The Texas Republican primary election has been concluded, and what have we learned? The latest numbers that I have seen show Governor Perry with 52% of the vote, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison claiming 31% and Deborah Medina trailing with 17 per cent. Clearly, the Texas results did not indicate that a visceral anti-incumbent mood was the dominant force because Perry already holds the record as the Lone Star State’s longest serving governor. Perhaps the voting in Texas reflects a virulent anti-Washington position because of KBH’s relatively weak finish, but the totals for Medina are the ones that I find most intriguing…and possibly most revealing.
Ms. Medina has been touted as the darling of the Tea Party Movement. Her platform and her pronouncements generally followed a Libertarian vein as she emphasized a smaller Constitutionally-conforming government. She joyfully played the role of the skunk at the picnic and was doing quite well in the pre-election polling until she appeared on the Glenn Beck radio program. Beck’s aggressive attitude with her, his almost-hostile questioning made Medina appear to be unready for leadership. One portion in particular was damaging to her campaign as Beck asked her about her position regarding the 911 Truthers. The Truthers are a fringe element of the society who appears to believe that the United States government was complicit or responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001. Beck asked Medina what her position was regarding the 911 Truther movement. She waffled, weaseled and sputtered. Finally, she tossed out the line that she believed that some Truther claims deserved further investigation. Apparently Beck hadn’t taken his meds that morning, and he went semi-ballistic as he denounced her inability or unwillingness to forcefully disavow the Truthers.
Beck’s driving premise for his ostracizing of Medina was that she should have clearly, forcefully and unreservedly separated herself from Truther conspiracies. In a sense, I agree with Beck because to consider that my government may have had ANY input into the 911 murders, is too evil to comprehend. If government involvement were proven, then I would be forced to join in an armed resurrection or to totally withdraw to a place of isolation. For those reasons I reject any half-baked conspiratorial hypotheses that in any way, shape or form suggests the unfathomable. When reviewing the Truthers, it seems reasonable that one should be all in…or all out. Any other position, it seems to me, would result in painful unresolved angst. If one can examine this “issue” unemotionally and objectively, then I would assume that you do not love the United States of America. Just sayin’.
Back to the election: It seems to me that there are three (maybe more) conclusions that can be drawn from the Texas primary.
1.) Except for a small element, the Tea Party/Patriot movement is and always will be Republican. Despite their protestations that they are disturbed by “business as usual,” they will continue to vote for middle of the road Republicans when presented with alternatives.
2.) Medina was a flawed candidate. She allowed Beck to define her, and thus, forfeited her opportunity to garner enough support from the Perry camp to finish second and force a runoff. Of her 17 per cent totals, we do not know how many of her supporters were of the “kook” variety and how many were true freedom-lovers who rejected Perry’s opportunistic populism.
3.) Hutchison’s 31 per cent represents the old base of the Old Party. Name ID and length of service are important to them, and they generally reject finely tuned ideological messages.
There is in Texas a core element of freedom loving voters. On a percentage basis, they are probably much larger than here in Ohio. We have the strong union element that has existed in our political landscape for decades, and unfortunately, such an environment does not encourage independent thought. Our Tea Party/Patriot groups are very active in Ohio, but will, in the final analysis, support unprincipled Republicans because those candidates will master the rhetoric of liberty and continue to support growth in government. So, based on the Texas experiment, what are the realistic expectations for freedom and liberty candidates in Ohio in 2010? Our candidates are hamstrung by a lack of funding and a strong statewide infrastructure for generating votes. We must necessarily campaign as sixty-some individuals who form our campaigns according to our districts, our personal resources, our energy and our commitment. We have no retinue…no cluster of political groupies…to run our errands, drive our cars, design our ads or spread our messages. All we have is a passion for restoring the Constitution as the law of the land. All we desire is for Freedom to once again reign in America. All we need is strength and perseverance.
