Kindred spirits

By Sarge

Thomas Paine, the Revolutionary War rabble rouser wrote essays concerning and titled: Common Sense.

A rabble rouser and an anarchist, he disliked Britain’s monarchy to the point of making it a personal campaign. He stirred the cauldron, bringing the devilish political fumes to the top of the pot, showing the world the malignancy bubbling right below the surface. He hated the government grown fat and bloated while distancing itself from and keeping the people from being involved in their government and therefore self-determinate.

He and I are kindred spirits.

We were without representation, having little hope of gaining the attention of Parliament. Their hubris wouldn’t allow their gaze to lower to see our problems. They existed within the social structure entrenched since the Magna Carta was signed. People never seeing America taxed it to fund the King’s wars and explorations. The Parliamentarians believed they WERE the government. They couldn’t be deposed. They felt entitled to direct the way Americans lived.

It’s easily understood when people say they want to serve the public. There are selfless individuals seeking to help their neighbors from the goodness of their hearts. They profit in no way other than their surety of having a special place in the afterlife. These are good people. But, I ask if those you now see in office are really as good as they claim to be and as selfless as they’d want you to think.

If we want to enjoy the experience fundamentally necessary to execute good government, wouldn’t we see more adherents of their specific brand of leadership? Wouldn’t there be disciples, people espousing the same basic principles but looking to follow a slightly divergent path, to inject NEW thoughts and efforts, other than genetically entrenching members of the same clan? Wouldn’t it seem logical to ask; if what we’ve got is so good, why are there so many candidates out there trying to get the same job? Doesn’t the question deserve an answer?

Americans never meant to indulge the weak of mind but heavy of purse to control the direction of government. We haven’t chosen a government allowing for the right of the descendants of a select gentry to rule without challenge. It’s never been proven that leadership is a product of birth and distilled in the genes.  Certain politicians today indicate injection might better explain the desired political performance of their candidates.

Historically we’ve found experience isn’t necessary for the execution of good government. Great strides came from debate, speech, negotiation and compromise, as well as thoughtful oratorical drafts of conscientious, dedicated people seeking something better for America.  They were inexperienced amateurs nurturing this country to toddle, walk and then lead this world as we know it today.

There’s no need for a monarchy or a plutocracy (god-chosen authority) to govern. All we need is a certain amount of good, simple sense; guidance directed from a moral wellspring of faith and cultural constancy to move ahead. No one person, nor his family, holds a monopoly on any of these cherished commodities. We learn from example and history. We learn by adjusting our positions and stances on issues. We can then see options. We can exceed the lesser and greater efforts of our predecessors. We acquire our greatness, not by staying with our feet stuck in yesterday but with our vision locked on a tomorrow filled with alternate choices while directing and working for better performance. We’ll make mistakes, but that’s the field we plow to enjoy the fruit of the harvest. We turn out the rotted roots and dumb stumps (that’s an old Yankee term) hindering growth.

I was told a story concerning an old politician complaining: “I can’t believe you’re running against my candidate.” The reply was offered:  “I’m not running AGAINST anybody. I’m running FOR an office.”

The first is the statement I draw exception to; the second we must recognize as our right. We have the right to elect people wanting to serve-not somebody thinking they and family members are appointed by God to the post.

This is why Term Limits on ALL elected positions are necessary.

Thanks for listening