The Great Experiment

Today, on this 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, most of us celebrate.  We are not celebrating the founding of our country so much as we celebrate the freedom to self-government.  We celebrate a beginning which initiated the great journey which we continue today.

There are those who find reason to criticize during this time of celebration.  They focus on struggles that we have dealt with along the journey.  There are those who point to the Emancipation Proclamation as the true beginning for them.  Others point to Civil Rights Legislation of the 60's and 70's.  Many of them press a valid argument that for some, freedom did not come with the Declaration of Independence from England because there were those who were enslaved or treated as only partial citizens.  However, those steps which led to broader freedoms for those who were oppressed were part of the journey which makes this country great.

There are many steps yet to be taken.  Corruption has been a part of this Great Experiment from the very beginning.  No institution designed and implemented by mankind is perfect, and darkness is never far away.  Unlike many believe, pure democracy is not the answer.  Democracy leads to tyranny of the majority.  However, power should not be further concentrated in the hands of a few.

The next steps along the journey of this Great Experiment must be made from a unity of purpose, not the fragmentation of factions.  Power prefers fragmentation because they know that when like-minded people unite to oppose tyranny, miracles happen.  Let's all celebrate this 250th Anniversary of the miracle that we are privileged to enjoy.  (Photo of the Declaration of Independence copied from the National Archives.)

Negotiation and Compromise?

Life can often seem like one continuous negotiation.  There are things that we desire for which we must determine what we are willing to exchange.  We must continually weigh the "current value" of what we have against that which we want and decide whether we are willing to make the trade.  This is true of our time, our money or, sometimes, our lifestyle.

Work is a negotiation.  We trade our limited time for something that will provide an income which can then be used to purchase "things" that we desire.  Frequently work also requires growth.  This comes when we are asked to do things that take us beyond our comfort zone into the unknown depths of something we have never before attempted.  It may be in the form of expanded responsibility, or in developing and cultivating relationships such as with customers.

Typically, the amount of compensation is closely aligned with the level of discomfort one must experience.  One example is in travel.  Many jobs in today's economy require extensive travel which means time away from home and family.  Incentives to entice employees to endure that situation are usually necessary.

Negotiation, though, isn't limited to our work life, it is also relevant in family life.  One example is the classic conversation between husband and wife over the choice of restaurant.  Another might be related to the choice of vacation spot (for those who experience such things).  Hopefully, the trade is one which is conducted amicably and all parties are satisfied with the outcome.

In spite of the perceptions fostered by media and the political parties involved, what occurs in Washington in the halls of our government is also a negotiation.  It saddens me that it cannot be conducted amicably and that it is often an exercise in power rather than trade.  Heavy-handedness is never a good solution in the long term.  It fosters ill-will.  Negotiation should include compromise in order to achieve an acceptable solution to all.

Today, if we see either party depart from some hard-and-fast line which has been arbitrarily set -- typically by the more extreme factions -- it isn't seen as compromise, but rather as caving to the opposition.  I think we all need to remember that in a land as diverse as this one, we don't all think alike and we each have a unique perspective.  We must learn to compromise and more importantly, to accept compromise.  It can be done without losing our personal moral compass.

Hopefully, in the end, we all will grow through the experience of threading a pathway between various belief systems and views of how things should occur.  If we can do so, the result should be rewarding to all, not just the few who get their way.

One Issue to "Trump" Them All, No Issue to Bind Them

Today's subject, chosen from the book of "300 Writing Prompts" is, "What one issue is most important to you when voting for political candidates?"

I choose this topic today simply because I think it is a mistake to be a single-issue voter.  The trouble is, that is the mindset of a large number of voters -- they have one or two "hot-button" issues that drive their decision.

No one is perfect -- except me of course (just kidding) -- which means that no candidate will have the correct position on all issues.  No two people are alike which means that no candidate will have the exact same position to which a specific voter could agree on all issues.

Upon further reflection, there might be one issue that would be at the top of my list; it would be that "he who governs least, governs best."  Strict adherence to this position would put me firmly in the Libertarian camp.  I probably lean that way, but there are too many areas where I believe we need regulations, or programs that provide either constraint on certain activities, or assistance to overcome barriers.  Both should be very limited in nature, allowing the free market and natural selection to take its course.

An example of constraints to which I agree are basic laws such as those prohibiting murder.  When the actions of an individual directly harm others, there must be constraint.  The "Nanny State" attitude of many extends this to almost every activity of life.  I personally think it should be limited to a brief set of laws similar to the Ten Commandments which seem to cover it adequately.

