“The votes aren’t there” is the typical response of a “conservative” politician who fails to initiate the type of legislation that is necessary to stop our current madness. Another dodge that politicians use is “the opposition is too strong right now to get this through.” Those statements may be truthful. Indeed, they probably are, but they do not justify an unwillingness to try to correct the deficiencies of government. Principled advocates promote their causes even when the circumstances are most bleak. Many of the “progressive’ elements of our present day were considered astronomical long shots when first proposed. Their proponents refused to be intimidated by public opinion or legislative opposition. They continued to toil in the vineyards of public policy until their destructive measures were adopted. Why is it that so many self-described believers in constitutional government lack similar intensity and commitment to their positions?
Small steps toward worthy goals frequently lead to ultimate victory. A football analogy would be that a team that gains 5 yards on every play will eventually score, eat some clock time and prevent their opponent’s offense from possessing the ball. When a team is far behind and the clock is ticking away, a different strategy is required. Yardage and scores must be earned in large bunches. The hurry-up huddle and two-minute offense will be employed to save precious moments. Downfield and sideline passes will dominate, and the running game may be forgotten. In the world of big government tyranny we are in the final quarter, the clock continues to move, and we are terrifyingly behind on the scoreboard. Yet the so-called constitutionalists dither and dawdle and continue to run plays that yield minimal gains. They seem unwilling to throw the ball. They are reluctant to strike for the goal. They are content with small token gains while the time is running out. Why?
Ego and perception appear to be the guiding rules for the “small-government” politicians. First, they believe that their intellects, their contributions and their savvy are much too important to be sacrificed on the altar of principle. They view their most principled colleagues as “wackos” or extremists. In essence they accept the labeling advanced by those who wish to destroy our nation and those mental light weights who are supposed to report the news. These political officeholders cannot imagine that they could be replaced because they believe the “right” things but support incremental erosion of our liberty so as not to appear too far removed from the mainstream. Their egocentric self-importance is enabling the destruction of our republic. They do not possess the courage to go down in flames for the principles of individual liberty and constitutional government. They assume that pledging “lives, fortunes and sacred honor” is a quaint but wholly ludicrous proposition.
Each faux small-government constitutional politician sees the flood and understands that it may lead to tragic consequences. Like the single raindrop, however, the spineless career politician does not recognize his or her role in the deluge. Excuse my language, but I am damn tired of politicians who want to appear to be “reasonable.” Just what is reasonable about the destruction of our nation? Why is it considered reasonable to stand aside while politicians and policies tear away the very fabric of our republic? What is reasonable about national suicide? Why do the people who claim to be supporters of a small constitutional government and individual liberty insist on being “reasonable?”
My preference is for statesmen and stateswomen who love liberty. I prefer political types who understand that liberty can preserved only by a small government that does not usurp our rights. I desire a government that will defend the borders and allow the citizens to thrive and grow without annoying interference from bureaucrats and reasonable politicians. I want politicians who have the courage to go down in flames for liberty and constitutional government. I do not want “reasonable” politicians who are willing to fiddle while the remainder of us burn. Get with the program, “conservative politicians,” either risk your political careers to save the country or get out of the way. Step up or step down. There is too much at stake for your ego to get in the way.
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