Julie thinks the government has gone too far
Julie Wells
– Sr. Copy Editor-
There are breath-taking moments in history, some pass utterly unnoticed, some we are witness to, and some we partake in. The road diverges, and there is a choice between paths. This moment in history is quickly becoming one of those times. The path is dividing, and the choice is being presented: do we assume the best in humanity and put our faith in the few? Or, do we stand and argue; shout, and protest the bastardization of founding documents? This is the choice.
Though seeking the best in humanity is admirable, the framers of our country understood one truth about man: “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This one truth, virtually unchallenged in history, brought about the branch system of government America runs on. Unfortunately, many citizens have lost their ability or willingness to question authority.
Generations of children born without the struggles of tyranny or oppression don’t even know the rights granted to them by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. History classes no longer take apart the Constitution line-by-line, and many parents have stopped passing on stories of grandparents risking their lives to board ships headed for the promise of America.
Because the American dreams of our immigrant ancestors succeeded beyond measure, many Americans have become lazy, complacent, and happy to go with the flow. Whatever policies come down the pike flow into homes with little or no resistance because anything, even freedom, is worth the price so long as people are able to keep their four-bedroom homes and can avoid a fight.
The government, however, has finally gone too far.
Years of party-line politics; laws enacted in exchange for favors; and the gradual expansion of the federal government’s role in the lives of citizens has led us to this place of frustration, anger and stalemated policies.
Four fundamental misunderstandings have become abundantly clear in the shouting matches and slanted news coverage.
Firstly, Americans do not have to accept every politician’s policies, plans or dreams in good faith. Treachery is expected; trust is earned, but never fully, and petitioning the government, in any form, is permissible.
Second, freedom of speech applies to dissenters as well. Dissent does not equal racism, and shouting at a town hall meeting is no more disrespectful than an elected official ignoring voters in order to forge ahead with their own agenda.
Third, elected officials do not take an oath to protect the American people. They do not swear to look out for the health or happiness of each person they represent. Their job is to protect the Constitution. The Constitution protects the people. In the words of Marine Corps veteran David Hedrick, “You say I get to keep my current health care plan? Well, thank you. It’s not your job to decide whether or not I keep my current plan.”
And lastly, even the best of intentions can lead to unhealthy ends. The government needs to realize that nothing is free, and the idea of giving to one without taking from another is naive at best. Striving for perfection is admirable, but the cost cannot be freedoms-not even small ones.
Congress and the president need to read the Constitution and understand that their powers are limited. Citizens need to read the Constitution and understand that the government is limited.
America today is very much like a church where no one reads the Bible. Ask what they believe and the congregation can spout off trite examples of their God and their rules. But, ask them to show you a passage that supports their view and blank stares greet you, and the leaders of the church will grow angry at anyone trying to “mislead” their perfectly-groomed sheep. Likewise, patriotism is hollow when nothing supports it. Protest is pointless if the Constitution isn’t the backbone.
So much of our government, as it stands today, would not pass this simple test of legitimacy: do our state representatives uphold the Constitution with every vote cast?
Is the government trying to expand its role in citizens’ lives beyond what is afforded them by the document they swore to uphold?
Many such questions are being answered with a resounding ‘no.’ So, this is where we choose.
Are the powers that be allowed to continue toward their vision of Utopia, or is it time to turn that decision back over to the people?
As of Aug. 11, Rasmussen, a public polling report, shows only 42 percent approval for the health care plan; only 34 percent of people polled believe America is headed in the right direction, and just 31 percent strongly approve of Obama’s performance.
Despite the head-in-the-sand approach representatives have been taking, the tide appears to be turning.
Where we go from here depends on individuals educating themselves and taking a stand.
