High Ground Underground

“A pox on both their houses” – Perfection as a Standard for Political Action We have come through another contentious election.  But I think I have heard “A pox on both their houses” (speaking of partisan politics) one time too many to not respond.  People who find the rhetoric/methods/contention of politics distasteful disengage, justifying it by claiming to take the higher moral ground.  What does that solve?  Does that address the important issues, or leave it to the loud and distasteful, or those lacking in judgment or information?  Of course we can and should raise the quality of our political discourse – focusing more on issues than personal attacks -- which is difficult for the party whose character is incessantly maligned for political gain.  But when entire parties and positions are dismissed out of hand, or the entire political process, because of the words or actions of some who claim to represent various parties, or because contention...

Saving Congressman Ryan Flashback (or deja vous?). The Fuhrer had come to power with mesmerizing oratory and promises of new national salvation. He rallied his forces and drove deep into enemy territory, overturning the old order. The war had been fully engaged for over 2 years since the Fuhrer launched his blitzkrieg, and daring advances. The national socialists had advanced their control to the coasts, and were deeply entrenched in defensive positions. They appeared impregnable. But an invasion force of young brave men gathered to storm those beaches, and ashore they went to turn back those losses. The battle was fierce, and every weapon available was used against them. The enemy snipers directed their fire especially at one young soldier who seemed especially threatening, and those immediately around him, cutting him off from many of his comrades. But a force was sent in to save Private (er, Congressman) Ryan, and the valiant cause and powerful weapon he carried – a deficit...

In light of the resurgence in the entitlement, big-government mentality embodied in Obamacare, etc., it is instructive to see how far Democrats have strayed from the noble principles of their founder over 200 years ago, and leaders as recently as 50 years ago. Principles they need to return to. John F. Kennedy: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” Thomas Jefferson (founder of the Democrat Party) quotes: On the Nanny State: “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” On Obamacare & dietary regulations: “Was the government to prescribe to us our medicine and diet, our bodies would be in such keeping as our souls are now.” On redistribution of wealth & the welfare state: “The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would no...