All we want is a few people who share our passion…who know a few people…who know more people…who know even more people…who know enough people to make a difference in Ohio.
Comments or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Conspiracy
As each election cycle matures, the discussion of fringe voters becomes more heated. The two Old Parties seek to categorize the other’s base as “fringe.” The GOP tries to isolate the Democrats’ adherents as “leftists, socialists and communists,” while the Democrats identify elements of the Republican base as “Birchers, militia types and conspiracy theorists.” As a member of the largest third party, the Libertarian Party, I agree with both of the Old Parties. The Democrats have been the haven for leftist ideologues for my entire political memory, and the conspiracy theorists have been associating, to some degree, with the GOP as well. Without attempting to be an apologist for the Republicans, I have observed that as the government becomes more dominant in our daily lives, conspiracies flourish. In their hearts people have difficulty understanding that a large soulless government was a result of their electoral neglect. They suspect that some hidden nefarious scheme is responsible for the shrinking of personal liberty in the United States. They may be right, but I believe that the loss of personal freedom has come about because: a.) Democrats desire it; b.) Republicans are indifferent; and c.) conspiracists have been too busy watching for black helicopters to become engaged in the electoral process. But now, as our government seems to become increasing oppressive and decreasingly responsive, some citizens are puzzled by the sense that events are out of control. They seek answers. For some our vexing issues, however, there appear to be no satisfying solutions, therefore the citizen grasps onto whatever may explain the current precarious situation.
Superstition arises when there is a critical lack of certainty. If we have the full facts and knowledge about a situation, it is obvious that our analysis will usually be realistically based. It is the shortage of information and the absence of honest communication that prompt people to snatch onto tiny bits of data and then weave whole-cloth narratives or theories from the fragments. The political world is awash in conspiracies, innuendos, and other imaginative stories. A significant portion of the populace is openly disdainful of the government and governmental responses to their concerns. The credibility chasm has grown to become nearly unbreachable, but will the voters’ anger continue by electing fresh alternative candidates? Or will they continue to elect the same people from the same parties that they have for the past century and a half? Will they foolishly expect different outcomes? The roiling discontent that we are witnessing is a different environment from the norm. It remains to be seen if the voters have the courage …or the intelligence to seek new and better results.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Superstition arises when there is a critical lack of certainty. If we have the full facts and knowledge about a situation, it is obvious that our analysis will usually be realistically based. It is the shortage of information and the absence of honest communication that prompt people to snatch onto tiny bits of data and then weave whole-cloth narratives or theories from the fragments. The political world is awash in conspiracies, innuendos, and other imaginative stories. A significant portion of the populace is openly disdainful of the government and governmental responses to their concerns. The credibility chasm has grown to become nearly unbreachable, but will the voters’ anger continue by electing fresh alternative candidates? Or will they continue to elect the same people from the same parties that they have for the past century and a half? Will they foolishly expect different outcomes? The roiling discontent that we are witnessing is a different environment from the norm. It remains to be seen if the voters have the courage …or the intelligence to seek new and better results.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Dissatisfaction
The current political environment bristles with excitement. As I travel across Ohio meeting with various groups, I am struck by how many people are becoming familiar with the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, and the wisdom of the Founders. Each local organization has its own organizational structure even if it has been patterned after a national model. Each local group has its own emphases and priorities sometimes in accordance with the larger organization, and often in addition to those that are of broader concern. Certainly, the level of activity and the nature of their actions vary widely among the newly-active.
