Full Version: The Role Of the State
Since we have a nice range of political beliefs here, I thought it might be nice to raise a question that has emerged from another debate
Is it and should it be the primary purpose of the state to protect its owns civilians at the expense, if necessary of "foreigners". Is this the right/only way to rule?
Is it and should it be the primary purpose of the state to protect its owns civilians at the expense, if necessary of "foreigners". Is this the right/only way to rule?
Well, to put it simply: yes, it is the role of the state to look out for its citizens first and foremost over the interests of other people.
You cannot expect a man too look out for anybody else before he looks out for his own family.
I am not one to advocate damaging foreigners without good reason, but if there is a choice of: damage us or damage them. Then I hope our government chooses to damage someone other than us. It is up to them to make sure that the best interests of their populace are upheld.
Quane
You cannot expect a man too look out for anybody else before he looks out for his own family.
I am not one to advocate damaging foreigners without good reason, but if there is a choice of: damage us or damage them. Then I hope our government chooses to damage someone other than us. It is up to them to make sure that the best interests of their populace are upheld.
Quane
I'm tempted to answer that philosophically: Does enacting policies which harm other nations actually end in counterproductive reactions from those afflicted states?
It depends how long term you think, really. In the short-term certain policies will seem good for "us" and bad for "them". But in the longer term "they" will certainly find it a lot easier to do to "us" what "we" did to "them".
I think the whole point of the UN was to directly prevent countries from taking the stance you mention. That said, to a greater or lesser degree and on specific, handpicked issues this is exactly the approach taken by nations. It always bites them on the swearword eventually, however.
It depends how long term you think, really. In the short-term certain policies will seem good for "us" and bad for "them". But in the longer term "they" will certainly find it a lot easier to do to "us" what "we" did to "them".
I think the whole point of the UN was to directly prevent countries from taking the stance you mention. That said, to a greater or lesser degree and on specific, handpicked issues this is exactly the approach taken by nations. It always bites them on the swearword eventually, however.
QUOTE
It depends how long term you think, really. In the short-term certain policies will seem good for "us" and bad for "them". But in the longer term "they" will certainly find it a lot easier to do to "us" what "we" did to "them".
Well of course, a rash decision for an easy quick solution may not be the best answer. We are going to assume that the foreseeable future is taken into account with the choice. And the answer is come to accordingly, with the citizens best interest in mind, and not of others first.
Of course we need to look out for the world as a whole, but not before looking out for our own well being as a nation, internally and externally.
Quane
Sole purpose? Well... no.
I think the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution says it best:
More than just protect the citizens.
I think the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution says it best:
QUOTE
WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity....
More than just protect the citizens.
NOTE: THe Topic has changed to Primary Purpose, not sole purpose - to clear up confusion.
CLOSED.
We don't change topics midstream. Feel free to start a new thread with a clear debate question if you chose.
We don't change topics midstream. Feel free to start a new thread with a clear debate question if you chose.
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