Amidst the smiles and self-congratulatory parties among the elites, we are watching our nation slide into the abyss of totalitarianism.
Before you assume that this is another "bash Obama" piece and stop reading, I urge you to continue and realize that what I am about to say has little to do with the current President and everything to do with the moral condition of our nation.
Totalitarians Left or Right can only thrive in a vacuum of moral and political courage. 20 years of Bush and Clinton reflect the ambiguity that is in our public square. We have people on the Right so angry at Clinton for his personal peccadillos that they cannot see the 1994-1996 domestic negotiations that did improve some policies. The same folks defend Bush for his (mostly positive) national security policies, while refusing to see the spending habits that brought bankruptcy to our fiscal house.
Some on the Left are so anti-Bush that they are willing to forget the agenda of radical Islam, ignore the shouts of genocide against Israel and even secretly hope that the "Amerikan Empire" comes to an end. They fail to see that the hard work and moral self-regulation of their predecessors bequeathed the freedom to self-destruct.
Germany in 1933 was financially, morally and psychologically adrift. The ghosts of WWI (think Vietnam) roamed the hallways and streets and moderate voices could not be heard above the din of Communist and Nazi banners. Hitler's party never won a majority of seats, but formed a coalition with other nationalist groups (who thought they could control him). Everyone thought things would "moderate" after the first flush of victory. After the death of President Hindenberg in 1934, there was no barrier to total control.
Behind the scenes, the Nazis cut deals with key industrialists and took control of the unions. They created the largest welfare state ever and until 1945 most Germans enjoyed a better standard of living than the rest of Europe. Of course, this came at the expense of millions in the nations around Germany.
Lenin made similar arrangements with domestic and foreign business concerns in the early 1920s in the new USSR, admitting he needed the "useful idiots" of world capitalism.
When a significant number of people look to the national government to "do something" about concerns that used to be local or personal, we have come to a historic "tipping point" that will not be easily reversed. When key financial leaders (Buffett, Soros, et. al.) are mute or supportive, we see the handwriting on the wall for a full nanny-state to emerge.
I am NOT suggesting that our President has genocide in mind or the end of democracy. In fact, I think what is frightening is that he and his circle think they can pull off democratic socialism better than others, in spite of all historical evidence and in the face of some current dismantling of European experiments.
We must evaluate and either support or oppose policies on their own merits. I am deeply concerned that once the government owns any piece of any company that they will never let go. When Obama says, "Sacrifice!" he means higher taxes and the forced redistribution of wealth. When Obama says, "Partnership" he means government regulation. When Obama speaks to the Muslim world, he extols his Islamic experience; while insisting that Christian symbols are covered at a Georgetown University event.
Obama and his elite believe they are wiser than the hard-working Americans who generate the wealth and jobs that sustain us.
Obama has the hubris to think he can dress down Israel. I hope he is not listening to the senile voice of Jimmy Carter who thinks Hamas needs to be off the terrorist list!
Enough about Obama's philosophy and policies. He is a self-aggrandizing Chicago politician who has spent 20 years preparing for power and he is determined to push his reactionary agenda. He is not really progressive, for his education and formation came at the feet of thinkers who spent a lifetime reacting against the values and vision that formed our nation.
The real enemy of our future is us.
"We the People" must decide that moral and spiritual renewal is the top priority for our nation.
Our government exists to protect our natural, God-given rights, not bestow them!
The Lockean vision of our Founders saw people flourishing with little interference or intervention by the federal government. Except for times of war or emergency, the Town Hall and State House are supposed to be more important than Foggy Bottom.
If we want to arrest this descent into totalitarianism, we must decide that
* Parents are responsible for their children and need to place their needs above their own impulses. Adultery and pornography are wrong and the next generation deserves Mom and Dad at the helm of the home. The alternative is your local elementary school controlling the family agenda!
* Government is at its best when it regulates, not administrates. Employee work conditions, environmental standards and reasonable trade practices have a long, positive history. But ownership and regulation of pay and profits for enterprise are ultimately self-destructive of initiative. An interesting historical note: 1942 was the first time food production returned to the 1914 level in Russia. Stalin allowed private plots! Collectivism was a massive failure.
