Virtue and Respect go a long way

By: Steve Huston

While there are a few honest and trustworthy politicians striving to protect and serve and inform/warn “We the People,” by and large, integrity and virtue is missing from America’s runaway political realm on both sides of the aisle. Elections, even stolen ones, have consequences; but the public often seems to barely be roused from their slumber before they roll over and go back to sleep. A warning may be sounded but people are too willing to accept a denial without much thought or requiring proof that the denial is factual. The Democrats say one thing and the Republicans say another. When conservative sources or Republicans speak to the dangers of a leftist plan it’s quickly denied, often accompanied by (with the help of mainstream media) words like “conspiracy theory” or name call, often with some word that ends in “-phobia,” to quickly either shut down revealed facts or shut up opponents who fear how they will be seen.

That’s not the only trick in their bag. Like political masters of prestidigitation (sleight of hand), they often get the public to focus on some perceived danger while they commit some nefarious act to benefit themselves. It’s amazing how quickly that clear and present danger disappears when their dirty deed is done. Speaking of disappear, how often have we become aware of something only to hear, “Nothing to see here folks, move along.”? Isn’t it amazing how, during the presidential election, Hunter’s laptop was a “nothing burger;” but now the media admits that it’s not as innocuous as we once thought?

In recent months, how many “conspiracy theories” have been flipped into the likely or even factual realm as either the left admits to that which they’ve denied or irrefutable proof presents itself?

All of these tactics show a lack of respect for their political opponents and the general public, are meant to shut down honest and important discussion, and foment feelings like fear and hatred rather than foster intelligent thinking and reasoning. These divisive tactics are only meant to widen the gap between liberal and conservative, and to stop intelligent communication, keeping people from understanding each other and arriving at a solution somewhere on middle ground. The importance of exercising our First Amendment rights, which includes listening to the other side with honest, objective discussion, cannot be over-estimated. So, before moving on, let me urge you to strive for open, honest, and respectful communication with those who may not see things as you do. Be patient as God opens doors for these opportunities.

For one such example of “He said – She said,” let’s look at the 87K new IRS agents that the Democrats are bent on hiring.

Of course, Democrats attack the cautions and concerns of conservatives, radically deny them, make fun of them, and, in this way, hope others will neither question nor think about the issue before them. “Believe us, there’s nothing to see here! Don’t let those Republicans fool you with their scare tactics. Your government’s job is to take care of you.”

Paul Waldon, writing for The Washington Post, is a good example of the above. In his article he states, “Since Aug. 1, Republican candidates and groups have spent more than $12 million on roughly 24,000 airings of ads warning of a massive influx of IRS agents.

“In other words, Republicans have found their ‘death panels’ (referring to the Republican stand against Obama’s Affordable Care Act). Or at least, they think they have.” Mr. Waldon continues by explaining why the IRS agents are necessary, how the Republicans are overreacting in order to scare us, and that Republicans just don’t want to do their fair share in supporting our government. He continues, “They could say that it’s better for our tax collection agency to have fewer resources so it won’t trouble too many taxpayers, but instead they say an army of 87,000 jackbooted IRS agents is coming for you.”

Let’s step back from emotional appeals, name calling, etc., and look at some objective facts that may cause us to have some objections:

CAPCON (“Michigan’s Watchdog”) warns: The posting was for IRS criminal investigation special agents. “They are armed law enforcement officers who will be dispatched to the homes and businesses of alleged lawbreakers” and, according to the post, their duties include “Maintain a level of fitness necessary to effectively respond to life-threatening situations on the job” and “Carry a firearm and be willing to use deadly force, if necessary.” Also, we’ve been told that the new IRS agents are meant to target the rich and wealthy but The Joint Committee on Taxation “found that as much as 57% of the funds to be raised by the new enforcement push will come from people making $50,000 per year, or less.” Similar news also reported here.

The Epoch Times reveals that “IRS Official in Charge of 87,000 New Agents Played Key Role in Obama-Era Targeting Scandal.”

Conservative journalist David Harsanyi writes, “With that said, it’s worth remembering that the IRS doesn’t simply collect taxes. It enforces speech codes. This is what empowered former IRS official Lois Lerner to target conservative groups—’crazies’ who used words such as ‘Tea Party’ or ‘patriots’ in their names. But, even at the time, leftists at The New York Times editorial board praised the IRS for going after conservative groups because they did not ‘primarily’ engage in ‘social welfare’ and so didn’t deserve an exemption under Section 501(c)(4) of the tax code.” He goes on to ask, “Has anything in the evolution of the Democratic Party given you confidence that such power wouldn’t be abused or that an engorged IRS would be immune from political pressure?”

We must be a thinking people who remember our history and even contemporary history. What has worked well for us and what has hurt us as a nation? We must evaluate candidates and proposals on their own merit, not by partisan venture. We need to recognize our past and look down the road to where our politicians and proposals are taking us collectively and then vote accordingly. Elections have consequences.

I started this article speaking about virtue and respect. Even at our nations founding there were disagreements about what would work best for this fledgling country, there were heated and passionate discussions. Even so, virtue was esteemed and respect was expected. Without virtuous men and women in government, without the transparency that virtue demands, America will not continue in freedom and liberty, it will cease to be America.

As a voting republic we must demand virtue in those we elect. This includes demanding they do the jobs they are hired to do, performing their duties honorably. In November, we must, in great numbers, turn out at the polls to let our voices be heard. It’s vital that we do all we can to make sure that November’s elections are fair and that they will continue to be free. Read and think seriously about the following warning given by James Madison during the 1788 Virginia Ratifying Convention: “Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimerical idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men; so that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them.”

Take note: Madison lays responsibility at the feet of We the People. WE must be virtuous. WE must care and demand and vote for virtue!

 

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