Yet isn’t the ACLU generally regarded as a liberal interest group? I agree that civil liberties should not be a partisan issue but in conservative circles the issues of “rights” generally, and “civil rights” in particular are viewed as liberal.

Funny how the Republicans oppose a group which works to ensure their freedom.

Makes you think the Republicans only favor being Slaves or somethin’.

The question of what a Conservative is really can be confusing. For example, in the 1960s a Conservative opposed (generally) a lot of the Civil Rights movement. Today they talk about opposing it, but mostly they don’t oppose it. So, does that mean all of today’s Republicans are Liberals? Weird, huh?

If you’re Conservative and the prevailing environment can only be called Libertine, then does that make a Conservative a Libertine?

Just what is a Conservative? Mostly today a Conservative is whatever gets them power. But, a NeoCon or a Bushie is something altogether different. They seem to be nihilistic, even anarchic, and entirely sociopathic and self-interested.

And please try and get your hands on a copy of the book if you can. The ACLU does heroic work.

Sk3ptik @ 20

Hey, Anthony, this book looks quite interesting and, as people are commenting already, like it could cross over some of the traditional battle-lines we (or the media) draw using ideology. Are the stories chosen intentionally (and would you tell is if they were!? :)) to paint the ACLU as moderate instead of super-left?

I actually don’t think the ACLU is super left. In a lot of ways, we are “super conservative” — conserving the basic rights for all people in America. It’s true that we believe in the rights of lgbt people for instance, or for the right to choose. But we also believe in the right of Fred Phelps to express his hateful ideology. And in the past, we have defended Rush Limbaugh and Jerry Falwell.

That’s why if we can get folks to focus on what we do and why we do it, maybe they can see the importance of standing up for civil liberties.

Anthony,
I think the deal is that you really understand what the word “conservative” means, whereas most Republicans seem to have forgotten. Instead, Republicans for the past 6 years seem to be worshiping at the altar of fascism. But I’m not too eager to see “conservatism” rehabilitated– at least, not until after “liberalism” is rehabilitated!

Thanks,
Bob in HI

thank you anthony and Rachel!

I concur, a most enlightening and fascinating conversation.

Wow — what a great Book Salon!

Am going to answer these last 3 posts and then cook dinner for a hungry partner.

#1: NSA and ISP’s: We do need to hold the private companies accountable for ensuring the privacy of their customers. That’s why we filed suit against ATT and that suit is still ongoing, with a number of the other suits brough against other teleco firms

#2: Presidential signing statements: They are a big problem, as they try to overturn or undo the legislative history. By the way, showing that not all bad began with bush, signing statements began under president clinton. That’s why we need to be mindful of executive power encroachment, no matter which party is in power.

#3: Book Forum: I really hope you all will talk about the books to your friends and loved ones. It is a book of stories, meant to spark a conversation at homes and dinner tables like the one we had here tonight. Thank you Christy for the amazing work you do and for having me here. I’m signing off now.