* Local and State governments must learn to work leaner and smarter. The goal is not jobs for Community Studies majors, but delivery of essential services in a fair and timely fashion.
* Business leaders need to sit down with local and state leaders and design initiatives to renew cities and towns that reward risk, care for the environment and create sustainable enterprises. Schumacher's Small is Beautiful may find a place in the 21st century.
* A Pro-Life Ethic includes opposition to abortion and active euthanasia - and much more. Pro-Life means that all phases of life matter and caring for the poor and vulnerable is a moral obligation, not just a government program. The current totalitarian policies, if left unchecked, will result in millions of elderly and infirm unable to receive care. Former Governor Richard Lamm told the terminally ill that they had a duty to die. Will we see "Soylent Green" in our lifetime?
* Free Speech includes integrity and presenting the multiple sides of any issue. The current polarization and politicization of our media does not serve our nation well. President Bush was excoriated for every move he made. He was portrayed as dumb, ignorant and wicked - all in the fine tradition of rough and ready American politics (just read about the 1828 elections sometime!). President Obama is getting more than a free pass from the media - he is co-opting their resources and running a 24/7 campaign for power. Where are the muckrakers of the 21st century asking the hard questions, especially about the bailout $$?
* Religious leaders need to stop pandering to base passions and proclaim their doctrines and disciplines with grace and without compromise. We can live with our deepest difference while we call for conversion, debate the important issues and watch America's diverse religious life thrive. Atheism and agnosticism are free to flourish in the minds of adherents - but they are not free to suppress free expression, public debate and manipulate school curricula.
* Finally, we must all take stock of our own lives and choose to live for the good of others and our posterity. Only then will we possess the courage to resist the tide and reverse our course. Our aim is not the "good old days." Our aim is a bright future of freedom rooted in personal virtue and civic responsibility.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Hubris and Ignorance on Display
The Obama Administration's hubris and ignorance is on full display in its current Middle East policy.
The words emanating from Washington sound like academic rants from the 1970s instead of proposals that propel peace forward. Oh, I forgot - the people now in power really believe the radical rhetoric they were fed in class!
The USA has been the only even-handed voice in this region since the 1950s. We are advocates for a safe, strong Israel - not to oppress Palestinians, but to uphold democracy and human rights. We are for a new Palestinian state, as long as it grants full diplomatic recognition to Israel and renounces subversion and terrorism.
Our careful policies are being swept away by arrogant Arabist sentiments and a disdain for Israel that is palpable. Hamas and Hezbollah still exist for the destruction of Israel. Gaza was returned and 95% of all territories occupied since 1967 have been offered to the Palestinians - and still they refuse peace and full recognition.
There is no moral equivalence between Israel and her opponents. To speak of two sides to the issues as if both parties had a few minor disagreements is to miss the strategic reality completely.
Israel is a democracy - factious, and almost self-destructive in her desires for freedom. Current Arab leaders know nothing of real democracy.
Israel has offered land for peace so many times that Obama's current call to "end settlements" is nothing more than pandering to Al Jezeera. As soon as Palestinian leaders are serious about living side-by-side with their Jewish neighbors (who have thousands of Arab citizens and multiple religious communities), peace becomes possible.
Israel will survive. She will secure her future regardless of U.S. policy.
I do not believe the USA will retain her important mediation role if she continues down the current appeasement pathway. In fact, I think the future of the USA is directly connected with intelligent support for Israel and other democracies who resist globalism and oppression.
Australia refuses to give in to extremism. The Czech Republic will not be bullied by France. Ireland is booming - they have a work ethic and peaceful relations among former enemies. South Africa has struggles, but the contrast with Zimbabwe is due to South Africa's commitment to human rights and reconciliation.
All these nations - and Israel - are standing against ideological tyranny and anti-democratic movements.
