Rights vs. Security

Last week, we had been talking about the difference between classical liberalism and modern liberalism and I heard a really good podcast on the radio this weekend explaining the importance of using these terms correctly, it doesn't take long and reviewed a lot of main ideas we have covered in our class so far. To listen, click on the link below:

"The USA was founded in the name of democracy, equality and individual freedom, but is failing to deliver the fundamental promise of protecting rights for all."

It is our human nature to want to feel safe and secure. It is only when you feel safe and secure that you can live your life in freedom. However, in a liberal society, that values rights and freedoms, creating that feeling of security can be a little tricky. The government must make a difficult decision about whether or not to limit rights and freedoms of individuals in the hopes of preserving the democracy long term. The issue with this is whether or not those rights will be reinstated. It is also ironic that the government that is sworn to uphold rights of individuals compromises one of its core values to "save" the democracy. But, the danger is that if the government doesn't take this action, you risk the democracy being taken over by an outside threat and disappearing altogether. So which is the worse threat?

When a democracy actively limits your rights, or any other aspect of liberalism, then it is acting ILLIBERALLY. This is what we will be looking at this week: should our rights and freedoms ever be limited to keep our democracy safe? Are there some situations that are more feasible than others? There are no easy answers to these questions. But it is up to you to decide what role you really think our government should take to reach these goals.

If you haven't watched the 9/11, Patriot Act or Omar Khadr videos from last week, please make sure that you watch them at some point this week.

What are we doing this week?

Monday: 

• Finish going through Collective Rights
• Be sure to bring the booklet of questions/articles that I handed out to you on Friday morning (had the human rights questions on the first page). You will need these for the class

Tuesday: 

• What are illiberal democracies?
• Read the article about illiberalism in the world (Google Classroom)

This video is an example of the issue of illiberal actions in the name of the greater good

• Go through the notes on illiberal actions
• Censorship
• Hate Crimes
• Is this justifiable?

Wednesday: 

• Go through Canada's illiberal past
• The War Measures Act - YOU NEED YOUR TEXTBOOKS FOR THIS CLASS. You can click on the link for the War Measures Act as well for more information

• Compare the WMA to the US Patriot Act

Thursday: 

• Rant by Katelyn 
• Finish WMA and Patriot Act
• Individual Case Studies - YOU WILL NEED YOUR LAPTOP OR DEVICE FOR CLASS FOR SURE TODAY

Friday: 

• Look at dissent 

dis·sent

dəˈsent/

verb

1. 1.

   hold or express opinions that are at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially expressed.

   "two members dissented from the majority"

noun

1. 1.

   the expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held.

   "there was no dissent from this view"

   synonyms:

   disagreement, difference of opinion, argument, dispute; More

• Assignment: Justification of Illiberalism Spectrum