tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366199.post5203472222115574800..comments2023-12-24T00:27:57.613-06:00Comments on Kole Hard Facts of Life: Oh, Now There's A Problem With License PlatesMike Kolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573721231319244630noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366199.post-60060950492994952452012-02-19T19:34:24.956-06:002012-02-19T19:34:24.956-06:00It's kind of like the difference between Jeffe...It's kind of like the difference between Jefferson and Hamilton. In some ways, seen as very far apart or even opposites, but truly, if this was the gulf today in politics, what a wonderful world it would be. I respect you and our differences, which are minor.Mike Kolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17573721231319244630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366199.post-48123732424263505702012-02-19T18:01:31.863-06:002012-02-19T18:01:31.863-06:00There is a history of seminars, dissertations, deb...There is a history of seminars, dissertations, debates about the issue of whether the government should be in a vaccum or whether the free speech carries with it the underlying principles of promotion of speech. Good people on both sides. For me, the tenor suggest promotion for the common good and is therefore activist for the good in contrast to tyranny and dictatorial oppression. <br />Again, the government is offering certain freedoms of voluntary expression for which you can pay a premium. No one is twisting your arm. Just my viewpoint.patriot paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157550885787325184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366199.post-91967053410992500922012-02-19T14:21:39.484-06:002012-02-19T14:21:39.484-06:00Arguing in reverse? Not at all. I'm getting ba...Arguing in reverse? Not at all. I'm getting basic here. I assert that it is not the proper role of government to provide avenues for the exercise of speech.<br /><br />Just as surely as I do not argue in favor of government providing a TV transmitter, a printing press, or a website, I do not argue in favor of making the license plates a means for private groups to gain recognition.Mike Kolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17573721231319244630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366199.post-57473678220228309812012-02-19T13:57:22.161-06:002012-02-19T13:57:22.161-06:00Mike, I don't think arguing in the reverse get...Mike, I don't think arguing in the reverse gets us anywhere. Theoretically, it's like saying if the official language of the U.S is bilingual (English & Spanish), then if we remove Spanish do we infringe on that previous language. I don't think it's really a helpful argument.<br />I would also disagree with the notion that the government bears no responsibility to facilitate speech. It is obligated to protect speech and in so doing we cannot deny that it is faciliated and flourishes because of that.<br /><br />It does bring up a point about whether the corporate personhood argument.<br /><br />Thirdly, the government regulates (restricts) certain forms of speech. The government regulates cigarettes but allows corp.to name the brands, the same with alcohol. By your argument, you would have to claim the government is the fun raising arm of Newports and Jim Beam, which it is not.<br />What about the naming rights of city parks and stadiums or adopt a highway? As long as it's volunteer and capitalism is at work, the government would be remiss if it did not use the opportunities afforded to it. And I see a participatory freedom for people to engage themselves further in our government.patriot paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157550885787325184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366199.post-44407687880962802382012-02-19T11:24:04.271-06:002012-02-19T11:24:04.271-06:00Anon- That is perhaps the dumbest comment I've...Anon- That is perhaps the dumbest comment I've ever received here.<br /><br />Paul- As regards speech, my position is similar to religion in that it is not the proper role of government to either interfere or facilitate speech or religion. That's purely a private matter. And, that doesn't address the government as fundraising arm of private organizations.<br /><br />Moreover, if the vanity license plates go away, are you arguing that the speech of any of the groups is being infringed?Mike Kolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17573721231319244630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366199.post-32322224537201187302012-02-19T10:03:51.671-06:002012-02-19T10:03:51.671-06:00I'm a little surprised at your position on thi...I'm a little surprised at your position on this, and I believe you are on the wrong side of this issue. It represents no intrusion of government into the public or private sector. It is not mandatory. Freedom of expression and speech is foundational, and if 'we the people' are afforded a voice within the provided guidelines, then we should applaud it. I say the more the merrier. In fact, I've seen no libertarians or others in the streets demanding the government to cease expanding freedom. I say more freedom; not less.patriot paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16157550885787325184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366199.post-34287121845108013082012-02-19T02:05:20.303-06:002012-02-19T02:05:20.303-06:00It will just make it easier for god to spot the fa...It will just make it easier for god to spot the fags... Just pray one of those cars doesn't rear end you... May get aids...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com