When Europe self-destructed during Word War I, the results were totalitarian movements on the Left and Right. Europe's Christian and Classical Center collapsed and the vacuum was filled by Mussolini, Stalin and Hitler, along with lesser-known oppressors like Franco, Salazar, Pillduski, Antonescu, Horthy and other petty tyrants.
Israel will survive. She has a mission for the world. She is the phoenix born from the (literal) ashes of the Holocaust.
If the USA does not recover her values and vision of self-regulating liberty, we will not survive into the next century.
President Obama, give peace a real chance by strengthening ties with Israel and calling on all parties to live up to the Camp David and Oslo Accords.
The words emanating from Washington sound like academic rants from the 1970s instead of proposals that propel peace forward. Oh, I forgot - the people now in power really believe the radical rhetoric they were fed in class!
The USA has been the only even-handed voice in this region since the 1950s. We are advocates for a safe, strong Israel - not to oppress Palestinians, but to uphold democracy and human rights. We are for a new Palestinian state, as long as it grants full diplomatic recognition to Israel and renounces subversion and terrorism.
Our careful policies are being swept away by arrogant Arabist sentiments and a disdain for Israel that is palpable. Hamas and Hezbollah still exist for the destruction of Israel. Gaza was returned and 95% of all territories occupied since 1967 have been offered to the Palestinians - and still they refuse peace and full recognition.
There is no moral equivalence between Israel and her opponents. To speak of two sides to the issues as if both parties had a few minor disagreements is to miss the strategic reality completely.
Israel is a democracy - factious, and almost self-destructive in her desires for freedom. Current Arab leaders know nothing of real democracy.
Israel has offered land for peace so many times that Obama's current call to "end settlements" is nothing more than pandering to Al Jezeera. As soon as Palestinian leaders are serious about living side-by-side with their Jewish neighbors (who have thousands of Arab citizens and multiple religious communities), peace becomes possible.
Israel will survive. She will secure her future regardless of U.S. policy.
I do not believe the USA will retain her important mediation role if she continues down the current appeasement pathway. In fact, I think the future of the USA is directly connected with intelligent support for Israel and other democracies who resist globalism and oppression.
Australia refuses to give in to extremism. The Czech Republic will not be bullied by France. Ireland is booming - they have a work ethic and peaceful relations among former enemies. South Africa has struggles, but the contrast with Zimbabwe is due to South Africa's commitment to human rights and reconciliation.
All these nations - and Israel - are standing against ideological tyranny and anti-democratic movements.
When Europe self-destructed during Word War I, the results were totalitarian movements on the Left and Right. Europe's Christian and Classical Center collapsed and the vacuum was filled by Mussolini, Stalin and Hitler, along with lesser-known oppressors like Franco, Salazar, Pillduski, Antonescu, Horthy and other petty tyrants.
Israel will survive. She has a mission for the world. She is the phoenix born from the (literal) ashes of the Holocaust.
If the USA does not recover her values and vision of self-regulating liberty, we will not survive into the next century.
President Obama, give peace a real chance by strengthening ties with Israel and calling on all parties to live up to the Camp David and Oslo Accords.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Obama is NOT the Problem
Like many thoughtful conservatives, I am more than disquieted by the policies and principles of the new administration. We are inundated with code words and marketing pitches while our liberties are gradually stripped away. "Equity" and "fairness" now mean unprecedented wealth redistribution. Temporary government assistance is becoming permanent ownership. Prosecuting the previous administration's interrogation practices while ignoring your own party's full knowledge is Chicago politics writ large.
It is too easy to criticize this rock star regime of condescending leftists who despise the core values of our Republic.
What is more challenging is facing the fact that we - personally and collectively - are responsible for this situation. The immortal words of Walt Kelly are true: "We have met the enemy - and they is us!"
Why do we have crypto (and not so crypto)-Marxists is power? Why are our deficits soaring and no one seems to care? I have no problem with criticizing former Presidents Bush I and II - their failures in communication, economic policy and overall leadership created the vacuums that Clinton and Obama have filled.
