A Government Out of Touch - A Call to Return to Our Roots

Well, it's now four days out from the nation wide tea parties. Hundreds of thousands of American citizens got together all across the country to let their voice be heard; no more big government; no more out of control spending; and no more disconnect between the people and those that represent them.
Of course, as expected, most media outlets gave very unfavorable coverage to the events. I am not surprised at all about that. I am, however, surprised at the White House response. ABC's Dan Harris on Good Morning America reported on April 15th the following - "The White House says the president is unaware of the tea parties and will hold his own event today." Isn't this a perfect example of what the protests were really about? When the government doesn't represent the people, the government no longer can be called effective.
A majority of Americans did not approve of their tax money being used for the TARP funds, as passed under George Bush, and yet our representatives passed it. A majority of Americans did not approve of their tax money being used in the Stimulus Bill, and yet our representatives passed it. A majority of Americans do not approve of abortion being funded by taxpayers (or abortion at all), yet our government is now doing just that. This is not how our government is supposed to work.
“Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher.” --Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776
This quote shows exactly where we are today. Our government, a necessary function that needs to have limits pressed on it, is running out of control, breaking down constraints at every pass. This big government system cannot stand forever. It will grow to a size so big that it will cripple the economy and tear away our freedoms.
And yet, there is a simple answer. It's called the Constitution of the United States. It's the document that says how the government is supposed to work. It puts limits where they need to be, and spreads power with checks and balances as to create control. Articles 1-7 explain exactly what the government can and can't do, and how to do it. The Amendments afterwards dive further into details. That's where the answer is. If our representatives do not hold to the constitution, vote them out. They all take an oath to do just that. What if the government wants a program that isn't directly under their power as given in the Constitution? Amendment X has the answer: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
So, as always, I ask not for some extreme revolution, but a returning to a time when the Constitution was upheld. We all need to be informed, as an informed citizenry is the only way to ensure the freedoms and liberty's we all take for granted continue. It is fine if we disagree, that's what this country is founded on, and debate is protected in the Constitution. However, if we all understand where the debate has to start, at the beginning, then we can have a firm foundation with which to grow on.

Wednesday Link - Rick Santelli Setting The Mood

This week's video link shows the mood of the country, and is what set in motion the April 15th 'tea parties'. Rick Santelli, CNBC journalist, surrounded by investors and financiers, starts ranting, and no one knows what to do. Enjoy!

Rick Santelli Rant

One more quick note - Obama has announced that the term "global war on terror" is no longer what he wants to use. He prefers "overseas contingency operation". Well, Mr. Obama, you can change what its called if you like, but I ask that you not forget that it's really about protecting the country. Of course, I'm saying this to a President who is already cutting our defense budget, so I guess I'm just blowing wind here. This is just another example of Obama diverting the attention of the Americans who are too apathetic to pay attention, creating a 'feel good' environment for everyone. Remember, though, that changing the name won't change what's happening; and cutting defense puts us all at risk.

Conservatism v. Liberalism in America

In response to the following comment:

"Could it not be said that perhaps part of the problem (while albeit not denying the lies, extortion, and other political garbage tactics) is that we really live in what should be considered as it is, a republic. If you doubt my logic, check the Pledge of Allegiance (if you don't know it because you've not been allowed it, Google it). The basic "Democratic" principles are broken by the fact that acting so as a republic, the people's power is more a facade designed to make us feel as though we are electing "our" president, when really we are just creating someone to blame."

I would first of all say that this country, as laid out in the constitution, is a Democratic Republic. It's a representative form of government. The people of this country elect the representatives and have chances quite often to change who the office holder is. People are not elected for life. However, this still means that the citizens of this country must be informed and also have a proper understanding of their role in the process.

It is the lack of caring of each citizen which elects those to office who don't have any business being there. The representatives are DIRECT representations of those who elect them. This is why you see congress people from California who are extremely liberal. It's a representation of the culture they are in; and if I may be so bold to say it: apathy leads to liberalism.

On the surface, liberalism presents itself as a sunny, warm place where everyone is getting what they "need" in life from the government. For people making quick glances at an issue, liberalism seems nice. But it is in true conservatism that the answers which are best for this country are found. True conservatism, however, is not an easy thing to come by in today's political climate. It takes effort. It takes someone willing to sacrifice a bit here and there for the better of the country. It takes understanding. It takes removing your faith in the government and finding another place to put it. (religion)

I will grant that all of this is an outlook that many aren't comfortable with. That is where a site like this comes in. A conversation to have; understanding to grow. Let's take politics off of the back burner and move it into a daily conversation. If we could all place it with a bit more importance into our daily lives, I can almost guarantee this country would change for the better.