Two hundred thirty-eight years ago today, a plainspoken pamphlet entitled “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine was a “call-to-arms” for the American Revolution. It made the case for the necessity of declaring independence from Great Britain. A mere six months spanned from the publication’s debut until the colonists declared their independence in the summer of 1776, affirming the adage “the pen is mightier than the sword.” In a nod to this pamphlet I’ve entitled a special President’s Day post: “Lincoln Sense: A penny for Abe’s thoughts.” I pay tribute to our 16th president, largely through his own words (can anyone say it better than he?). Lincoln eloquently and successfully made the case for returning to the founders’ model of self-government grounded in transcendent moral truth, which guided the nation though its most serious existential crisis since the Revolution. And he can do it again, if Americans have the common sense to apply “Lincoln Sense.”
It Matters!
My personal “two cents” of political commentary – for what it’s worth:)
It Matters!: A Time for Choosing, Again . . .
A choice is impending. And the choice is fundamental. It recurs in various forms and at different times in American political life. Just as in the years leading up to the Civil War, we are once again A House Divided over the moral foundations (and character) of self government. Lincoln surmised that the purpose of asserting the moral principle of Liberty to all in the Declaration was for future use as it “was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain.” It serves as a “stumbling block to those who in after times might seek to turn a free people back into the hateful paths of despotism.” Sound familiar? Join us in recalling Americans to the Founders’ model of self government grounded in transcendent moral principle. The perpetual pursuit of the moral truth of Liberty to all is the lofty and worthy goal of America. Do the work.
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It Matters!: “Do the work.” Ted!
Glancing at Twitter last night to gauge the response to Senator Cruz’s (R-TX) filibuster one particular tweet caught my eye. It was from Chuck Whoolery and said something like “I’m sick of all the media outlets saying that Cruz’s actions don’t matter . . . IT MATTERS TO ME!” I share his sentiments. In fact, this is why I named a category in this blog containing my personal, political commentary: “It Matters!” Politics DOES matter as do the actions of those whom we elect to represent US – to be OUR VOICE. No doubt that political strategists, analysts, and pundits alike will prognosticate (this is my “vocabulary word for the day”!) about the shrewdness of Cruz’s actions. After all this is how they make a living. But consider this. The Founders and other great leaders of the past – the ones who loom large in our memories (Lincoln comes to mind) – remind us there are things larger than ourselves – principles – that are worth defending irregardless of personal costs. Once upon a time America was made up of such people. The signers of the Declaration of Independence, in essence, signed their own death warrants; Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River on a blustery Christmas night against seemingly insurmountable odds; and the likes of Lincoln and King lost their lives expounding (vocabulary word #2!) the equal, natural rights of all human beings; These are only a few examples of Americans who risked all. As touted, Obamacare seeks to fundamentally (and irreversibly) transform the nature of the relationship between government and its citizens. I applaud Senator Cruz for publicly objecting and expressing the views of a majority of Americans. I expect no less from my Senator and seem to recall he took an oath to do just that! “Do the work.” Ted!
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It Matters!: Free Speech Going the Way of the Missouri Rodeo Clown?
Missouri rodeo clown in Obama mask
During a recent eulogy, the speaker remarked that as a minister he’d learned to “understand people in their context.” The point he was making was that it is important to understand the circumstances in which a particular event occurs. The situation or setting of an activity can suggest or inform its meaning. In other words, context matters!
The fate of the rodeo clown, who donned an Obama mask during a bull riding skit and proceeded to . . . well, practice his trade – namely entertain the crowd – is a blow to personal liberty. The importance of the protection of free speech in securing our natural rights is paramount, as indicated by its ordering in the Bill of Rights: The FIRST Amendment. Reflection and choice are central to the democratic process. Reflection has many forms and faces, occurring in private and public places (where’s Dr. Seuss when you need him?!) Political satire is an American tradition. And who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh now and then? Weren’t we taught as children to learn to laugh at ourselves?!
Certainly a credible – or perhaps any – threat to the life of the President is necessarily serious and unlawful. But should we not consider the circumstances in which the offending activity occurred . . . the context? I recall a movie that featured armed, bank robbers, donning masks of some U.S. Presidents, committing murder during the commencement of their crimes. Were there calls for any of the participating actors, director or studio executives to be permanently banned from their professions? (As an interesting side note, check out the party affiliations of the offending Presidents in the movie.) Character counts and context matters.
The Liberty Belle Blog 