"Cherish, therefore, the spirit of our people, and keep alive their attention. Do not be too severe upon their errors, but reclaim them by enlightening them. If once they become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress, and Assemblies, Judges, and Governors, shall all become wolves." - Thomas Jefferson, letter to Edward Carrington, 1787
It is amazing that our Founding Fathers not only knew their fellow countrymen but themselves all too well. To admit that humans carry that trait of corruptibility was an admission that most men would not be willing or afraid to make. It made the writer sound as if he himself were not honest but in its declaration he brought honesty to an elevated level probably never recognized before or after.
He knew full well the predator nature of men, understanding this form of government would enable men to devour Constitutional rights, was nothing less than divine guidance. Our inattention to the creation, application and abuse of laws by those voted into office has led to the elitism mentality held by most elected today. Do not wonder any longer what one person can do but believe in the power of citizens just like you, when united, stand equal. Our numbers grow and our resolve redoubles with each meeting.
We must fortify ourselves against the wolves Jefferson spoke of. We do this by watching each move the wolves make. Even when the wolves are out of sight we watch by other means and keep abreast of their whereabouts and activities. They maintain that lean and hungry look and should not be trusted until proven and then remain tethered.
There is hope! With hope there comes responsibility on our behalf. We must remain vigilant, vocal and willing to act. If we dedicate ourselves to these behaviors, then we become shepherds and we keep the wolves at bay and each other safe from becoming prey.
--Steve Ramey, American, USMC Veteran & Freedom lover, 06 December 2012.
Semper Fidelis et Viligo!
Isn't that on its face a fact that makes the text even MORE compelling? Or is it too hard to accept that man is fallen, that no one walks upright, not even one ... When companies want to test security they often use reformed/controlled thieves to do so (or SEAL teams - Smiles). Experience is revealing and can teach a great deal.
What's that kind of argument Steve, where you have to distract from the question by asking a question or making a comment that has nothing to do with the original question? red herring? Give it time. In a few posts a real conversation will get started. It's friday. We'll all be off work in a little while. :)
So Jefferson fathered some children of his slave....now what?
I wasn't trying to do that and apologize if I did have some agitation in that last sentence. But when you start your post..."there you go again"...it sound like you are throwing a personal punch. Defaming the character of Jefferson took us off into another conversation. The point of his post originally is for us to be vigilant to watch power (and those in power) because we (and they) are all fallible. I think that's a valid point. It is our duty and responsibility to hold our elected officials acccountable to the people.
That's what we should be talking about.
Speaking of Ryan, I have been seeing people with the Romney/Ryan stickers tearing off the upper half so it says Ryan. I guess these people just dont understand that Ryan did nothing but hurt Romney's chances. He is just too far out there in Ayn Rand la la land. Unless he moderates his positions, which is very unlikely for an ideologue like him, he doesn't have a chance in 2016.
Another fine specimen of our government school system.
Rubio was smart to hold off this time. He knew what the next president would inherit. I have a feeling that Rubio will run 2016, and he has the advantage of watching and waiting and planning accordingly. No incumbant ths time (always a disadvantage in any race).
We have to remember that only the conservative faction should be allowed to distract from the topic and have a "real conversation". ;)
The UK tried the tax the rich tactic, and guess what? tax hikes on the wealthy LOWERED revenue to the government. In fact, it not only lowered revenue, but actually cost them the equivalent in US dollars of 11.2 billion. Now the government of Conservative Party Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that it will lower the top rate from 50 percent to 45 percent. Imagine that. The story will be the same here. Watch and see.
Commissioner Tommy Hunter was quoted as saying: “You can ask anybody that we’ve dealt with. I always tell them, when they thank me for my time, I say you don’t have to thank me for my time, I owe it to you. I work for you and you don’t call and ask me for a meeting, you tell me we’re going to have one and we’ll be there,” he said. “And that’s my philosophy and I think it needs to be taken to the next level so that we can get that kind of government back to the people.”