Adult and Responsible Versus What?

A political commentator said upon the resignation of John Boehner that Boehner was considered “responsible and adult” in his politics.  But responsible compared to what?  Can a $19 trillion debt, $100 trillion in unfunded entitlements and a government replete with hundreds and billions of dollars in annual waste and fraud be considered responsible and adult?  For that matter, where are the responsible adults of any party that see these items as a problem to tackle.

The fact of the matter is that politicians are all, to some degree, scoundrels whose prime motivation is their election.  The good of the party that supports their election replaces the good of the nation, and the oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution are merely words without deed.

It has been said that a people get the government they deserve.  And until people become vigilant, this kind of “responsible and adult” brand of politician will continue to play us for fools.  Vigilance starts by knowing the powers we, the people, gave to the government as expressed in the Constitution - the “rule book” for governing.  Vigilance continues by being informed and focusing dialogue about those rules.

Join the movement at www.usvigilance.com #bevigilantbefree

Millennials Feel Manipulated

Young people are apathetic to politics not only because they are distrustful of politicians and the media that covers their antics, but also, in part, because they feel manipulated.  It has become a rather common belief that politicians will say whatever they need to say to get elected.  One could say this desperation for votes is due to the path of a career politician - one who is dependent on the taxpayer dollar and ignorance.  In reality there are multiple factors that have led to this disconcerted feeling of young voters toward the politicians vying for their votes, but that is something that should be a topic for further discussion.

In the meantime, candidates may have trouble just getting Millennials to come to the voting booth, let alone vote for them if they do.  Millennials are an untapped voting resource that candidates need to take special care to impress as this voting group has the potential to swing this election IF they use their voting power.

The Price of "Winning"

We often see headlines of “Republicans winning debate over…” or “Democrats winning the fight for…” How about we do away with this partisan poison and focus on the issues of importance.  If public service wasn’t a game of winning and losing, rather abiding by the rules granted to do the public good, maybe we would see the American government change for the better.

Here’s an idea, what if we selected an issue, cataloged what each side wanted, then figured out – within the limits  of governing based on the Constitution – what the government could do to  alleviate the issue with the focus on the nation in the place of scoring political points for their party.

“Winning” a political battle has a price, and that price is paid by the American taxpayers.

9/11 Boat Lift

Some 14 years ago all eyes were on the Twin Towers.  But in the midst of the horror, heroes arose beyond the emergency responders.  They were just Americans – plain everyday Americans.

In a story little known, a call was sent by the Coast Guard for help to evacuate lower Manhattan, and in minutes over 100 vessels of all sizes rushed to assist.  The overwhelming support to get the people to safety will give you chills of pride.

This video “Boat Lift of 9/11” was the largest sea rescue in modern history, surpassing that in WW II.  It carried about 500,000 people to safety in 9 hours!

This is a testament to true American exceptionalism and should give every viewer real hope that America can survive.

#BeVigilantBeFree

When We Were Not Watching

When we are not vigilant, government and its agencies can run a muck.  Here is an example with what is happening in Oklahoma.  We are not here to tell you what you should think about it, but The Daily Signal presents the information and we encourage you to decide.

In 12 Oklahoma Counties, Millions Seized From Property Owners Who Were Never Charged With Crimes, from The Daily Signal

Gather the information, render a thoughtful conclusion and discuss.  #bevigilantbefree

Meritocracy and Outcomes

During this Labor Day weekend our minds are drawn to the drift the country has been pulled into by the media away from free-markets and liberty, to talks of minimum wage and income inequality.  The wrapper of “economic justice” belies its true colors as collective central planning and income redistribution.  In essence, we are being taught that the confiscation of our time, income, money and private property is for our economic well-being and betterment.

Somehow different outcomes have become evidence of unfairness and discrimination, when in actuality it should be expected and embraced.  In free society and free markets you can decide if you want to work in the mail room or the executive office, if you want to work for a company or build a company – YOU make the choice. 

Instead of rushing to stop different outcomes, we should celebrate the difference in outcomes, as these differences represents individual choice.  More importantly, individual choice is, by its definition, freedom. 

In every instance of freedom of choice and free markets, prosperity has thrived.  In every instance of government central planning a uniformity of poverty has been achieved.  Winston Churchill summed these differences when he said “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery.”

Why strive to maintain average when Americans were born to stand out.  When government shackles reward then innovation dries-up.  When we are shamed out of success then instead of a growing economy we have a slow or no growth economy. 

Let us rejoice in the rewards of labor and risk and the returns of a meritocracy.  Let each man choose his own destiny and path to happiness.  Let liberty survive and prosperity thrive.  Let the discussion continue!  

#bevigilantbefree  

3, 2, 1

With a collective lack of vigilance we have let parties run our government, rather than the people.  If one party “rules” over 2 branches, the 3 branches become 1 partisan machine.

Break the trend, become vigilant #bevigilantbefree