Image via WikipediaI suppose I've been thinking about these values and principles because of the recent primary races in various states. Listening to each candidate talk about the opposing candidate can lead you to believe none of them has made the 9 principles and 12 values the centerpieces of their lives. However, I believe one needs to take a close look at what each candidate says in reference to each of the principles and values. Then, take a close look at how their actions reflect their stated core beliefs. You are probably not going to be happy with some of what you find, however, that does not mean that you won't find things you do like.
As I stated in a previous post, we tend to want our information in "four minutes or less" and we want to make judgments about who we will vote for with minimal effort. We've become dependent upon "trusted sources" and do little or no fact checking ourselves. I completely understand that it is really difficult to find the "facts" and the "truth" that we need, but I believe it is becoming clear that we must do this.
I've also discussed "Saul Alinsky" tactics in previous posts. One of them used with skill is the idea of "making people live up to their own standards." This makes taking a stand and stating clearly and frequently that one agrees with the principles and values outlined by 9-12 groups dangerous. Being flawed human beings we will all act in ways that contradict our stated beliefs. This then gives the opening for each of us to "destroy the opponent."
I read an article in a local paper within the last year that commented on the tactics used by one political party in order to win elections. It involved making accusations against the opponent that were sure to elicit emotional responses from voters and steer them to voting for their candidate. The most heinous part of the plan was that it did not matter if it was true or based in fact or not. (The Journolist scandal comes to mind.) By the time the air cleared their candidate would be safely in the state or nation's capital. I do not name the party because both major parties have probably been guilty of these tactics. I point it out to demonstrate how disastrous this can be for our country. We are encouraged to look for and only vote for "perfect" candidates. If that's the case why even bother, because they do not exist.
So where does this leave us? It leads us back to the unchanging principles and values our country was built upon. Our founders were not perfect. We are not perfect. However, the concept of our Constitutional Republic took that into consideration. We select people to represent us who will make important decisions for us and our country. If they fail to represent us in a way that supports the founding principles then we need to see that they are replaced by someone who will. This is clearly stated in principle number 9: The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me. That means, for example, that if I ask my representatives why they voted a certain way that goes against what their constituents want, AND oversteps their authority, I expect an answer. A clearly stated answer that gives me the information that I need to evaluate their actions. The statement, "we have to pass the bill for you to find out what's in the bill" does NOT qualify. The response that "the government can do almost anything in this country" does not qualify. Mocking people who are asking hard questions does not qualify. "I don't worry about the Constitution" does not qualify either.
Our Constitution created a separation of powers and outlined the powers that each branch of government were to exercise; each branch serving the role of providing checks and balances on the other branches. Our freedom of the press was there to ensure that there was an additional source of checks in place. Do you believe the integrity of our Constitution is in danger? Do you believe that we are jeopardizing that system of government that we cherish? I do. So, what do we do? The first step might be what is presented on The Essential Liberty Projects website, Essential Education. This is then followed by Essential Affirmation. This, of course is only one source. Another source is Constituting America. Knowing exactly what it is that you are defending and affirming is a great place to start.
Now, back to principles and values :-)
I joked recently that I was going to change the name of my blog to: "Looking for a Reason to NOT be Scared!" That's because I am searching for evidence that our founding principles are still at the core of what guides our elected representatives. I'm finding more reasons to be scared and less reassurance than I bargained on.
So, I humbly submit a guide inspired by the 9-12 concept for you to consider:
Principles:
1. America is good. This means America is founded on principles that include the rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. America offers opportunities to all and strives to provide equal justice. America is a country that provides aid to other countries and seeks to defend freedom and liberty when called upon to do so. America is not perfect. The people of America have, at times, made mistakes. Our elected officials need to reflect the belief that America is good while taking into consideration past mistakes so that we do not repeat them again. When expressing regrets over past errors they do not condemn the whole country and they strive to also emphasize the good that this country has done and will continue to do. It is also important to know if they believe in our system of government and are willing to protect and defend it. Taking an oath and making that statement is not enough. Their words and actions need to reflect these beliefs.
2. I believe in God and He is the center of my life. This simply means that you possess a transcendent source of "right and wrong." All religions have some basic "rules" that serve to guide how we live our lives. Even if you do not believe in any one god or don't believe in any supreme being, but you still have a firm belief in what is right and what is wrong, that qualifies. Our elected officials do not have to be of any particular religious persuasion, but they do need to demonstrate through their actions and statements that their core beliefs serve to guide them every day. That includes making known to the voters just what those core beliefs are.