An example of assistance would be protection.  This should be limited to those activities necessary to "provide for the common defense" or to protect the rights of the individual.  The greatest embodiment of this is in the Electoral College system which prevents a majority from diminishing the rights of the individual or, the minority.  Those advocating pure democracy are actually advocating for mob rule.  Our system of government is designed to prevent such from occurring.

When people focus on single issues, divisiveness is the result.  We break into groups, or "camps" and point fingers and call names like a bunch of school children.  That's pretty much what has happened in Washington these days.  Labels are put on things and become entrenched in the positions.  The most recent example is a "wall" on our southern border.  "The Wall" has come to stand for much more than a physical barrier, it has become a mantra, much like "Remember the Alamo" was for Sam Houston's army.  It symbolizes the hatred for one man that is driving a lot of strange behavior.

It is sometimes difficult to step away from "personalities" and to evaluate things on their merits.  It happens all the time in many aspects of life.  We sometimes find ourselves opposing something merely because of who proposed it rather than our agreement, or disagreement with the proposal.  It may even be something for which we previously advocated.  In Washington it is seen as "flip-flopping" on a position.  There seems to be a lot of that going on right now.

I think it is time to clear the playground and send everyone back to class.  The studies need to be focused on government (The Constitution), economics (how could anyone think Socialism will work given its history?) and ethics (lying, stealing, cheating and civility).  In the words of the youth of today, "smh."  (For all you older folks like me that means, "shaking my head.")

[For those not familiar with J.R.R.Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the title is a play on the phrase, "One ring to lead them all, one ring to bind them."]

An Election -- Go Vote!

Today is an important day in the exercise of our rights within the political system of this country.  Today we have the opportunity to cast our ballot for the candidates we each feel will best represent our interests.  In some ways it is a referendum on past behavior of certain candidates and their affiliates but, more importantly, it is an act of faith that the system will enable those who are most capable of representing us the opportunity to do so for a time.

It is extremely difficult for the average person to see through the smokescreen of political rhetoric and malignment of character that is common to elections.  We have been bombarded by political advertisements and biased commentary by so-called neutral media for many months in an attempt to sway our votes to the candidates who seek offices.  How can one know what is true and what is untrue in such an environment?

Many voters are "single issue" voters.  Their voting preference is based on one or two key issues such as abortion, same-sex rights, immigration, or some other "hot button" topic.  I have heard and seen many Christians take the stance that no candidate who opposes the "right to life of the unborn" should receive the vote of a Christian.  I understand that position, but I also know that no candidate is perfect and in God's eyes, one sin is no different than another.  His Word is quite clear that "none is righteous, no, not one."  It is incumbent on each of us to form an opinion on things that are important and to look at the record as well as the rhetoric of each candidate and essentially, tally the check marks in each column (weighted possibly based on importance to you) and make choices based on the sum of those marks, rather than using a single litmus test as the point of decision.

At times I wonder if it is in the best interest of all to encourage those who are not well informed to stay home and not vote but, the reality is that no one is truly informed.  If that were the case, I would not vote because no one knows the heart of the candidates, or how they will behave in the future except God.

When it comes down to it, we must trust God for the results.  I would encourage each of you to pray for enlightenment as you cast your ballot and pray that God will allow those individuals whom He would choose to attain the offices they seek.

Happy Independence Day

Like most United States citizens, I celebrate this day as one commemorating the establishment of this country.  It is the day that we have chosen as a nation to honor our separation from Great Britain, to stand or fall on our own as an independent nation.

The process of establishing our independence was just that, a process.  It did not happen in a day.  In fact, this day, July 4th, was not the day the declaration of independence was signed, nor, is it the day the writing of it was completed, but, it is the day in which the Continental Congress voted to accept the document as a declaration of our separation from Great Britain.  The official signing ceremony was almost a month later.

The 4th is celebrated with many symbols of this great republic -- note that I said, "Republic" not democracy.  We see flags scattered everywhere, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we sing The Star Spangled Banner and other patriotic songs.  These are wonderful symbols, but, none of them existed on July 4, 1776.  The "Pledge" was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy and included the following:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all."

It is interesting to note that Bellamy was a Baptist minister and a Christian Socialist.  The words "under God" were added in 1954 by Congress after a campaign  by the Knights of Columbus.

The first "Flag Act" of the Continental Congress was passed on June 14, 1777. 

"Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."


The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key after U.S. soldiers at Fort Henry, near Baltimore, raised a large flag during the war of 1812.  The flag they raised consisted of 15 stars and 15 stripes.
 
I think our founding fathers would be gratified to see the celebration of our nation on this day, however, they would be concerned by the lack of knowledge of our citizenry and likely mortified by the present state of our nation.  After all, a tyrannical government was the object of their revolt.  Thankfully, they created a government structure that contains the tools for correcting any tyranny that may develop.  The key one being the vote. 
 
