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By Geoff Metcalf
December 29, 2003
NewsWithViews.com
"Those who are too smart to enter into politics will be governed by those who are not." -Plato
The public debate has regressed into a schoolyard shouting match of 'Us' verses 'Them'�and although occasionally entertaining, it is unfortunate and ultimately harmful. Mark Twain was right when he observed, "Noise proves nothing. Often the hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she had laid an asteroid."
The focus on adversarial argument overshadows the desired imperative of doing what is right.
- Democrats rant against Republicans and vice
versa.
- Conservatives rail against liberals and vice
versa.
- News punditry has become a spectator sport of
point counterpoint.
- �Two thirds of a dialectic that precludes reason or synthesis.
The constant, ubiquitous bitching is sufficient to gag any self-respecting maggot.
I have often observed that "It is not a question of WHO is right or wrong but WHAT is right or wrong that counts." I guess I'm the Lone Ranger�
I also have observed "Some people don't want to be confused with FACTS that contradict their preconceived opinions or prejudices." That fact remains axiomatic and unfortunately a shared sin by adversaries in the public debate.
My personal political philosophy is just that�personal. There are principles I hold that I believe in and aspire to emulate. I am a constitutional conservative. Simply stated, I believe the framers got it right and the 'essence' of what America is (or should be) is delineated in three documents: The Declaration of Independence; The Constitution; and the Bill of Rights. So when people ask, "What is right?" My frame of reference is the founding documents. However, I am also a realist. And despite critics to the contrary, it is not hypocritical to recognize it is unrealistic to think you can impose your principles on others by force of will. That is a reality that is lost on liberal democrats (arguably because they have enjoyed uncommon and unhealthy success).
We did not get to this dismal point of diminishing return overnight and we can't correct past sins overnight.
The republic has been bastardized by a function of incrementalism. Liberal democrats have incrementally chipped away at the essence�the principles of America over time. A classic example is the Second Amendment.
Pete Shields, founder of Handgun Control, Inc., in 1976, said, "We'll take one step at a time, and the first is necessarily -given the political realities - very modest. We'll have to start working again to strengthen the law, and then again to strengthen the next law and again and again. Our ultimate goal, total control of handguns, is going to take time. The first problem is to slow down production and sales. Next is to get registration. The final problem is to make possession of all handguns and ammunition (with a few exceptions) totally illegal." THAT is incrementalism.
Charles Krauthammer hit the nail on the head in 1996 when he observed, "The Brady Bill's only effect will be to desensitize the public to regulation of weapons in preparation for their ultimate confiscation.' By the way, the gay lobby has also successfully desensitized the public. Tolerance has become acceptance�and unless arrested will become mandatory.
August 12, 1993, President Bill Clinton said, "If the personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution inhibit the government's ability to govern the people, we should look to limit those guarantees.'' (freedoms)�and he was flat WRONG. Epically, monumentally, empirically WRONG. I might add that if Attorney General John Ashcroft says, or implies the same sentiment, he too is wrong. Right is right and wrong is wrong and petty partisanship is immaterial to FACTS.
The framers crafted the republic to control government�not to have government control the people.
In a speech to the House of Commons, William Pitt once noted, "Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves."
When Bill Clinton told his MTV audience, "The purpose of government is to reign in the right of the people." He was flat ass WRONG�WAY wrong and yet few even commented on his heresy.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been criticized by some for being a RHINO (Republican In Name Only). His critics fail to recognize that he may well be the best man for the terminally dysfunctional state at this point in time precisely because he is willing and capable of compromise and because presumably, his objectives seem to be what is best for the people�not the politicians.
The reality that apparently escapes the punditry class is that the country, as a whole, does not embrace EITHER extreme political agenda. Notwithstanding the filibuster rantings, neither side can or will win. Frankly, neither of the current adversaries should win.
The country will remain a homogenous, eclectic, synthesis of a little of this and a little of that.
Thomas Jefferson said, "Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth." Unfortunately that is only possible if both sides in an adversarial confrontation are honest and both prepared and willing to accept facts that contradict their preconceived opinions or prejudices.
Unfortunately those necessities are not supported by facts not in evidence.
� 2003 Geoff Metcalf - All Rights Reserved
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"Geoff Metcalf is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host for TALK AMERICA and a veteran media performer. He has had an eclectic professional background covering a wide spectrum of radio, television, magazine, and newspapers. A former Green Beret and retired Army officer he is in great demand as a speaker. Visit Geoff's Web Site: www.geoffmetcalf.com. While you're at it - pick up a copy of Geoff's latest book! E-mail: geoff@geoffmetcalf.com
"The framers crafted the republic to control government�not to have government control the people.
In a speech to the House of Commons, William Pitt once noted, "Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves."
