It is important to realize how disconnected people have become from the real world. today everything is either a PR issue or some sort of video game. Nowhere is this more true than with business and government. (more…)
Archive for the Blog CategoryIn a complex world, it is the second order effects of actions that often have the greatest impact and come to define the real meaning of a policy. We are living through a time when that seems more true than ever. It is impossible for a politician to take an action with out triggering second and third order effects which directly contradict their intentions. (more…) Check your blood pressure before watching. Michael Lewis lays it out for all to hear and understand. If you still believe that the government is of, by and for the people, prepare to loose your faith. 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. (more…) 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. By Dr. Earl R. Smith II 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…) |
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