At the risk of engaging in oversimplification, I believe that I can place the members of the Patriot groups, Tea Partiers, Liberty Lobbyists and so forth into four distinct categories: the Discontented; the Dissenters; the Disillusioned; and the Disenfranchised. Not only does each local organization appear to reflect one of these categorical distinctions, but within each local committee, one can find some members who represent the various aspects of the spectrum. The Discontented believe that the political system is generally operating reasonably well, but that on specific issues and certain policy matters, the government (federal, state, or local) has failed to address the concerns of the voters. The Disillusioned suspect that the entire government apparatus at every level has gone haywire, and they fear that it may be too late to restore any level of sanity to our system of self-governing. The Disenfranchised believe that government has become a cudgel of tyranny that is committed to beating the citizenry into submission. The Dissenters represent, in my view, the largest segment of the Patriot movement. They merge their love of country, respect for the Founders and the Documents, with passionate belief that they can ferret out good candidates, support them and restore the nation, state or local community. Generally Dissenters are more optimistic about the future of the Republic than are the other attitudinal categories. In my experience, Dissenters are Republicans who seek to purge the party of RINO’s and liberals. They maintain their allegiance to the GOP while seeking to support candidates who represent the conservative mainstream and the principles associated with conservatism. Some Dissenters have chosen to run for County Central Committee posts in order to assure that the conservative emergence is not short lived.
Many of us who are Libertarian candidates either seek or are offered opportunities to meet with many of the Patriot groups to explain our positions and to engage in informational dialogue with their members. Our assumptions as we encounter the Patriot groups are varied. Some of us go with the idea that all citizens who are disgruntled provide a willing audience for our message of smaller Constitutional government, low taxes and more personal freedom. It is up to us to convince them that Libertarianism is the vehicle for them to express their dissatisfaction. Our anti-tyranny, pro-freedom message should be attractive for the Disenfranchised people. Their angst will find a home in a third party such as ours. The Disillusioned, too, provide an opportunity for Libertarians to acquire some votes and support. They desperately want a new direction of governance that is more citizen oriented—more bottom up.
The Discontented and Dissenters are more problematic for Libertarian candidates. If they have been Democrats and are discouraged with the leftist progressive influence within the party, then they become ripe targets for the Libertarian message. If, on the other hand, the Discontented and Dissenters are within the ranks of the GOP, then their primary focus is to reform and restore the party. A Libertarian candidate who clearly shares their views and their objectives may be considered if he/she is not running for an office that could sway the balance of power between the two old parties. The fact that these four groups are frustrated with the political systems as it presently functions is an advantage for Libertarians, but because this is perceived to be a Republican year due to Democrat overreaching at the federal level, the Discontented and the Dissenters may decide to “stay home,” and thus become more difficult to convince that Libertarianism is in their best interest. Nevertheless, we should engage them all and share our message of liberty.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
At the risk of engaging in oversimplification, I believe that I can place the members of the Patriot groups, Tea Partiers, Liberty Lobbyists and so forth into four distinct categories: the Discontented; the Dissenters; the Disillusioned; and the Disenfranchised. Not only does each local organization appear to reflect one of these categorical distinctions, but within each local committee, one can find some members who represent the various aspects of the spectrum. The Discontented believe that the political system is generally operating reasonably well, but that on specific issues and certain policy matters, the government (federal, state, or local) has failed to address the concerns of the voters. The Disillusioned suspect that the entire government apparatus at every level has gone haywire, and they fear that it may be too late to restore any level of sanity to our system of self-governing. The Disenfranchised believe that government has become a cudgel of tyranny that is committed to beating the citizenry into submission. The Dissenters represent, in my view, the largest segment of the Patriot movement. They merge their love of country, respect for the Founders and the Documents, with passionate belief that they can ferret out good candidates, support them and restore the nation, state or local community. Generally Dissenters are more optimistic about the future of the Republic than are the other attitudinal categories. In my experience, Dissenters are Republicans who seek to purge the party of RINO’s and liberals. They maintain their allegiance to the GOP while seeking to support candidates who represent the conservative mainstream and the principles associated with conservatism. Some Dissenters have chosen to run for County Central Committee posts in order to assure that the conservative emergence is not short lived.