I am proud to be a citizen of this country, but, I am saddened by its current state.  My celebration this year will be somewhat subdued.
 
Chris

Arizona: The Catalyst for Leadership?

I'll be out in Arizona the week after next.  Do you think I'll need my passport?

There are no Statesmen in leadership positions in our government anymore, only self-serving, power seeking, vote hungry politicians.

There have been people of that caliber in local, state and national politics since the founding of our country.  I think the difference today is that there are so few who do not fit that description that they are not only ineffective but unnoticed.

Is the "Tea Party" the answer?  Maybe it is the beginnings of one.  It is a symptom but, likely not the cure.  It is a symptom of the dissatisfaction of a large portion of the American public with politics as usual.  It lacks cohesiveness.

It is time for a strong leader to step forward and energize not only the dissatisfied, but also the rational thinkers who would restore sanity to our government.  I believe that people like Sarah Palin and Jan Brewer will play a role in shaping the resistance to the drift toward failure of the Republic, but, it will take someone completely outside the system to provide the type of leadership needed.

Big government is not the answer.  Individual, corporate, media and government accountability for their actions is what is needed.  We require a properly informed public willing to throw the "bums" out.  Therein lies a valid reason for limiting who can vote.

One step in establishing qualifications for voting would be to adhere to the requirements for obtaining citizenship.  If voters were required to pass the test for citizenship as well as to endure the required waiting period provided by law for those aliens following the proper steps for naturalization, the number of voters would be significantly reduced.  (You can see a sample of study questions here.)

The road we as a Nation are traveling is similar in many ways to that traveled by the Romans.  We have traveled it much faster than they did.  I wonder if Charlie Daniels will still be around to "play the fiddle" while we burn.

As we examine the shaping battle over Immigration, let us not forget that we are all descendants of immigrants (that includes so-called Native Americans).  Most of our ancestors came legally.  They earned their citizenship.

The Southern border of our country has been in turmoil through much of our history.  It has seen incursions from Mexicans and it has been crossed by U.S. troops (and Texas Rangers) in pursuit.  It has a rather porous history.  In those times when the violence of criminal elements became excessive, the citizens usually stepped up first and the military reluctantly followed much later.  With the possible exception of the administration of George W. Bush, Washington has always lacked the political will to take preemptive, proactive steps.  It has always been slow to act (with very few exceptions in history) until the people rose up in anger at their inactivity.

The border is part of "flyover" country.  The rich and powerful (this includes the majority of national elected figures), living in the isolated luxury of the suburbs on the East Coast or certain sections of the West Coast see no urgency to our problems.  Until they begin to feel the "sting" within their protected environs, they will not act.  Money still drives political will in our national Capitol.

I suspect there are those among them who profit from the drug and human trafficking.  It wouldn't be the first time in history that wealth was built on illegal trade (Rum Runners and Slavers).  Globalization of such enterprises has followed a general globalization of big business.  It also makes interdiction more difficult.

The way we vote is a beginning, but, political activism must go beyond voting.  We need to sound a steady drumbeat of pressure on Washington to address the problems we face.  Those problems go far beyond the issue of Immigration, but, perhaps it will be the catalyst for action.

Spotted Cattle, Vodka, and Boat Rides

Dairy genetics is one of the more esoteric fields of modern animal husbandry.  The selection process in the U.S. is finely tuned to the productivity of the animal and their ability to provide a steady stream of profit to the ailing industry.

The art has reached such a pinnacle of success upon this continent that prize specimens of the species are in great demand throughout the world.  Therefore, it was no surprise when Ivan (whose country of origin you might guess) came calling on an organization known for developing such prime specimens to the point that their genetic potential was ready to burst forth with amazing productivity.  The problem being that a large body of water as well as a couple of extensive land masses lay between the developer and the ultimate recipient of said genetic wonder.

So, Ivan, through the good offices of a broker for such phenomenon, came calling. 

The ordeal of extensive time within the confines of the large silver bus with wings was quickly overcome by the selective offerings of various libations carried on large carts pushed by comely servants who soon found that Ivan was depleting their stocks quite rapidly.  But, never worry, the duration of the flight would eventually end and the charge would be handed to one whose skill at communication was limited to two languages -- that of Ivan and that of his intended victim -- er, I mean business acquaintance.

Ivan came with an entourage:  A Veterinarian whose years alone must have been the prime qualifying factor for his services, a government official whose youth indicated acquaintance with the most modern practices of animal husbandry, and a business partner whose nervous character was probably due to the lack of body guards which likely accompanied him in his native country.

