We need our beliefs and convictions tested by people who don't agree with us.

It's how we learn if our ideas can stand on their own. It's how our ideas can be made better even if we didn't see all the angles.

And if someone can't do that, then they shouldn't be talking. The reason why conservatism didn't die is because some conservatives and some libertarians got very very good at debate and defending their ideas.

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I never have agreed with "hate" crimes.

Theft is wrong. Murder is wrong. Assault is wrong.

How are these things worse because of "hate?"

How are they worse because of skin color or sexual orientation or creed or even because the victim wore red socks?

You don't have rights because you're pagan or gay or a woman or because of your ancestors.You have rights because you are human. It's not a right unless the other guy has it too. Anything more is privilege.

When we protect a group, what we're really saying is that they aren't good enough without help. We're implying that they will never be good enough no matter what. We're making them perpetual victims.

I want allies. I want them strong. I want them waving their fingers in my face and yelling if I do something wrong. I want them honest enough to tell the truth.

And if I can't convince people to stand up for what's right without holding a gun to their head and threatening them, I'm doing it wrong.

Tags: Crux Files ∙ ideas ∙ maxims ∙ hate crime ∙ disagree ∙ tested ∙ conservative ∙ libertarian ∙ theft ∙ allies ∙ threaten ∙ murder ∙ assault ∙ rights ∙ truth