An important commentary of our times…

I have long internally debated writing an article about “Them”.  History is replete with lamentations about “Them”, “Those people”, “Their kind” or anyone who is otherwise the antithesis of “Us”.  I have even debated on occasions myself about this faceless group of people who are responsible for no less than the End of the World (End of Democracy, End of Western Civilization, End of Life-As-We-Know-It, etc.).  But I catch myself sometimes; I have never met, “Them”.  I do not know anyone who is “Them”, and this is important.  “They” have to remain without identity, otherwise a lot of our case dissolves with familiarity or knowledge of intent.  In other words, a lot of what “They” do becomes more easily excusable the closer “They” get to “Us”.

The tipping point for me today to write this was this commentary by Victor Davis Hansen.  Reading it, I realized the truth that was staring me in the face this whole time:  There is no “Them”, there is only “Us”.  You might read the article, as I did, and say to yourself “but I believe we should take all those proactive measures!!  “THEY” are the one’s that don’t!”.  And yet, that is exactly the sentiment that got us here in the first place; blaming someone else for the problems we all face.  Until “We” are prepared to take concrete action to remedy the situations that “We” all have created, “We” can expect more of the same problems without end.

My favorite quote from the commentary

Perhaps the greatest trademark of the 1960s cohort was self-congratulation. Baby boomers alone claimed to have brought about changes in civil rights, women’s liberation and environmental awareness — as if these were not prior concerns of earlier generations.

The Founding if this country was framed in the context of this same debate; indeed this issue is timeless.  There were strident calls from some groups of Colonials for redress against British actions and there were equally passionate calls for continued reconciliation.  Need I remind “Us” that if “We” continued to allow “Them” to lock us in debate, “We” would all be spelling the word as “colour” today and mostly likely paying 40% tax rates across the board for a typically crappy Universal Health Care system.

“We” are softened to hard labor, inoculated against pain and suffering, intolerant of hardship, and apathetic to anything that might cost us more than is convenient.  “We” are very much the model of the great civilizations that have come before us that devolved into ruin while “They” debated about the causes and solutions.

I have lived privileged and sheltered life and yet my passion for history, especially “Our” history has led me to the conclusion that “good-enough” isn’t any longer.  It started for me many years ago when I registered to vote because I realized that it might the single most important Right that my Founding Fathers fought for and bestowed upon me, and the first step to taking Action.  I encourage all of you who may have become disenfranchised by the process to reconsider.  Read about “Our” history and watch any of the amazing movies that now exist about our Founding.  I highly recommend the recently aired and soon to be on DVD “John Adams” which is based on the book written by the also highly recommended David McCullough.  Let it ignite your passion for action, entrepreneurship, discovery, and gratitude.  Let it inspire you to take seriously the role “We” all play in this Social Contract, and play a bigger part.

And let it light “Our” path back to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.

Thomas Paine

Government thuggery

I know it sometimes sounds like calls to limit government power and keep a wary eye on them even after are the ravings of a crazy and paranoid person…but reality can be very frightening.

From the “Common Sense” commentary this week:

…In Michigan, similar nastiness has been directed against the campaign to recall Speaker of the House Andy Dillon. Dillon staffers have flocked into the district to intimidate those petitioning to recall their boss.

One such blocker, hired by the Michigan Democratic Party to “educate” voters, is an eight-time felon whose rap sheet includes armed robbery. The police got involved . . . making robo-calls to residents claiming the recall backers were “extremists” engaged in an “illegal” effort.

The Detroit News piled on, arguing that the recall, precipitated by Dillon’s big tax hike, will cost Michigan taxpayers more because it requires a special election. Except that it won’t. The regularly scheduled August primary will piggy-back the recall vote — which will happen, since last week more than enough signatures were turned in.

Most of our Founding Father’s would weep to see examples like this of a government lording over it’s people.  Jefferson would probably call for another revolution.  All I’m asking for is a little due diligence when you’re called to vote.  Suffrage was one of the most fundamental rights our Father’s fought for so that we, the Sons (and Daughters) wouldn’t have to refresh the Tree of Liberty “…from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants…”.  Voting is a much less messy way, but no less Revolutionary if practiced by a people who are determined to have the government they know they have an Inalienable right to.

It starts and ends with you.

I would rather be exposed to the inconveniencies attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it.

-Thomas Jefferson

P.S. The “Common Sense” commentaries are excellent and can be sent to you via email for weekly shot in the arm about how important it is that we remain an educated, indignant, and motivated electorate.  You can sign up on the page linked above.