Their visit brought the clash of cultures into sharp focus when they finally arrived in Southwest Kansas and immediately began to deplete the local supply of vodka.  Every brand.  Every bar.  Every liquor store.  It created something of a celebrity stir when they found that Crowne was but a poor substitute for their preferred libation.

Finally, however, they faced the task at hand -- selecting by careful inspection, the candidates for the long boat ride back to Ivan's homeland.

The process took several days as well as the timely review of each specimen and then the requisite battery of tests which proved no disease of consequence could possibly be contained within their ample frames.  Each patterned heifer, bulging with their growing progeny, passed through the confining strictures which allowed the Veterinarian and the budding government official to pass judgement on their individual merits.

It soon became apparent that merit was in the eye of the beholder for many exceptional specimens were passed off as unacceptable due to minor blemishes in favor of more questionable individuals that exhibited perfect eye-color, or perhaps a special pattern of markings which appealed to the judges.  Of course, the requisite fuel for judging consisted of barley, hops and the results of a fermentation process that had previously been confined to brown glass bottles.  That was before lunch.  After lunch, a higher octane was required to maintain an equilibrium that must only have developed in the womb and been carried to perfection through proper medication in liberal amounts.

Nevertheless, after hours of evaluation, the perfect specimens had been selected for the cruise.  They were loaded on trucks and shipped to port to await their pampered journey which by-the-way was delayed for ten days while appropriate paperwork was completed, stamped, sealed, signed and delivered.  For you see, stamps and seals are the sign of authority -- in spite of the fact that the local Staples can deliver -- custom-made, to-your-door -- the stamp or seal of your design and choosing within the same ten days.

Deal completed, selectees delivered, the entourage and Ivan departed.  The local bars celebrated their record sales and the U.S. export balance was momentarily moved in a positive direction.  Or, at least that was the thought until recently discovered that all was funded by the American taxpayer through the good offices of our current Administration in Washington.  For you see, it was our own USDA funding the enterprise.  It is now time for Paul Harvey to speak his famous line -- "And now you know......"

Cattle Emissions and Conspiracy Theories

OK. I’ve finally had enough of the ludicrous idea that the way to control greenhouse gases is to regulate emissions by livestock. I suspect it is really a plan to destroy the livestock industry by those who think we should all become Vegans. Or, maybe it is something even more sinister.


The carbon cycle is relatively simple to describe although its actions are complex. Living things are carbon-based. This includes plants and animals. Plants take carbon-dioxide out of the atmosphere, trap the carbon into their tissue in the form of various molecules such as sugars and then release Oxygen. Animals eat plants (or other animals) and through the process of digestion, break down the complex molecules (such as sugars) from the plant material and utilize the released energy to fuel their existence. In the process of digestion, some of the carbon is released back into the atmosphere as various gases and carbon dioxide is released through respiration. This process cycles the carbon in a somewhat continuous loop. Plants also release carbon when they die. The process of decomposition releases carbon into the atmosphere.

This carbon cycle has continued since the beginning of life on this planet. At one time in pre-history, there was significantly more carbon floating around in the atmosphere which fueled riotous growth of plants. Many of those plants were then trapped in sediment and over time changed to oil, gas and coal or were bound into limestone and other sedimentary rocks.

Until we began releasing the carbon that was “sequestered” in the form of oil, gas and coal, carbon wasn’t a problem. It was cycled through plants and animals just as it is today. It was this release from the utilization of fossil fuels of huge amounts of carbon back into the carbon cycle that created what some scientists today are claiming to be a cataclysmic problem for life on earth. In other words – it isn’t the cattle that are causing “climate change,” it is the burning of fossil fuels that released huge amounts of trapped carbon into the atmosphere that is causing the increase of atmospheric greenhouse gases.

So, why do our government and the governments of other nations throughout the world think the solution lies in regulating gas produced by cattle? Here is one possibility – it is part of the plan to control the world food supply. In the U.S. most crops are subsidized through various support payments. Livestock production is not. Placing regulations on the livestock producers under the guise of controlling greenhouse gas emissions makes sense only in the context of attempting to gain control of one of the few lightly regulated industries left.

It fits into what could be construed as a plan to force a one-world government. The way I see it, if one wanted to control the world you would begin with a series of induced crises. The crises would be designed to gain control of some key things – banking, energy and food. Hmmmm…..we recently saw manipulation of the first two of these items. That leaves food. I wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes in Copenhagen……

On This 4th of July

On July 4, 1776, we declared our independence from Great Britain. We claimed the right to self-governance with representation of the people's will in determination of the laws of our land. We claimed the right to reject an oppressive government and replace it with one that was both responsive to and responsible to the people of this land.

