Thought on Governing - March 10, 2010
by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Birthplace of Independent Conservatism
The following words are attributed to Samuel Adams, an 18TH Century American Patriot. Given the current tenor of political debate, and the often uncivil discourse amongst the people disposed to politics, it seemed, at least to me, that San Adams words have special significance today.
"A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader." --Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, 1779
Perhaps the elected officials of both majors, as well as the rank and file members of the democratic and the republican parties ought to read these words. Even internalizing them and perhaps looking in the mirror from time to time.
Dissension and disagreement is desirable. It is in fact how real problems can best be resolved. Being willing to stand your ground, putting forth your best, most reasoned arguments with justified passion is how the American experiment is supposed to work. It is patriotic to do so.
At the end of debate or discussion, after all sides have been thoroughly, completely, and respectfully heard, when the American electorate is waiting for the decisions that result in law effecting their lives it is time to vote. And vote the way the majority of each congressman and congresswomen’s constituents have directed them in majority. This requires getting out among you constituents and hearing them, I mean really hearing them. Then cast your vote based on in the manner your constituents want you to.
It’s called acting as an honest legislator with integrity functioning in a truly democratic republic.
We should all consider Adams words, even in the face of heated disagreement, and strive to attack the message pointing out inconsistencies or outright contradictions. Use the power of logic and reason to win the day. And remember facts are a stubborn thing, as John Adams once said.
America can do much better. While we quite often start on different pages when all is said and done as Americans we need to find a way to ultimately put aside special interest and government favoritism to any organization or group and make the hard choices that lay before us in this time.
Politics and rancor as usual won’t get it done. Sometimes, and as much as I despise this, pragmatism and compromise it the only way to get thing done sometimes. Lawmakers ought to begin on different pages. Ultimately those same lawmakers are entrusted to find the best workable solution.
It is what the People expect. A good place to start to apply these principles is in balancing the budget. At the same time honestly explain that a certain pain will be involved and it may take a while for it to go away.
Our past inabilities to function on principals have gotten us to where we are. Perhaps it is time to look back to 1787, Constitutional Convention, and study how America’s truly great thinkers were able to overcome grave differences to fashion the greatest form of government know to mankind.
Much more can be said. As time is limited I shall have to cut here. Perhaps more shall follow. In any event Rational Nation USA welcomes your thoughts and comments.
Thank you for taking your valuable time in reading the foregoing comments.
Cross posted to the Left Coast Rebel
Via: Memeorandum - see Deficit Proposal Picks Up New Allies
Rational Nation USA
Birthplace of Independent Conservatism
The following words are attributed to Samuel Adams, an 18TH Century American Patriot. Given the current tenor of political debate, and the often uncivil discourse amongst the people disposed to politics, it seemed, at least to me, that San Adams words have special significance today.
"A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader." --Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, 1779
Perhaps the elected officials of both majors, as well as the rank and file members of the democratic and the republican parties ought to read these words. Even internalizing them and perhaps looking in the mirror from time to time.
Dissension and disagreement is desirable. It is in fact how real problems can best be resolved. Being willing to stand your ground, putting forth your best, most reasoned arguments with justified passion is how the American experiment is supposed to work. It is patriotic to do so.
At the end of debate or discussion, after all sides have been thoroughly, completely, and respectfully heard, when the American electorate is waiting for the decisions that result in law effecting their lives it is time to vote. And vote the way the majority of each congressman and congresswomen’s constituents have directed them in majority. This requires getting out among you constituents and hearing them, I mean really hearing them. Then cast your vote based on in the manner your constituents want you to.
It’s called acting as an honest legislator with integrity functioning in a truly democratic republic.
We should all consider Adams words, even in the face of heated disagreement, and strive to attack the message pointing out inconsistencies or outright contradictions. Use the power of logic and reason to win the day. And remember facts are a stubborn thing, as John Adams once said.
America can do much better. While we quite often start on different pages when all is said and done as Americans we need to find a way to ultimately put aside special interest and government favoritism to any organization or group and make the hard choices that lay before us in this time.
Politics and rancor as usual won’t get it done. Sometimes, and as much as I despise this, pragmatism and compromise it the only way to get thing done sometimes. Lawmakers ought to begin on different pages. Ultimately those same lawmakers are entrusted to find the best workable solution.
It is what the People expect. A good place to start to apply these principles is in balancing the budget. At the same time honestly explain that a certain pain will be involved and it may take a while for it to go away.
Our past inabilities to function on principals have gotten us to where we are. Perhaps it is time to look back to 1787, Constitutional Convention, and study how America’s truly great thinkers were able to overcome grave differences to fashion the greatest form of government know to mankind.
Much more can be said. As time is limited I shall have to cut here. Perhaps more shall follow. In any event Rational Nation USA welcomes your thoughts and comments.
Thank you for taking your valuable time in reading the foregoing comments.
Cross posted to the Left Coast Rebel
Via: Memeorandum - see Deficit Proposal Picks Up New Allies
ohhh both sides both abide by principles, les. the difference being is that each are promoting a different set of principles when they should be promoting common principles.
ReplyDeleteand these different principles are seen in regards to the Constitution, economics as well as on social issues.
and principles should never be compromised.
Griper - I will start at the end. You said principles should never be compromised. On that I agree. People live by core principles, which should be based in a sound philosophy. They should expect the same from their representatives.
ReplyDeleteGoverning in a democratic republic can be a sticky wicket by virtue of the multitude of idea's and interests that compete. Should every issue be looked at, and ultimately decided bases on 1) constitutional veracity, 2) sound economic practices, and 3) proper social considerations? My answer is yes.
That both sides have established "principles" or "agendas" such as the case may be there can be no doubt. We see it each and every day. I would suggest that this is good, as it should, at least in theory allow lawmakers to arrive at the best decisions having considered both sides of an argument.
The glitch in governing is that the nation, and thusly its lawmakers seem unable to agree on that allusive set of "common principles."
With the current mood of the country the inability to find those allusive common principles will only grow more difficult.
I actually believe the founders knew this. I also believe they knew that the world, primarily through science and the discovery of things unknown during their time, would be ever changing.
The principles they set aside in the Declaration of Independence, and later the United States Constitution provided the finest set of principles perhaps ever devised by humankind. I would argue they did.
So, while you and I likely would agree on a great deal, and likely could peacefully co exist based on a set of agreed principles and laws there are many that would not agree.
So in the sense of governing those differences need to be somehow worked through and worked out. Other than the dissolution of the union as we have known it. I see few if any other alternatives.
Unless we find those "common principles" of which you speak, and finds a way to incorporate them, indeed internalize them in a way we as a nation have failed to do, I know not what the fate of this nation will be.
I shall argue Aristotelian, Randian and Jeffersonian principles as perhaps the ideal all day long. But what of those who would argue Plato, Kant, and Hegel? And more.
At some point a nation its people either fond a way to come to grips with its differences or it disintegrates into factions.
History has shown this to be so.