Many of us who are Libertarian candidates either seek or are offered opportunities to meet with many of the Patriot groups to explain our positions and to engage in informational dialogue with their members. Our assumptions as we encounter the Patriot groups are varied. Some of us go with the idea that all citizens who are disgruntled provide a willing audience for our message of smaller Constitutional government, low taxes and more personal freedom. It is up to us to convince them that Libertarianism is the vehicle for them to express their dissatisfaction. Our anti-tyranny, pro-freedom message should be attractive for the Disenfranchised people. Their angst will find a home in a third party such as ours. The Disillusioned, too, provide an opportunity for Libertarians to acquire some votes and support. They desperately want a new direction of governance that is more citizen oriented—more bottom up.
The Discontented and Dissenters are more problematic for Libertarian candidates. If they have been Democrats and are discouraged with the leftist progressive influence within the party, then they become ripe targets for the Libertarian message. If, on the other hand, the Discontented and Dissenters are within the ranks of the GOP, then their primary focus is to reform and restore the party. A Libertarian candidate who clearly shares their views and their objectives may be considered if he/she is not running for an office that could sway the balance of power between the two old parties. The fact that these four groups are frustrated with the political systems as it presently functions is an advantage for Libertarians, but because this is perceived to be a Republican year due to Democrat overreaching at the federal level, the Discontented and the Dissenters may decide to “stay home,” and thus become more difficult to convince that Libertarianism is in their best interest. Nevertheless, we should engage them all and share our message of liberty.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
On the Road
Here’s Willie:
www.youtube.com/? watch v=1TD_pSeNelU
So, that’s my life for the coming nine and one-half months. Last night was the second notable appearance of the campaign as I traveled to Sidney, Ohio in Shelby County to meet with the Sidney Shelby County Liberty Group. Approximately 75 people were on hand to hear a representative from the county Democratic Party, the county GOP and moi’. We were each given fifteen minutes to address the audience, and then the microphones were available for questions and answers. It was a great give-and-take opportunity with some really wonderful, nice people. If I could spend the remaining time in this campaign in similar venues, with equally gracious hosts, and surrounded by concerned, curious citizens like those at the Dorothy Love facility, then whatever the outcome of the election, I will have considered my campaign successful. Obviously, I want to win. One does not commit a year of one’s life and significant personal resources to merely “show up.” Still, the message is paramount. Too many professional politicians dilute the message and make the elections about them. The message echoes the principles: smaller Constitutionally-based government, lower taxes as a result of smaller government, and more personal freedom for every individual.
It’s rather easy to become distracted from the primary during the course of a campaign. As one travels to various communities throughout the state, one discovers that each of them has burning local issues that have captured the attention of the locals. Some seek affirmation of their point of view when the statewide candidate comes calling, thus diverting the discussion from the candidate’s message to one involving local disputes. As a responsible candidate who seeks to be of service to constituents or potential constituents, one is sorely tempted to offer an opinion. Bad idea. The source may be biased or misinformed, and certainly the candidate will lack the requisite knowledge for making an informed judgment. As a candidate, I must constantly, consistently and covertly remind myself to stay on message. The principles of Constitutional government, lower taxes and more personal freedom trump chicken farm zoning, school board shenanigans, and County Commissioner malfeasance. They are important critical issues for those who must face them, but I must stay focused on the big picture. If I, and those who believe as I do, fail, then those other local problems will not matter. Big Brother will make those decisions for them…for us.
Comments or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
www.youtube.com/? watch v=1TD_pSeNelU
So, that’s my life for the coming nine and one-half months. Last night was the second notable appearance of the campaign as I traveled to Sidney, Ohio in Shelby County to meet with the Sidney Shelby County Liberty Group. Approximately 75 people were on hand to hear a representative from the county Democratic Party, the county GOP and moi’. We were each given fifteen minutes to address the audience, and then the microphones were available for questions and answers. It was a great give-and-take opportunity with some really wonderful, nice people. If I could spend the remaining time in this campaign in similar venues, with equally gracious hosts, and surrounded by concerned, curious citizens like those at the Dorothy Love facility, then whatever the outcome of the election, I will have considered my campaign successful. Obviously, I want to win. One does not commit a year of one’s life and significant personal resources to merely “show up.” Still, the message is paramount. Too many professional politicians dilute the message and make the elections about them. The message echoes the principles: smaller Constitutionally-based government, lower taxes as a result of smaller government, and more personal freedom for every individual.