What we are watching is the culmination of nearly 50 years of cultural, moral and spiritual decline. No, I am NOT making the 1950s the "good old days." The Civil Rights Movement, progress in environmental understanding, the fall of the Soviet Union all represent progress. But underneath the surface narratives of Left or Right are issues that must be confronted.
The Left opines that America must apologize for almost everything, from colonialism to "arrogance." (I guess they have not lived in France much. If you want to see unwarranted arrogance, just sit is a Paris cafe.) The Left has a "progressive" vision to see the USA humbled and part of a global order with world citizenship. Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro are freedom-fighters, not thugs. (Tell that to the thousands oppressed in jail and suppressed in their speech.) The Left want to be inclusive, as long as they exclude catholic and evangelical white families with conservative values. In fact, the Roman Catholic niece of Martin Luther King is not "black" enough for their purposes.
The Right proclaim traditional values, the magic of the market, the glories of free enterprise and American traditions of voluntarism. I believe in traditional moral values. I am favorable to free markets and revel in the best of our history, but let's be honest about economic and social history as well as the realities of the present.
It is too easy to promote marriage, but we have failed to stem divorce.
It is easy to cry national security while failing to secure the moral foundations that make us strong.
It is great to say moral values are taught at home and that public schools need to refocus on the basics. But with larger numbers of children from broken homes ill-prepared to learn, a huge vacuum is left for the social engineers.
The current economic crisis was assisted by bad government policies, but some unscrupulous Wall Street leaders have now opened the door to socialism. A credit economy became a super-credit economy and the referees at the banks and investment houses stopped self-regulating and joined the bubble!
For nearly 80 years we have seen steady increases in the impact of the federal government. Some of this has been good - especially Civil Rights, Labor protection, some environmental oversight and safety nets for the vulnerable. But there is a cost. Local and State power has diminished and there is ever-encroaching regulation of behaviors best left to private conscience. We are watching the birth of a nanny state that is the first step toward totalitarianism.
How long will private property be protected?
How soon will moral statements be legally construed as hate speech?
Why are Muslims given extra protections while Jews and Christians continue to be reviled by the new elites?
Why are so many government officials allowed to get by cheating on their taxes while they change the tax codes to attack business interests?
How soon will "community panels" become the new soviets and regulate media in the name of "unity?"
How soon will previous interrogation excesses become the excuse to share more secrets with our enemies?
How long will the American people ignore the current threats to our universal values?
How long will we avoid the issue of illegal immigration - until being a citizen does not matter?
OK, the last questions might sound like Fox News talking points to the facile observer. But let's go deeper and ask more penetrating questions.
How long will we live in our lazy, narcissistic bubbles of media-saturated images?
How long will we eat too much, exercise too little and be manipulated by cable TV fads?
How long will we avoid confronting the pornographic saturation and the hedonism that passes for entertainment?
How long will we blame the media, the "world" or any other outside group and fail to be self-aware?
How long will spiritual leaders undermine their own traditions in the interest of relevance?
How long will we let ourselves be victims instead of dynamic responsible citizens?
Obama is not my favorite president - though I do pray for his awakening to truth and transcendent values.
Obama is not the problem. This nation can be renewed, if we will have the values and vision, the integrity and inclusiveness that our Founders possessed.
Pray for our president. Agitate for good laws. Oppose ideological entrapment. Above all, take responsibility and make a decisions to be people of compassion, integrity and intelligent patriotism. No government can regulate integrity and purity of intention!
It is too easy to criticize this rock star regime of condescending leftists who despise the core values of our Republic.
What is more challenging is facing the fact that we - personally and collectively - are responsible for this situation. The immortal words of Walt Kelly are true: "We have met the enemy - and they is us!"
Why do we have crypto (and not so crypto)-Marxists is power? Why are our deficits soaring and no one seems to care? I have no problem with criticizing former Presidents Bush I and II - their failures in communication, economic policy and overall leadership created the vacuums that Clinton and Obama have filled.
