Self Rule

The founding fathers of America are attributed to setting up a totally new experiment in government when they established this country. Up until that time just about every country had a form of a Monarchal, Theocratic or Oligarcal government that took the running of government away from the people under their respective institutions. John Adams said " Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There was never a democracy that did not commit suicide.“ Thomas Jefferson said “ We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate." This is a warning that was set many years ago when the union was in its’ infancy. Jefferson saw a reality that a government not tended to could result in a government that could be overtaken.

With this dismal accounting for trust in democracy in the eyes of some of our fore fathers they employed a method through amendments that we the people could gain back control. This republic slant on things evened out the majority rule that sometimes hurts itself. Benjamin Franklin said “All human situations have their inconveniences. We feel those of the present but neither see nor feel those of the future; and hence we often make troublesome changes without amendment, and frequently for the worse.”

The troubles of America are not because of somebody else. It is because of us that we have these troubles and issues. Where the people failed to exercise their vote politicians took over. In absence of the vote a system has been set up in lieu of the people’s participation that favors the politicians and their interests. The election process has been taken over by the lobbyists’ money buying favor for whoever wants to ante up. Their motives have little or nothing to do what is best for the country but what is best for their employers. You see it when you look up many politicians campaign donators. Many companies and firms are listed under both opposing candidates for any given election and the result is large contracts and industry shifting to fulfill their wishes. Dwight D. Eisenhower said “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes.” This is something Eisenhower saw as a threat to our way of government

Once again Jefferson foresaw the dangers of outside interests taking over federal institutions when he said “ I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs.” Those words are so true now in these times of crisis. Why did we allow the privately funded Federal Bank so much power and influence?

What is holding up the electorate of this nation to get involved? Is it an apathetic attitude? Will Rodgers said ” The more you read and observe about this Politics thing, you got to admit that each party is worse than the other. The one that's out always looks the best.” Some may think that is the case but still so many still register and vote so there is some interest.

One can blame the politicians for the way this has been played out. But what have the electorate done to ensure the right people serve us. Listen to campaign rhetoric and vote for the home team? Remember they are trying to get elected and they will tell us what we want to hear to manipulate that end.

If we rely on the people who currently are in charge to change this situation then how can we expect any change at all? The fox is in charge of the hen house and he is watching. A constitutional convention would require the electorate to organize and implement it outside of the political leaders’ control. The politicians have summarily divided the American electorate so as to not allow that to happen.

Perhaps a third party could inject the needed direction? But the results we have seen in the past with Perot and Nader seem to shoot that hope down. Who or what then is the answer to those who truly want change and responsible government?

It is us the American voter as always was intended. We can organize to restructure campaign financing to reflect a publicly funded campaign with no loop holes. We can eliminate lobbyist influence with legislation. We can end pork barrel spending to bolster some ones re-election bid and we can vote in people who reflect our wishes without the added benefit to those trying to buy favor.

How can we do this you say? We first need to talk to each other outside our political parties and relating to each other based on our common interests. Put away fringe issues and petty arguments and seriously relate to our common goals. From this setting you will have a base that can influence votes on referendums and work towards change that can help rather than tare down. John Adams again said “In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress.” We need to take our country back!