It’s rather easy to become distracted from the primary during the course of a campaign. As one travels to various communities throughout the state, one discovers that each of them has burning local issues that have captured the attention of the locals. Some seek affirmation of their point of view when the statewide candidate comes calling, thus diverting the discussion from the candidate’s message to one involving local disputes. As a responsible candidate who seeks to be of service to constituents or potential constituents, one is sorely tempted to offer an opinion. Bad idea. The source may be biased or misinformed, and certainly the candidate will lack the requisite knowledge for making an informed judgment. As a candidate, I must constantly, consistently and covertly remind myself to stay on message. The principles of Constitutional government, lower taxes and more personal freedom trump chicken farm zoning, school board shenanigans, and County Commissioner malfeasance. They are important critical issues for those who must face them, but I must stay focused on the big picture. If I, and those who believe as I do, fail, then those other local problems will not matter. Big Brother will make those decisions for them…for us.
Comments or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Cupcakes and stuff
This election cycle promises to be an exciting one here in Ohio and around the nation. Citizens are exchanging beers and barco-loungers for Tea Parties and Liberty Lobbies. An over current of discontent and dissatisfaction is driving citizens to become more informed and more active in the political scene. While their activity is noteworthy and generates media attention, if one were to objectively examine the restoration movement, it would, in my view, become apparent that they represent an infinitesimal segment of the voting population. On the other hand, it is difficult to ascertain their potential impact on the election because they do interact with family, friends and co-workers. Observing the restoration movement in action as a candidate and as a long-time political watcher has led me to conclude that their activities remind of something that I witnessed many years ago.
At this point I would suggest that if you have young children gazing at the computer screen, you usher them to another room. I plan to discuss bodily excretions in the remaining portion of this treatise. Bodily functions are natural and excretions are the body’s method for disposing of unwanted, harmful elements. My memorable metaphor occurred some time ago at a birthday party for a four year-old child. One of the angelic little kiddlings attracted my attention. The main staples of the celebration were beautifully decorated cupcakes, and the little was attacking his with relish. As he meticulously rotated his cupcake while chomping off the edges, I noticed that his nose was running profusely and streaming down onto the cupcake. This development didn’t appear to faze the little guy because he continued his dedicated munching…cake and mucous.
One of the advantages of being a statewide candidate on a third-party ticket is that most people assume that you are crazy. So, when I have an unprovoked flashback of a grotesque moment, and then associate that memory with the current political scene, most people are not shocked. So, here goes. The scene that I recalled reminds of the current state of the Republican Party….lots of glitter, some substantive cake adorned with waste. Despite their protestations to the contrary, government under GOP rule continues to grow and oppression increases. Since 1994 the GOP has to one degree or another had a grip on the reins of power. That is sixteen years…more than one and a half decades. Does CPB/PBS still receive federal funding? Are OSHA and the EPA smaller? Do Planned Parenthood and ACORN slurp at the federal trough? Have non-vital federal lands been sold to the private sector, or has federal ownership of real estate increased? The Republicans smugly declare that their contribution to sane government involved their slowing or stopping some extremely noxious legislative efforts. So, I’m supposed to be encouraged by this chest thumping? The GOP is actually more dangerous, in some respects, than the Mad-Hatters who are rushing us toward tyranny. They (the Republicans) may not be driving the bus, but they are willing riders on it…and neither group will squirm when they toss us under the wheels.