What we are watching is the culmination of nearly 50 years of cultural, moral and spiritual decline. No, I am NOT making the 1950s the "good old days." The Civil Rights Movement, progress in environmental understanding, the fall of the Soviet Union all represent progress. But underneath the surface narratives of Left or Right are issues that must be confronted.
The Left opines that America must apologize for almost everything, from colonialism to "arrogance." (I guess they have not lived in France much. If you want to see unwarranted arrogance, just sit is a Paris cafe.) The Left has a "progressive" vision to see the USA humbled and part of a global order with world citizenship. Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro are freedom-fighters, not thugs. (Tell that to the thousands oppressed in jail and suppressed in their speech.) The Left want to be inclusive, as long as they exclude catholic and evangelical white families with conservative values. In fact, the Roman Catholic niece of Martin Luther King is not "black" enough for their purposes.
The Right proclaim traditional values, the magic of the market, the glories of free enterprise and American traditions of voluntarism. I believe in traditional moral values. I am favorable to free markets and revel in the best of our history, but let's be honest about economic and social history as well as the realities of the present.
It is too easy to promote marriage, but we have failed to stem divorce.
It is easy to cry national security while failing to secure the moral foundations that make us strong.
It is great to say moral values are taught at home and that public schools need to refocus on the basics. But with larger numbers of children from broken homes ill-prepared to learn, a huge vacuum is left for the social engineers.
The current economic crisis was assisted by bad government policies, but some unscrupulous Wall Street leaders have now opened the door to socialism. A credit economy became a super-credit economy and the referees at the banks and investment houses stopped self-regulating and joined the bubble!
For nearly 80 years we have seen steady increases in the impact of the federal government. Some of this has been good - especially Civil Rights, Labor protection, some environmental oversight and safety nets for the vulnerable. But there is a cost. Local and State power has diminished and there is ever-encroaching regulation of behaviors best left to private conscience. We are watching the birth of a nanny state that is the first step toward totalitarianism.
How long will private property be protected?
How soon will moral statements be legally construed as hate speech?
Why are Muslims given extra protections while Jews and Christians continue to be reviled by the new elites?
Why are so many government officials allowed to get by cheating on their taxes while they change the tax codes to attack business interests?
How soon will "community panels" become the new soviets and regulate media in the name of "unity?"
How soon will previous interrogation excesses become the excuse to share more secrets with our enemies?
How long will the American people ignore the current threats to our universal values?
How long will we avoid the issue of illegal immigration - until being a citizen does not matter?
OK, the last questions might sound like Fox News talking points to the facile observer. But let's go deeper and ask more penetrating questions.
How long will we live in our lazy, narcissistic bubbles of media-saturated images?
How long will we eat too much, exercise too little and be manipulated by cable TV fads?
How long will we avoid confronting the pornographic saturation and the hedonism that passes for entertainment?
How long will we blame the media, the "world" or any other outside group and fail to be self-aware?
How long will spiritual leaders undermine their own traditions in the interest of relevance?
How long will we let ourselves be victims instead of dynamic responsible citizens?
Obama is not my favorite president - though I do pray for his awakening to truth and transcendent values.
Obama is not the problem. This nation can be renewed, if we will have the values and vision, the integrity and inclusiveness that our Founders possessed.
Pray for our president. Agitate for good laws. Oppose ideological entrapment. Above all, take responsibility and make a decisions to be people of compassion, integrity and intelligent patriotism. No government can regulate integrity and purity of intention!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
We Need More Than Tea Parties
As I write these words, the clock strikes midnight and April 15th has arrived.
Taxes are due.
Some dread this day - they owe money and times are tough.
Some get excited about getting a check - forgetting that it is their money the government is using.
We are witnessing the largest government intervention in our economy in history and the apparent end of any attempt for a balanced budget.
But my concerns are not focused on taxes and tea parties, interesting as they may be.
I am deeply concerned about our Homeland Security targeting individuals and groups who are deemed dangerous because they want to see less federal government and more power left with the stares and the people. In other words, there are millions of Americans who actually believe in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.
