under same opinions, passions, and interest, thus starting a revolution. As a citizen of a nation we should be able to voice our opinions, and have individual interest. American is a nation serving its citizens not a nation serving a king.
Hi Asia,
ReplyDeleteThe way I understand what Madison wrote, I don't think he was advocating for the removal of liberty, or making everyone think/believe the same thing. What I think he was saying was that these were two strategies which could be used to solve the issue of factions, but, that neither of these solutions could be acceptable in a democracy. I think Madison and you are actually in agreement on this point. Thoughts?