A CALL TO ACTION!

Principles vs. Reality

            For some time there has been a debate within this blog site regarding the principles of government verses existing reality. What I mean by that is simply, because Congress and the Presidency do not follow the procedures spelled out in the Constitution are all of their actions therefore these actions are invalid. On very principled commentator has stated that the Iraqi war is not valid because Congress did not vote to go to war. Others (myself included) argue that Congress has not followed the Constitution for a number of years and using this criterion alone makes one anachronistic. The current debate on the meaning of marriage is a great example of these differing viewpoints. I used to argue that this amendment was not necessary, but recent court actions have more than changed my mind. Of the three branches of our government, the judicial branch is the most out of control and acts consistently with little or no regard for the Constitution. I would hope it not necessary to spell out why I state this.

            For any Democracy or in our case a Republic to be successful, that is work, it is necessary for the people to behave with great morality. Of course the next question is what constitutes morality. I believe in a universal morality. Aldous Huxley referred to this concept as the “perennial philosophy.” What he meant was if you distill the teachings of all of the great world religions they each contain certain universal principles. Things like theft, murder, bearing false witness etc. are all condemned by these principles. I used to include even many atheists within this realm before the concept of moral equivalency became so vogue. Nowadays, those within the secular humanism realm do not seem to have any catechism whatsoever.

            Since many Federal Judges (ignoring the Tenth Amendment) are declaring all such state referendums (approving of marriage as only applicable to a Man and a Woman) as unconstitutional, I now believe this an Amendment to the Constitution is necessary. I wish this were not so, but Judicial tyranny is rapidly becoming the norm. Representative Ron Paul (TX) a true libertarian has introduced a possible solution to this problem through proposed legislation. (Unfortunately I could not find a link) I highly recommend that you all make yourself familiar with his proposal and support it. One of the best arguments for an amendment was put forth in a recent article by Chuck Colson (of Watergate fame). This can be found at http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/chuckcolson/2006/06/05/199944.html

            Another example where I think principle had to take a back seat was during the debate regarding exempting the firearms industry from junk lawsuits. Some argued very powerfully that this law (protection of lawful commerce act) was in violation of the Constitution. While that may have been true, the industry was in grave danger from bankruptcy due to the tremendous costs of numerous junk lawsuits trying to hold them accountable for the actions of criminals. If those in Congress had strictly held to principle, very soon not only would the citizens of this great nation no longer be able to buy new firearms, but our military and police would have been damaged as well. I am not saying that all principles have become obsolete (especially personnel ones). I am saying that holding only to principles (in politics) puts those, at a tremendous disadvantage.

Peace