Come On Sense

The founding fathers worried that any government they organized would sacrifice fundamental rights and responsibilities to political expediency. One of their most potent protections against just such a tendency was the division of powers among three co-equal branches of government. A second line of defense was the ability of the voters to elect reformers – presidents, senators and congressmen who would re-establish the rule of law and restore fundamental rights.

The behavior of the current administration is clear evidence of how far off the tracks politicians have taken Mr. Madison’s government. A candidate that ran on the slogan ‘change you can believe in’ has morphed into a president that clearly believes in political expediency that trumps the rule of law. Nowhere is that more evident than in the administration’s pronouncements regarding investigation of possible crimes by senior members of the last administration.

The new slogan is ‘look forward not backward’. Translated into language that we can all understand – ‘we politicians will protect any politician’s ability to break the law with impunity – after all, we want the same right – as for the rule of law – well is is more like a guideline – and piss on it anyway.’ Of course, the rule of law does apply to us ordinary mortals – you know, the non-celebrities in the population.

But continue to sleep soundly America. Those who occupy the heady heights – the Olympus that your tax dollars and the mortgage on your childrens’ future continue to pay for – they rest safe above the rule of law.

And what do you have to look forwartd to? One administration after another increasing the protection of all politicians from this pesky rule of law. Their efforts will not cease until all politicians – republican, democrat and independent – are sheltered from the necessity – let us say the inconvenience – of the rule of law.

Cheney’s recent speech reminded me of a famous one by Barry Goldwater – “I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” Americans rejected it soundly then and my hope is that they will reject it again. If we give up the principles that have defined us as a society based on the rule of law and justice for all, then we are little better than the terrorists who would attack us. If we accept Nixon’s formulation that “if the president does it it is not against the law” we will have abandoned the rule of law for that of expediency and will quickly become subjects of the government. The government of, by and for the people will indeed perish from the earth. If we live in fear of fear itself we will become easy prey for the despots who chafe under that rule of law and resort to fear mongering. The blood of patriots was not shed so that future generations could give away the essence of the Republic in exchange for a handful of hollow words about keeping us safe. We owe it to them to live up to the principles that they fought to protect.
— Chief

By Dr. Earl R. Smith II
Chief@ComeOnSense.com
www.ComeOnSense.com

The 2008 election cycle may present us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to deal a fatal blow to the tendency towards negativity in American political campaigns. As it looks now, we may be presented with a real choice. One campaign looks poised to argue that their man is better because his opponent is corrupt, unpatriotic, inexperienced and a liar. The other seems to believe that Americans deserve better and is dedicated to advancing the political dialogue rather than the political spectacle. We should take advantage of the opportunity to choose substance and respectful dialogue over character assassination and mud-slinging. (more…)