3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday. That means that you strive to eliminate all lies in your life, you deal fairly and honestly with others, and, if you make a mistake you admit it. Our elected officials do not need to be without blemish, but they do need to demonstrate the strength of character to tell the truth even when it is difficult to do so. And, when they are confronted with the fact that they have failed they take responsibility and strive to correct the error. I might also add what I usually ask my children at times like that: "What have you learned from this?" and "How will you avoid this in the future?" An answer to questions like that from a politician would be a breath of fresh air, don't you think?
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government. The strength of our families, which provides a place to instill values and core beliefs and raise children to become people who will better our world is a key to many things. The government does not raise my child, my husband and I do that. Our elected officials need to demonstrate that they believe that strong families benefit us all. They need to support things that will make families stronger, not things that will weaken them and/or tear them apart.
5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it. That's pretty clear. People, individuals act as independent moral agents. Providing the conditions or reasons for the offense may be valuable in the sense that it helps "explain" what lead up to the criminal act. It does not provide an excuse. Our elected officials need to demonstrate that no one is above the law, even when it is a difficult thing to do. They also need to hold everyone to the same standards.
6. I have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results. God given rights, not government given rights. Having been blessed with these rights we also have personal responsibility to exercise those rights in a manner that conforms to certain values and principles. Our elected representatives need to state clearly their understanding of this principle. This needs to be done by opposing actions that could limit these freedoms and supporting actions that infringe on these rights as little as possible. Overall, they should be able to discuss their actions and votes on issues in the context of the powers given to them via the U.S. Constitution.
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with whom I want. Government cannot force me to be charitable. This comes down to the concept of private property. Our elected officials need to clearly state that they support the concept of private property, mostly through their decisions, actions, and voting record. The concept of "redistribution of wealth" is not compatible with our system of government. The value of charity (more on that later) is part of being good stewards of what we are blessed with. Demanding that we act in a charitable manner is not a value, it's a use of force. Of interest is the incident regarding Glenn Beck's comments regarding comments made by Jim Wallis, a spiritual adviser to President Obama, in regard to the redistribution of wealth. There is an article on Media Matters that claims that Glenn's comments are a "distortion" of what Jim Wallis actually said. You decide. My Opinion is best represented in an article by Dan Calabrese. In it he states:
The fact is that the needs of the poor can only be addressed as Christ intended by freely acting individuals within an economic system that produces prosperity, thus giving people the means to give freely."
I say amen to that!
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion. The first amendment pretty succinctly outlines our rights in this country. Our system functions best if debate is encouraged and facilitated. Our system and the freedoms it ensures is sometimes "messy" and "frustrating" but it is the only kind of environment that ensures that we retain the liberty we cherish. "Gridlock" in Washington is bemoaned as a curse, however, it serves a vital role in slowing us down so that we can be sure we have considered the consequences, intended as well as unintended, in order to do what is best for our country and our society. This, of course, does not include situations that are truly emergencies. I say 'truly" because the methodology often used is to define anything and everything as an emergency just to win the argument. Our elected officials need to demonstrate their willingness to listen to all sides of an issue and resist the urge to resort to name-calling, insults, and other attacks. I, for one, would like to hear a candidate talk about what it is about him/her that I can support in specific terms. I don't want the candidate to tell me who is opponent is I want them to tell me who THEY are. You really can disagree without being disagreeable. Our representatives also need to have the courage to take a stand for their principles and values even when it may jeopardize their political career. They should also be willing to answer those hard questions from their constituents in a manner that is truthful and straightforward. That seems to be a tall order, but one we need to seriously consider.
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me. I have shared above some examples of comments made by our representatives that demonstrate how far we've drifted from understanding that our representatives work for us, We The People. Our representatives need to demonstrate their understanding of this principle by treating their constituents with respect and addressing them as intelligent people. They need to also resist the urge to point fingers in the "blame game" that has been so prevalent in our political process. This will increase their awareness of their need to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. That does not mean that they never disagree with those with differing views. They need to point out the flaws they perceive in opposing views without making it a personal attack. By the way: saying that you will stop blaming someone else for present problems when "all the problems go away" does not demonstrate to me a willingness to take responsibility for one's actions. That's just my opinion.
Well, that takes care of the nine principles. I will tackle the values list in a future post. Thank you for coming on this journey with me. As always comments and alternate sources of information are welcome as long as they are respectful and constructive.
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