A Reader Responds: The Moderate Manifesto Simplified
By Ron Corson
(May 24, 2004)

The problem with those who hold to the Moderate Manifesto recently published on Spectrum’s Web site is that their uncertainty often leads them to a state of hand-wringing inactivity. Furthermore, what they mean is often far different from what they say. Listed below is another version of the manifesto, in the same order as the original, revised in accordance with these insights.

I believe the United States must be subject to the world community (the world community meaning the United Nations).

I believe the United States cannot act unilaterally to defend itself unless the world community agrees.

I believe that Saddam Hussein was evil, but that the United States must attack all evil or else no evil, assuming the world community agrees.

I believe in dictatorships for countries where democracy is an inconvenience to the United States or someone else.

I believe in true friends helping as long as the world community agrees.

I believe in supporting America as long as the world community supports it. The national flaws of the United States should prevent it from taking any action unless the world community agrees with it.

I believe the United States has much to teach other countries after it perfects itself and follows the dictates of the world community.

I believe in the dignity of labor, industry, and the responsibility to assist those who do not believe in labor, industry, and responsibility.

I believe in God but don’t think that politicians should express their Christian beliefs.

I believe in Creation but don’t think it should compete with evolution in schools as a theory of origins.

I believe in prayer but it should not be expressed in public if the one who prays has any responsibility over anyone.

I believe the state should rarely regulate right and wrong actions.

I believe abortion is wrong unless it is the least wrong of the possible options, understanding that "wrong" is a personal opinion.

I believe that the greatest impediment to the United States is the assumption that it must make decisions. In reality, the best situation is to make no decision but to allow the world community to wait until all possible options are exhausted before doing anything. As long as there is another option, another chance for someone to change their behavior, nothing should be done. Thus both sides will remain uneasy and all concerned can find satisfaction in the hope of a solution.

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