Remember the Constitution? The most important document in social and political history is being interpreted in such cavalier fashion that our Founders and Framers would not recognize the Leviathan we have created. We have a President who considers it a flawed document! This is not because of the failure to deal with slavery (a Civil War and the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments deal with this), but due to the "failure" to write in the redistribution of wealth. In other words, the greatest manifesto of liberty is inadequate because it did not anticipate Marxism.
But the philosophical inanities are not the most serious issue. We have a federal government being used by the current administration to "profile" and "take note" of millions of people who share conservative values and think that we should spend more money locally instead of watching unaccounted billions be consumed by Washington and doled out to groups like ACORN.
If you are vocally pro-life, watch out. If you are a medical caregiver, beware - you risk losing your livelihood if you will not conduct abortions. If you want stronger local and state government, be on the alert - you are obviously a racist and reactionary. In fact, you must be channeling John C. Calhoun and singing "Dixie." If you want LEGAL immigration, you are also a racist and a xenophobe as well. If you want lower taxes, you are an exploiter that is withholding resources from the less fortunate, not a successful risk-taker enjoying the fruits of your labor.
There ARE some "right-wing" nut jobs in the public square. Neither the Left nor the Right has the monopoly of the deranged, foolish and ignorant folks who seem to get all the attention.
The next short period of time will determine American destiny for generations. We have three roads we can travel:
First, we can do nothing and continue to see the injustices and pathologies grow.
Second, we can continue the current federal aggrandizement of power and wealth and watch our liberties decline in proportion to our dependence on government largesse.
The third option is the most challenging, yet full of hope. We can forge a bright future by returning to the principles embraced by our Founders: creativity, self-regulating morality built on lasting virtues, and a vision of a better future for our children built on sacrifice.
Underneath this return to first principles must be a moral and spiritual awakening that restores respect for religion, personal responsibility for our decisions and voluntary sacrifice for our neighbor and nation.
Federal government power games are not the preserve of any party. LBJ lied to a nation (and himself) about victory in Vietnam. Richard Nixon's paranoia led to Watergate and created two generations of skeptics about government., The Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s proves even the the most principled leaders can fail sometimes., the Clinton's were confronted with FBI files that seemed to change location daily. Some of the provisions of the Patriot Act are cause for concern.
What is the way forward? Let's take responsibility - We elected our officials. We can un-elect them too!
Let's protest higher taxes and participate in making someone's life better.
Let's reaffirm that ultimate power under God lies with the people, not the government.
Taxes are due.
Some dread this day - they owe money and times are tough.
Some get excited about getting a check - forgetting that it is their money the government is using.
We are witnessing the largest government intervention in our economy in history and the apparent end of any attempt for a balanced budget.
But my concerns are not focused on taxes and tea parties, interesting as they may be.
I am deeply concerned about our Homeland Security targeting individuals and groups who are deemed dangerous because they want to see less federal government and more power left with the stares and the people. In other words, there are millions of Americans who actually believe in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.
Remember the Constitution? The most important document in social and political history is being interpreted in such cavalier fashion that our Founders and Framers would not recognize the Leviathan we have created. We have a President who considers it a flawed document! This is not because of the failure to deal with slavery (a Civil War and the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments deal with this), but due to the "failure" to write in the redistribution of wealth. In other words, the greatest manifesto of liberty is inadequate because it did not anticipate Marxism.
But the philosophical inanities are not the most serious issue. We have a federal government being used by the current administration to "profile" and "take note" of millions of people who share conservative values and think that we should spend more money locally instead of watching unaccounted billions be consumed by Washington and doled out to groups like ACORN.
If you are vocally pro-life, watch out. If you are a medical caregiver, beware - you risk losing your livelihood if you will not conduct abortions. If you want stronger local and state government, be on the alert - you are obviously a racist and reactionary. In fact, you must be channeling John C. Calhoun and singing "Dixie." If you want LEGAL immigration, you are also a racist and a xenophobe as well. If you want lower taxes, you are an exploiter that is withholding resources from the less fortunate, not a successful risk-taker enjoying the fruits of your labor.