Lest some of you readers perceive that I am targeting my greatest wrath toward the Republicans by using body waste as an illustration, let me balance this screed by stating that the Democrats/progressives promise us booger sandwiches…but with no bread. The bread metaphor is used for money, therefore the D’s promise the moon, but will spend us out of money in the meantime. So, dear Reader, you may believe that it’s safer to support one of the old spendthrifts, unconstitutional parties, but it’s not.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
At this point I would suggest that if you have young children gazing at the computer screen, you usher them to another room. I plan to discuss bodily excretions in the remaining portion of this treatise. Bodily functions are natural and excretions are the body’s method for disposing of unwanted, harmful elements. My memorable metaphor occurred some time ago at a birthday party for a four year-old child. One of the angelic little kiddlings attracted my attention. The main staples of the celebration were beautifully decorated cupcakes, and the little was attacking his with relish. As he meticulously rotated his cupcake while chomping off the edges, I noticed that his nose was running profusely and streaming down onto the cupcake. This development didn’t appear to faze the little guy because he continued his dedicated munching…cake and mucous.
One of the advantages of being a statewide candidate on a third-party ticket is that most people assume that you are crazy. So, when I have an unprovoked flashback of a grotesque moment, and then associate that memory with the current political scene, most people are not shocked. So, here goes. The scene that I recalled reminds of the current state of the Republican Party….lots of glitter, some substantive cake adorned with waste. Despite their protestations to the contrary, government under GOP rule continues to grow and oppression increases. Since 1994 the GOP has to one degree or another had a grip on the reins of power. That is sixteen years…more than one and a half decades. Does CPB/PBS still receive federal funding? Are OSHA and the EPA smaller? Do Planned Parenthood and ACORN slurp at the federal trough? Have non-vital federal lands been sold to the private sector, or has federal ownership of real estate increased? The Republicans smugly declare that their contribution to sane government involved their slowing or stopping some extremely noxious legislative efforts. So, I’m supposed to be encouraged by this chest thumping? The GOP is actually more dangerous, in some respects, than the Mad-Hatters who are rushing us toward tyranny. They (the Republicans) may not be driving the bus, but they are willing riders on it…and neither group will squirm when they toss us under the wheels.
Lest some of you readers perceive that I am targeting my greatest wrath toward the Republicans by using body waste as an illustration, let me balance this screed by stating that the Democrats/progressives promise us booger sandwiches…but with no bread. The bread metaphor is used for money, therefore the D’s promise the moon, but will spend us out of money in the meantime. So, dear Reader, you may believe that it’s safer to support one of the old spendthrifts, unconstitutional parties, but it’s not.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Friday, February 19, 2010
Brain Lock
Brain lock, my definition: possessing reasonable mental acuity, but lacking the capacity for using it. To phrase it another way: Why do seemingly intelligent people sometimes act so stupidly? We can observe instances of brain lock in nearly every aspect of human behavior. Minor traffic accidents may be the result of momentary brain freeze. Thoughtless and hurtful statements directed toward those we love may have arisen in an instant of mental incapacity. In my experience, however, brain lock is most prevalent in the realm of political thought and action. People often promote and vote for candidates whose histories are antithetical to their own professed interests. For example, why would someone claim to desire a smaller, Constitutionally-based government, and yet, vote for a clown who habitually supports legislation that is extra-Constitutional and generally budget busting? Has our brain-locked voter bought the sizzle and ignored the steak?
For those of us who cherish freedom, who don’t want some overpaid bureaucrat calling the shots for every aspect of our lives, it is difficult to understand why some who apparently share our concerns and values continue to support lifetime politicians who betray those very values. It is frustrating for some of us who have been consumed by the passion for self determination and personal responsibility to comprehend how so many people can be duped by syrupy words that do not reflect the actual record of the politician who utters them. Are these people naïve? Are they ignorant and unaware of the politician’s perfidy? Are they stupid? It’s a mystery for many freedom lovers. The stock answer that we are given when we ask voter why she/he votes as they do is...”if I vote for your people, then that would dilute the vote and X would win.” So, what you’re saying Ms./Mr. Voter is that partisan considerations trump principle. You’ve always supported a particular party, and if they can retain or return to power, then maybe, just maybe, this time, they’ll live up to their platform. You’ve always voted that way, and you dare not change now because your doing the principled thing would shake and destroy the foundations of your long-time party. Is that what you’re saying?
