I never thought I would say it, but I have been feeling that right now is a good time not to be in the United States. The rational part of me does not want to be conspiratorial, but Santayana’s old saying, “He who fails to learn from history is doomed to repeat it” echoes in my mind.
People are blinded by ill-advised, short sighted feelings, such as “I don’t care what the Constitution says. I want my free healthcare.” Never mind that this “free” healthcare is not free, never mind that this “free” healthcare will provide less than people get now, but someone else will pay for it -- supposedly. People are willing to put their health into the government’s hands, knowing full well that the government knows how people vote (it isn’t as secret as all that), knowing what political contributions people make. And when the U.S. gets that domestic “civilian force that is just as powerful as the military,” we’ll be in really great shape.
Do I think that Obama is going to turn the United States into a totalitarian regime? I hope not. Let’s go on the premise that he would not. However, you cannot escape the idea that the extra-constitutional activities he is orchestrating make the Constitution meaningless. How can we say, “Well, they can’t go too far because the Constitution won’t let them,” when they have already used the Constitution to line the bottom of bird cages? Once that is done, heaven help the country if someone less benevolent comes into power – not that I think Obama is particularly benevolent.
Even if the government does not directly prohibit rights that are guaranteed, they can find a workaround. I know someone who has a concealed weapons permit in Washington State. Will the government take that away as such? No, but it can say, “Having guns is unhealthy. If you have a gun, you don’t have health care.” Obviously, the government knows who this person is. Job done.
I do not claim to be a Constitutional scholar, but the downright ignorance of the constitution by many people today is frightening. Why would they fight for something they don’t even know? And once it is gone, it will be very hard to get it back.
In 1996 at a Republican district caucus in Seattle, I voiced my support for Allan Keyes for President. Even at such a low level, it was obvious that we were going to have Bob Dole rammed down our throats. While I am no great orator, I am proud of the words I spoke: “We cannot sacrifice what is right for what is expedient.”
Those words are truer today than they were fourteen years ago.
So whose duty is it to uphold the Constitution?
ReplyDeleteAnd if they don't fulfill their duty what recourse is there?
All elected officials swear to uphold the Constitution. Presumably, the Justice Department would see to it that the Constitution is upheld. But since the Justice Department is part of the Executive Branch, they sure aren't going to go after him.
ReplyDeleteMy soul is certainly being tried. The end run around the constitution is painful to behold.
ReplyDeleteMore and more I wish that an earlier draft, which strongly upheld the right of citizens to mount armed revolutions against the central government, had been passed.
Matt said;
ReplyDelete"...the downright ignorance of the constitution by many people today is frightening. Why would they fight for something they don’t even know?"
Why do you think they do not teach the Constitution as part of history? Well besides the mainstreaming of the below-normal, and those with left-wing 'parents', that is.
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ReplyDeleteRadioMattM, thanks for the excellent post. Our generation has lived through many "interesting" events, but this is the first time I've felt like we're teetering on the edge of a monumental historical change. It makes my stomach clench.
ReplyDeleteThe insidious creep of social programs into our everyday lives is about to culminate in what amounts to a hostile takeover of our nation's health care system. The last of our Republic will be in ruins, and America will be nothing more than a socialist shithole.
Your vision that people will be forced to conform or have NO health care is spot on. These bastards will use health care as a cudgel to take away our freedoms, one by one.
“We cannot sacrifice what it right for what is expedient.” Say it clear, and say it loud!
Can I put those words on our masthead, under "The Conservative Kitchen Table"?
I have been going to a site called Barking Moonbat Early Warning System off and on for years now.
ReplyDeleteIt is a joint US/British blog, and as part of the Brit side, there is a litany of the ever-increasing control of British subjects under the rubric of 'Health & Safety'.
That is what I foresee as the end result of the takeover of health care, here.
Along with the UN 'Small Arms Trade' treaty, which is actually a foot in the door for personal weapons bans (and actively supported by Hillary) these are things that will finally put an end to this Grand Experiment in human freedom.
Thank you for your comments, Sid and Lady Red.
ReplyDeleteLady Red, I am flattered. I would be honored if you put that quote on the banner.
We're living in interesting times, I agree. Well said, Matt.
ReplyDeleteI recently read Frank Luntz's book, "What Americans Really Want... Really." Aside from the ridiculous title, it was a fascinating and SCARY read. It addressed this directly, and gave age and generational breakdowns on beliefs and other issues.
I would highly suggest it to everyone as an eye opener.
Yay, afw is here!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation, I am going to add it to my library list now. I really like Frank Luntz.