There ARE some "right-wing" nut jobs in the public square. Neither the Left nor the Right has the monopoly of the deranged, foolish and ignorant folks who seem to get all the attention.
The next short period of time will determine American destiny for generations. We have three roads we can travel:
First, we can do nothing and continue to see the injustices and pathologies grow.
Second, we can continue the current federal aggrandizement of power and wealth and watch our liberties decline in proportion to our dependence on government largesse.
The third option is the most challenging, yet full of hope. We can forge a bright future by returning to the principles embraced by our Founders: creativity, self-regulating morality built on lasting virtues, and a vision of a better future for our children built on sacrifice.
Underneath this return to first principles must be a moral and spiritual awakening that restores respect for religion, personal responsibility for our decisions and voluntary sacrifice for our neighbor and nation.
Federal government power games are not the preserve of any party. LBJ lied to a nation (and himself) about victory in Vietnam. Richard Nixon's paranoia led to Watergate and created two generations of skeptics about government., The Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s proves even the the most principled leaders can fail sometimes., the Clinton's were confronted with FBI files that seemed to change location daily. Some of the provisions of the Patriot Act are cause for concern.
What is the way forward? Let's take responsibility - We elected our officials. We can un-elect them too!
Let's protest higher taxes and participate in making someone's life better.
Let's reaffirm that ultimate power under God lies with the people, not the government.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Welcome Back, Socrates: Part 1
I have invited the famous Greek philosopher Socrates to speak to the issues of our day. Of course, Socrates will not make too many direct assertions, but his questions always create quite a stir. The transcript that followers was obtained from an anonymous source in the Administration. Remember, all Socrates does is ask questions. He was originally summoned to a conference with other great thinkers of the past to advise the Administration. After two days of listening to Epicureans and Stoics, Cynics and Peripatetics, Socrates asks for and receives the opportunity for a personal encounter with key leaders. To protect the guilty, the people speaking with Socrates will be called Sophist, in honor of the Socrates' politically-charged, unprincipled opponents fro the fifth century B.C.
SOPHIST: Well, Mr. Socrates, you have your private audience. We hope you appreciate the special accommodations we made for this moment. Do you have an opening statement or first question for the panel?
SOCRATES: Thank you, Chairman Sophist for your time. I do have a question. Why did you ask me to travel all this way through space and time only to listen to two days of debate?
SOPHIST: We do not appreciate your tone. It is an honor to be asked to the White House. We are in perilous times and we need sound advice. We are open to all ideas that will help the American people.
SOCRATES: I noticed that you recently won an election against very passionate opponents, yet none of them were invited to our meeting. Why not?
SOPHIST: Our opponents ideas represent the failed policies of the past. We are the vanguard of the future...
SOCRATES (interrupting): Excuse me, Chairman Sophist, but aren't you leaving their ideas out of the debate? If you are open to anything that is beneficial for all people, why are they absent?
SOPHIST: The philosophers gathered here now have presented a range of solutions. Some of them are your opponents. We do have diversity!
SOCRATES: Please help me understand this concept of diversity. In my day differences made a difference. What is diversity?
SOPHIST: We celebrate diversity. We honor different viewpoints, except for the failed ideas of the right-wing. Please, Mr. Socrates, let's get to some solutions to our current crises!
SOCRATES: Why are you in the current crises?
SOPHIST: That is self-evident, sir. Greedy, rapacious business leaders and the militaristic policies of the previous Administration created this current moment. Strong action is needed now or our future is in peril.
SOCRATES: So are all the problems of the present the result of the past eight years?
SOPHIST: Well, they really started with the Reagan Administration in the 1980s with trickle-down economics.
SOCRATES: So we need to look at history to find hope?
SOPHIST: Yes! In fact the 1930s teach us that only massive government action can keep people from starving.
SOCRATES: Are millions starving today?
SOPHIST: They will be if we do not do something. Socrates, we are asking you for answers. Your questions are not helping solve our problems.
SOCRATES: On the contrary, the unexamined life is not worth living. If you do not know when and why the problems started, how will your solutions prove any better that before?