My question for you, Dear Citizen, is why not consecrate your devotion to the Rotary or Lions Club rather than a big-tent political machine? At least as a Rotarian, when you engage in such brain-dead decision making, you will not be jeopardizing my freedom, my property and my life. As a member of the Lions Club, you would, at the very least, be helping individuals rather than putting the country, my country, at risk by continuing to support your long-time political club. Either stand up and step out for freedom, Citizen, or stay home. Your unwillingness to put it all on the line for freedom makes you unworthy of it.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
For those of us who cherish freedom, who don’t want some overpaid bureaucrat calling the shots for every aspect of our lives, it is difficult to understand why some who apparently share our concerns and values continue to support lifetime politicians who betray those very values. It is frustrating for some of us who have been consumed by the passion for self determination and personal responsibility to comprehend how so many people can be duped by syrupy words that do not reflect the actual record of the politician who utters them. Are these people naïve? Are they ignorant and unaware of the politician’s perfidy? Are they stupid? It’s a mystery for many freedom lovers. The stock answer that we are given when we ask voter why she/he votes as they do is...”if I vote for your people, then that would dilute the vote and X would win.” So, what you’re saying Ms./Mr. Voter is that partisan considerations trump principle. You’ve always supported a particular party, and if they can retain or return to power, then maybe, just maybe, this time, they’ll live up to their platform. You’ve always voted that way, and you dare not change now because your doing the principled thing would shake and destroy the foundations of your long-time party. Is that what you’re saying?
My question for you, Dear Citizen, is why not consecrate your devotion to the Rotary or Lions Club rather than a big-tent political machine? At least as a Rotarian, when you engage in such brain-dead decision making, you will not be jeopardizing my freedom, my property and my life. As a member of the Lions Club, you would, at the very least, be helping individuals rather than putting the country, my country, at risk by continuing to support your long-time political club. Either stand up and step out for freedom, Citizen, or stay home. Your unwillingness to put it all on the line for freedom makes you unworthy of it.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Party 3.0
With the advent of the “Tea Party” movement there is evidence of angst within certain political circles. Recently I have noted conservative bloggers and commentators warning that an effort to form a third party would be disastrous for the Republic. They argue that a movement coalescing into a party as a result of massive discontent with “politics as usual” would inevitably lead to an electoral victory for the progressive statists because the Constitutionalist/ Conservative majority would be divided. Perhaps.
As I approach my sixty-fourth birthday, I can count the scars and see the scorch marks all over my body as a result of my life-long reliance on Republican PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS to do the right thing…respect the limits of the Constitution. To expect ANY professional politician to honor the limits of Constitutional governance is, in my view, misplaced, naïve and stupid. Too often in the past four decades or so, I have witnessed political newcomers rail against the encroachment of big unresponsive government, only to watch them become more comfortable and, in fact, enable the incremental growth of government and its power over us. They transform from hard-charging challengers into defenders of the status quo. Their rhetoric changes from promoting the principle for the reduction of government influence to “I’ve offered amendments to minimize the damage.” They become (literally and figuratively) fat and comfortable as they pursue their lifetime careers from local to state to national arenas while proclaiming their devotion to limited government. They vote to put levies on the ballot so that “the people can get involved,” when in reality they have conspired with their cohorts to increase spending, and they do not have the courage to stop the spending or oppose the levy. The longer they seek office the smaller their reservoir of courage becomes. Their job-preservation instincts overwhelm their notions of servant hood. They plead, they beg, they grovel, and they barter for your votes so that they can “continue the fight for fiscal integrity.” Meanwhile, the budget grows faster than the GDP. Public employee unions become more rigidly embedded in the system. Taxes and fees are necessarily increased to finance the profligacy of our beloved guardians of Constitutional government.