That oppression arose from our dependency on Great Britain. The original colonists needed the support of the mother country for survival. In return, the king required taxes. Those taxes paid for wars that caused a mounting debt. The response of the king was to increase taxes to finance his aggressive policies that sought to consolidate his power.

The people sought relief from the burden but were ignored. They sought representation of their views but were rejected. Over time, their dependency allowed the king to increase taxes to the point they could no longer be borne by the people and they rebelled.

Through the blood of committed individuals that Independence was accomplished over the course of 40+ years when we finally severed the control of Great Britain in the War of 1812. Yet, it didn't end there. We remained a nation seeking to find its way. We continued to seek a balance of power in how we were governed which culminated in a Civil War that consolidated power in the federal government. It was a result that led to better relations between the various races which comprise our people, but eroded the power of the people by consolidating it in the hands of the federal government.

We have survived global wars in which the United States came to the aid of nations whose values resembled our own. We have gone wherever necessary to combat the tendency of man to consolidate power through aggression. Yet we have allowed special interests to consolidate power within our own borders.

We have struggled with our own identity. We are a nation of many varied yet closely held beliefs. We have faced many issues that arise from the human frailties of self-interest and fear. We have made great strides in creating an environment of equality of opportunity for all. Yet we have allowed those same frailties of self-interest and fear to be used against us by the very politicians we elected to serve us.

We continue to struggle. Today we face some of the greatest challenges that we have ever faced as a nation. Many of those challenges are the result of the quest for power of individuals and groups who have only their self-interest at heart. They seek power for gain and not in service for the good of the nation and its people. They bully and intimidate through the power of the purse.

That such individuals and groups hold the reins of power is the fault of the people. Enough of us have allowed ourselves to be subjugated to the carefully orchestrated largess of the state and federal powers that our Independence has been lost. That subjugation has resulted in efforts to further consolidate power through expanding government services in ways that create further dependency. We see today an aggressive expansion and consolidation of power through the use of regulation and welfare (although not always by that name). We have become a nation controlled by dependency. Therein lies our downfall.

Our dependency on the government has created a situation of mounting debt that must be repaid. It is the tendency in such times to use taxation to repay the debt. The burden of government has become oppressive. We are facing a crisis in our nation that in many ways resembles the conditions prior to the War for Independence. It is time once again for our government to become both responsive to and responsible to the people.

(Also posted at Panhandle's Perspective)

An Independence Day of Prayer and Reflection

The day after tomorrow is the 4th of July. Where has the summer gone?

The 4th is honored in celebration of our independence from England. It has been so long ago that we don't truly understand what that independence means. Today, it is a rare individual that even stops to think that the liberties we enjoy arose from that period in the 1770's when previously loyal subjects finally had a belly-full of the capricious actions of the British Parliament designed to extract payment from the colonies for their many wars. It wasn't so much that the colonists didn't want to pay their fair share of the defense of their country (England) it was that they were being taxed without the opportunity of representation in making the decisions. They were treated as less than full citizens of their country.

That desire to have the opportunity to have a voice in the decisions of government is one that in many ways has died among a large portion of our citizenry. Voter apathy is high. Dissatisfaction with the government and leading political figures is extremely low. It is as though a large percentage of the American people have allowed themselves to become less than true citizens. They have been lulled by the relative prosperity that they enjoy and by their feelings of impotence, to merely endure the burdens of the government that they allow to continue on its merry way by their apathy.

It is much like the frog in the kettle illustration with which we are all familiar. If you try to put a frog into hot water he will jump out. If you put him in cold water and slowly add heat, he will boil to death. I believe that a large number of people in this country are allowing themselves to be boiled to death through the gradual creep of economic subjugation through the policies of our government.

This 4th of July is one that I believe should be spent in reflection on where we have been, what we have become and where we are going as a country. It is a time to examine the burden of government on our lives and our livelihood. It is a time to consider the role of each and every elected official and the part that they have played in adding to that burden. Are our lives truly better than they were ten or twenty or even longer years ago? If not, what has changed?

We must get out of the pot and get active. If the heat is building we need to put out the fire. It is time to get involve -- get energized. The election this fall could be a turning point if we will let our voices be heard. I believe in our system of government and I believe there are good men and women both in office and seeking office. I also know that there are those in office and seeking office that have nothing on their mind but their own self aggrandizement, power and wealth. We must seek wisdom in our choices. The only true source of wisdom that I know of is the God that created us. We all should hit our knees in prayer for the future of this great nation. The 4th of July is a great time to start.