“For, in a democracy, every citizen, regardless of his interest in politics, 'holds office'; every one of us is in a position of responsibility; and, in the final analysis, the kind of government we get depends upon how we fulfill those responsibilities. We, the people, are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership, be it good or bad, that we demand and deserve.” —John F. Kennedy
"You cannot change an effect without changing its cause. The consciousness of Americans is the cause; government robbery and overspending are the effects."
Agreed, but why is coercion such a large part of our mentality? The root issue may be our widely shared split model of reality. This has been great for analysis and oligarchs. Not so great for the rest of us as it splits our psyche's and makes relationship with the 'spiritual' more difficult. Another option might be to declare the spiritual, (subtle) and the physical (manifest) to be fundamentally similar. Then, we might have a relationship based model, rather than the object based model now in use. At that point, we may more easily see that the 'spiritual' is simply the responsible use or application of free will. More encouragement toward self improvement. No telling what might develop from that.
Is there hope in politics? I think it’s a very funny question.
What is the role of the government in a free society? Everybody, everywhere is having discussions about politics with very few first asking and then answering that question. I’d guess if we were to all ask 10 people we each know that very question, I suspect we’d get 10 different answers.
But the founders answered the question in the Declaration of Independence when they wrote :
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men.
What could be more clear than that? The role of government is to protect our individual rights. Yet government today is involved in almost every aspect of our lives with thousands upon thousands of rules and regulations we must all follow which have very little to do with protecting our individual rights. And people simply accept this as “normal”.
Maybe Emerson was right and we are getting exactly the government we deserve.
Frank Chodorov wrote there was a “silent revolution” in 1913 when income taxes were instituted. He said that flipped the relationship between the people and the government upside down. Before 1913, the people were the Master and the government was the slave because the government had very few resources and there was very little it could do. After the 16th amendment, the government now had access to unlimited resources and it could do whatever it wanted. It became the Master and we the people are now the slaves.
The events yesterday were momentous. I tried to watch Mr. Kennedy’s face every chance I got. Mostly reserved, rarely smiling; couldn’t help but wonder how he views his upcoming mission. We can only hope he makes headway against the army of opposition. Best wishes, Professor B. Mike
Mike, I hope he gets his chance. There haven't been hearings scheduled for him due to opposition from some Republican senators. His face may have reflected fatigue from dealing with, as you say, the "army of opposition." That army is ignorant, bought, smug, and mean.
There is hope in us:
“For, in a democracy, every citizen, regardless of his interest in politics, 'holds office'; every one of us is in a position of responsibility; and, in the final analysis, the kind of government we get depends upon how we fulfill those responsibilities. We, the people, are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership, be it good or bad, that we demand and deserve.” —John F. Kennedy
Found that quote here: https://oldschoolcounselor.substack.com/p/the-revolution-for-truth-and-common
Thanks for the excellent quote.
Glad to help, it’s a team effort. Many more here for you to mine for future articles:
https://tritorch.substack.com/p/letter-to-president-trump-america
Thanks Barry, clear presentation.
"You cannot change an effect without changing its cause. The consciousness of Americans is the cause; government robbery and overspending are the effects."
Agreed, but why is coercion such a large part of our mentality? The root issue may be our widely shared split model of reality. This has been great for analysis and oligarchs. Not so great for the rest of us as it splits our psyche's and makes relationship with the 'spiritual' more difficult. Another option might be to declare the spiritual, (subtle) and the physical (manifest) to be fundamentally similar. Then, we might have a relationship based model, rather than the object based model now in use. At that point, we may more easily see that the 'spiritual' is simply the responsible use or application of free will. More encouragement toward self improvement. No telling what might develop from that.
Another very interesting column Barry.
Is there hope in politics? I think it’s a very funny question.
What is the role of the government in a free society? Everybody, everywhere is having discussions about politics with very few first asking and then answering that question. I’d guess if we were to all ask 10 people we each know that very question, I suspect we’d get 10 different answers.
But the founders answered the question in the Declaration of Independence when they wrote :
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men.
What could be more clear than that? The role of government is to protect our individual rights. Yet government today is involved in almost every aspect of our lives with thousands upon thousands of rules and regulations we must all follow which have very little to do with protecting our individual rights. And people simply accept this as “normal”.
Maybe Emerson was right and we are getting exactly the government we deserve.
Frank Chodorov wrote there was a “silent revolution” in 1913 when income taxes were instituted. He said that flipped the relationship between the people and the government upside down. Before 1913, the people were the Master and the government was the slave because the government had very few resources and there was very little it could do. After the 16th amendment, the government now had access to unlimited resources and it could do whatever it wanted. It became the Master and we the people are now the slaves.
It’s been this way for over 100 years .
Is there hope in politics? Very funny indeed.
Martin, I am grateful for your wise additions to my essay. Thank you!
The events yesterday were momentous. I tried to watch Mr. Kennedy’s face every chance I got. Mostly reserved, rarely smiling; couldn’t help but wonder how he views his upcoming mission. We can only hope he makes headway against the army of opposition. Best wishes, Professor B. Mike
Mike, I hope he gets his chance. There haven't been hearings scheduled for him due to opposition from some Republican senators. His face may have reflected fatigue from dealing with, as you say, the "army of opposition." That army is ignorant, bought, smug, and mean.
Nope. Look up: Karl Hess and the Death of Politics