With the socialist/progressive element of American politics, I know what I am getting. They’ll lie and misrepresent their intentions, and distort the outcomes of their ludicrous policies and actions. They’ll promise Nirvana and deliver nothing. They’ll confiscate my property and severely circumscribe my freedom. They’ll demean me, denounce me and, perhaps, destroy me. But I know who they are. I can resist them and fight them for every inch of Liberty’s turf. My “friends,” on the other hand will lull me into subservience with sweet utterances such as “rights, low taxes, common sense, and spending cuts” as they become complicit in the inexorable growth of the big “Nanny” state. It was a Republican who initiated the EPA and OSHA. It was a Republican who enacted wage and price controls. It was a Republican who started the massive federal land grab to set aside millions of acres and remove them from private development. It was a Republican who proposed a massive unfunded expansion of Medicare and increased the federal role in public education. I know who my enemies are, but it’s my friends who have betrayed me…time and time again. Screw it. Screw them. I would rather go down fighting, kicking and screaming…and be right. I will no longer be led and misled by PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS who artfully claim to be my friends. I will be betrayed no more. I am now a Libertarian, and I want my country back!
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
As I approach my sixty-fourth birthday, I can count the scars and see the scorch marks all over my body as a result of my life-long reliance on Republican PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS to do the right thing…respect the limits of the Constitution. To expect ANY professional politician to honor the limits of Constitutional governance is, in my view, misplaced, naïve and stupid. Too often in the past four decades or so, I have witnessed political newcomers rail against the encroachment of big unresponsive government, only to watch them become more comfortable and, in fact, enable the incremental growth of government and its power over us. They transform from hard-charging challengers into defenders of the status quo. Their rhetoric changes from promoting the principle for the reduction of government influence to “I’ve offered amendments to minimize the damage.” They become (literally and figuratively) fat and comfortable as they pursue their lifetime careers from local to state to national arenas while proclaiming their devotion to limited government. They vote to put levies on the ballot so that “the people can get involved,” when in reality they have conspired with their cohorts to increase spending, and they do not have the courage to stop the spending or oppose the levy. The longer they seek office the smaller their reservoir of courage becomes. Their job-preservation instincts overwhelm their notions of servant hood. They plead, they beg, they grovel, and they barter for your votes so that they can “continue the fight for fiscal integrity.” Meanwhile, the budget grows faster than the GDP. Public employee unions become more rigidly embedded in the system. Taxes and fees are necessarily increased to finance the profligacy of our beloved guardians of Constitutional government.
With the socialist/progressive element of American politics, I know what I am getting. They’ll lie and misrepresent their intentions, and distort the outcomes of their ludicrous policies and actions. They’ll promise Nirvana and deliver nothing. They’ll confiscate my property and severely circumscribe my freedom. They’ll demean me, denounce me and, perhaps, destroy me. But I know who they are. I can resist them and fight them for every inch of Liberty’s turf. My “friends,” on the other hand will lull me into subservience with sweet utterances such as “rights, low taxes, common sense, and spending cuts” as they become complicit in the inexorable growth of the big “Nanny” state. It was a Republican who initiated the EPA and OSHA. It was a Republican who enacted wage and price controls. It was a Republican who started the massive federal land grab to set aside millions of acres and remove them from private development. It was a Republican who proposed a massive unfunded expansion of Medicare and increased the federal role in public education. I know who my enemies are, but it’s my friends who have betrayed me…time and time again. Screw it. Screw them. I would rather go down fighting, kicking and screaming…and be right. I will no longer be led and misled by PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS who artfully claim to be my friends. I will be betrayed no more. I am now a Libertarian, and I want my country back!
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
