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Your influences

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by fromtheright, Jan 29, 2005.

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  1. fromtheright

    fromtheright <img src =/2844.JPG>

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    A PM exchange with BiR (thanks, BiR!) inspired me to ask: are there any particular people or writings, besides God or the Bible (I don't mean to discount either) who inspired you or educated you toward whatever political philosophy you hold? Who/what? How did that person/writing influence you? At first I thought about posting it as a poll but there is no way to be anything close to comprehensively listing a choice.

    [ January 29, 2005, 02:56 PM: Message edited by: fromtheright ]
     
    #1 fromtheright, Jan 29, 2005
  2. KenH

    KenH Well-Known Member

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    In Defense of Freedom: A Conservative Credo, by Frank S. Meyer

    Restoring the American Dream, by Robert Ringer
     
    #2 KenH, Jan 29, 2005
  3. Ps104_33

    Ps104_33 New Member

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    I would have to say Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. After I accepted Christ I still had many doubts, being an atheist for many years. That book removed most of them.
     
    #3 Ps104_33, Jan 29, 2005
  4. carpro

    carpro Well-Known Member
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    Political philosophy?

    Just time and experience.
     
    #4 carpro, Jan 29, 2005
  5. Priscilla Ann

    Priscilla Ann Member

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    George McGovern was a great influence during my youth. I grew up in South Dakota (where McGovern lived). He was, and is, a man of integrity and compassion...increasingly rare qualities in a politician.

    One of his most recent books, "The Third Freedom: Ending Hunger in Our Time" is excellent. George McGovern had the ability to overlook political partisanship to work for the good of everyone, especially in the area of world hunger. McGovern and Republican, Bob Dole, have worked together throughout years on issues related to hunger.
     
    #5 Priscilla Ann, Jan 29, 2005
  6. WallyGator

    WallyGator New Member

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    Christian Manifesto by Francis Schaeffer
     
    #6 WallyGator, Jan 29, 2005
  7. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror by: Natan Sharnasky.

    Joseph Botwinick
     
    #7 Joseph_Botwinick, Jan 30, 2005
  8. fromtheright

    fromtheright <img src =/2844.JPG>

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    My own influences, in no particular order:

    Men and Marriage by George Gilder, for providing the sociological arguments for traditional marriage (though weak in some areas, IMO)

    Various works by Lenin for teaching me the essence of Communism and why, even in theory, it is evil.

    The Myth of Separation by David Barton. While his scholarship is atrocious, it inspired greater interest in original intent, especially as to the religion clauses of the First Amendment.

    You Can Trust the Communists (to be Communists) by Fred Schwarz.

    None Dare Call It Treason by John Stormer.

    Suicide of the West by James Burnham which is an excellent study of the essence of liberalism.

    Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt, for showing me the basics of free market economics and which inspired further reading in the Austrian theory of economics.

    Government by Judiciary by Raoul Berger, from which I learned that the theory of incorporation is not an historical slam dunk.

    The Rights Retained by the People by Randy Barnett, for reminding me of the Ninth Amendment, and for teaching me of Robert Bork's errors of legal positivism and excessive trust in democracy.

    The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 by George H. Nash, which taught me the deep philosophical heritage of conservatism and to me, is a starting point, for understanding it.

    The Moral Question of Abortion by Stephen D. Schwarz, the best single source of arguments against it.
     
    #8 fromtheright, Jan 30, 2005
  9. Ps104_33

    Ps104_33 New Member

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    If it is politics then my favorite read is political biogrophies. I am presently reading "The Last Lion", Manchesters biography of Winston S. Churchill.
     
    #9 Ps104_33, Jan 30, 2005
  10. Baptist in Richmond

    Baptist in Richmond Active Member

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    I just had to revive this thread.

    With respect to my politics, I have had many influences over the years, but one author has had the greatest impact with respect to making me think. That would be Noam Chomsky.

    As a shortwave enthusiast for most of my life, I had heard him give countless interviews in the international media. He is one of the most quoted intellectuals outside the United States. In college I read a few of his books, and though I didn't agree with him (especially during college, as I was a hard-core activist Republican), I found that I simply could not put down his books.

    Though I would discourage many of you from purchasing his books (especially those among us that are on the extreme right of the spectrum), they are worth a glance should you find yourself in the local bookstore. I have seen them in Barnes & Noble and Borders on several occasions. I am not sure if I consider him to be a fellow "left-leaner," as he will attack those on the left as well as the right.

    Hope this post finds all of you well,

    BiR
     
    #10 Baptist in Richmond, Mar 22, 2005
  11. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    In direct opposition to the anti-semitic Chomsky, I would have to favor the research and writings of Alan Dershowitz in his book "The Case For Israel". Also, I would have to say that Ronald Reagan has had a great impact on my thinking politically.

    Joseph Botwinick
     
    #11 Joseph_Botwinick, Mar 22, 2005
  12. Baptist in Richmond

    Baptist in Richmond Active Member

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    Apples and oranges, Joseph..........
     
    #12 Baptist in Richmond, Mar 22, 2005
  13. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    Night and Day, BiR........
     
    #13 Joseph_Botwinick, Mar 22, 2005
  14. Baptist in Richmond

    Baptist in Richmond Active Member

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    Apples and oranges.
    One is a leftist, while the other is an extremist.
     
    #14 Baptist in Richmond, Mar 22, 2005
  15. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    Yes. Dershowitz would be the leftist. Chomsky is most certainly an extremist anti-semtie.

    Joseph Botwinick
     
    #15 Joseph_Botwinick, Mar 22, 2005
  16. Baptist in Richmond

    Baptist in Richmond Active Member

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    Hence, apples and oranges.
     
    #16 Baptist in Richmond, Mar 22, 2005
  17. KenH

    KenH Well-Known Member

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    Noam Chomsky?! Gag me with a spoon! :rolleyes:
     
    #17 KenH, Mar 22, 2005
  18. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    There is a book in Barnes and Noble I am wanting to check out called the Anti-Chomsky Reader. Perhaps, this summer when I have more time.

    Joseph Botwinick
     
    #18 Joseph_Botwinick, Mar 22, 2005
  19. Terry_Herrington

    Terry_Herrington New Member

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    [​IMG]
     
    #19 Terry_Herrington, Mar 23, 2005
  20. Baptist in Richmond

    Baptist in Richmond Active Member

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    #20 Baptist in Richmond, Oct 18, 2005
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