Si modo
Diamond Member
Absolutely. Few issues are resolved in an information vacuum.True and most of that balance is based on which rights trump others, giving trump cards to those rights and responsibilites most closely connected to those first principles.True. But they are also there to create a system of balances. A grand compromise, if you will. There is wide latitude for policy regarding the exact nature of those balances without violating the broad first principles. Which is why we have the ebb and flow of poltiical "sides" seeking the right balance.
My biggest point, however, is that I find a disturbing sentiment growing that views these first principles as either outdated and/or malleable. Very disturbing sentiment to me.
No, you're right, it is imperative to adhere to the first principles. The problem is the scope of those principles and the various ways they can be read. Well, a mixed problem/blessing if you ask me. It keeps people talking in places like this and reexamining the balance, which is a good thing.