I honestly hadn't thought about why i was asking, but you could be right. The fact is i've been asking people, more or less at random, "Do you respect authority or question it?". George and i have kicked the point around in the past, specifically how it relates to one's political affections.
I found that while outclassed linguistically and in the unenviable and morally indefensible position of lone defacto "liaison of America" in Europe, i was able to keep conversations safe but interesting by entering politically neutral ground. The irony of recognizing this as a useful tactic while celebrating a winter holidays in Switzerland was not lost on me.
The recurring caveat was one of separation. The central theme i heard was that the dictums of one's personal social contract always trumped whatever prevailing winds may blow today. Some people called it "the establishment" vs "authority". Some said "the laws of God always trump the laws of man". Some people said, "I may not know the law, but i know when things are wrong". One person characterized it thusly; "A person can be smart, but people are stupid."
Regardless, I present these links. I'm sure you will see the thread that caused me to pose my postulate. Please enjoy them in the order presented for maximum effect:
Ehrlichman's wikipedia entry - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ehrlichman#Political_life
Ehrlichman's testimony, 7/24/73 - http://tinyurl.com/dk864
Gonzales' actions expanding the executive - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Gonzales#War_on_Terror
Gonzales agrees to testify - http://tinyurl.com/atlrs
peace,
jenni
On Jan 14, 2006, at 10:08 AM, Theodore wrote:
Hopefully agreements and legislation were developed without duress or ill motives and are based on morality which probably has its roots in the Holy Bible (10 commandments). That's where British and US law are rooted anyway. That would argue for suspecting authority and subjecting it to more scrutiny since it is exercised by less than perfect men who may not be subject to or mindful of the rule of law as established in a document such as the US Constitution.
I have a feeling you're in the midst of arguing a point inversely from principle to a particular situation. Please proceed.
jenni x
[rant] Re: establishment vs. authority
fair enough... so which should we suspect first? Which should be subject to more scrutiny?
jenni
On Jan 13, 2006, at 11:28 PM, Theodore wrote:
I believe there is a connotation of history associated with establishment- that is, what has previously been established whether through agreement or legislation. Authority is transient and fleeting and in the hands of whoever has the most firepower at a particular place and a particular time.
jenni x
[rant] establishment vs. authority
what's the difference between "the establishment" and "authority"?
jenni
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