SOPHIST: We are for hope and change! Our opponents have no compassion, no concern for the average American who is struggling.
SOCRATES: What or who is an "Average American"?
SOPHIST: We have been through this before! Average means a family of four making less than $75,000 a year.
SOCRATES: For two days I heard so many numbers. Forgive me if I need clarification. Do you want everyone to be average, regardless of abilities?
SOPHIST: We want everyone to share in America's prosperity.
SOCRATES: Please enlighten me. What does that prosperity look like?
SOPHIST: It is time for a break. we will resume shortly.
(Note to reader: I will serialize this exchange in three parts. As the meeting adjourned for coffee, my source overheard the Chair muttering, "Who does this guy think he is, dressed in a robe and sandals, lecturing us? Let's wrap this up, we have work to do. I have to get my amendments to the Stimulus IV Bill in before tomorrow. The Center for the Study of Progressive Thought has to be built in my district.")
Part II: Socrates asks, "What is freedom?"
SOPHIST: Well, Mr. Socrates, you have your private audience. We hope you appreciate the special accommodations we made for this moment. Do you have an opening statement or first question for the panel?
SOCRATES: Thank you, Chairman Sophist for your time. I do have a question. Why did you ask me to travel all this way through space and time only to listen to two days of debate?
SOPHIST: We do not appreciate your tone. It is an honor to be asked to the White House. We are in perilous times and we need sound advice. We are open to all ideas that will help the American people.
SOCRATES: I noticed that you recently won an election against very passionate opponents, yet none of them were invited to our meeting. Why not?
SOPHIST: Our opponents ideas represent the failed policies of the past. We are the vanguard of the future...
SOCRATES (interrupting): Excuse me, Chairman Sophist, but aren't you leaving their ideas out of the debate? If you are open to anything that is beneficial for all people, why are they absent?
SOPHIST: The philosophers gathered here now have presented a range of solutions. Some of them are your opponents. We do have diversity!
SOCRATES: Please help me understand this concept of diversity. In my day differences made a difference. What is diversity?
SOPHIST: We celebrate diversity. We honor different viewpoints, except for the failed ideas of the right-wing. Please, Mr. Socrates, let's get to some solutions to our current crises!
SOCRATES: Why are you in the current crises?
SOPHIST: That is self-evident, sir. Greedy, rapacious business leaders and the militaristic policies of the previous Administration created this current moment. Strong action is needed now or our future is in peril.
SOCRATES: So are all the problems of the present the result of the past eight years?
SOPHIST: Well, they really started with the Reagan Administration in the 1980s with trickle-down economics.
SOCRATES: So we need to look at history to find hope?
SOPHIST: Yes! In fact the 1930s teach us that only massive government action can keep people from starving.
SOCRATES: Are millions starving today?
SOPHIST: They will be if we do not do something. Socrates, we are asking you for answers. Your questions are not helping solve our problems.
SOCRATES: On the contrary, the unexamined life is not worth living. If you do not know when and why the problems started, how will your solutions prove any better that before?
SOPHIST: We are for hope and change! Our opponents have no compassion, no concern for the average American who is struggling.
SOCRATES: What or who is an "Average American"?
SOPHIST: We have been through this before! Average means a family of four making less than $75,000 a year.
SOCRATES: For two days I heard so many numbers. Forgive me if I need clarification. Do you want everyone to be average, regardless of abilities?
SOPHIST: We want everyone to share in America's prosperity.
SOCRATES: Please enlighten me. What does that prosperity look like?
SOPHIST: It is time for a break. we will resume shortly.
(Note to reader: I will serialize this exchange in three parts. As the meeting adjourned for coffee, my source overheard the Chair muttering, "Who does this guy think he is, dressed in a robe and sandals, lecturing us? Let's wrap this up, we have work to do. I have to get my amendments to the Stimulus IV Bill in before tomorrow. The Center for the Study of Progressive Thought has to be built in my district.")
Part II: Socrates asks, "What is freedom?"
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