Rational Nation USA

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Here is a little something that progressives and conservative might want to consider. However, because the words make so much common sense it is likely neither will. "It is a wise rule and should be fundamental in a government disposed to cherish its credit, and at the same time to restrain the use of it within the limits of its faculties, 'never to borrow a dollar without laying a tax in the same instant for paying the interest annually, and the principal within a given term; and to consider that tax as pledged to the creditors on the public faith.'" --Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Wayles Eppes, 1813 Is it just me or does it seem odd that fiscal conservatives and advocates of Jeffersonian principals seem not to understand his practicality and sense of responsibility? Given our history fiscal responsibility went out the window in America about 70 years ago. The question is, does th...

I have just completed reading (a day late) the article in The New York Times regarding the Texas Board of Education's approval to put a more conservative stamp on social studies (whatever happened to history) and economic text books. The new curriculum standards will put a more favorable light on capitalism,  pronouncing its superiority over other economic systems. At the same time the Founding Father's desires and commitment  to the establishment of a secular government will be questioned. In addition to this the Republican philosophy with respect to politics and government will be presented more positively. I suppose as an independent conservative it would seem only natural to be hopping up and down over these events. However, there are troubling aspects to what has taken place in Texas. As one who has always loved history I have a great disdain for  revisionist histo...

Yesterday I did my usual Saturday Edition Post over at Conservative Firestorm. I called it "Lets Take A Look Back" because it reminds us of our roots as a nation when fiscal responsibility and limited government were realities. A time before we became the interventionist nation we have become in modern times. Here are some excerpts from the post for those Rational Nation USA readers who may have not seen it. Jefferson, a giant of the Enlightenment and Age of Reason, the author of The Declaration of Independence, and the leading visionary of the Founding Fathers. His influence is still alive and well today in our Nation. Jefferson was a scientist, a writer, an inventor, and a lawyer. He was a leading voice in the cause of American independence from Great Britain. He was the war time Governor of Virginia, and succeeded Ben Franklin as minister to France in 1785. Jefferson was responsible for establishing, through his proposed Statute...