It doesn't take a genius to realize that most politicians could use a little more solid wisdom. I liken a career politician to many career religious ministers; incredibly talented at working within their realms, but when it comes to situations in the "real world", totally out of their league.
I don't blame the person practicing these professions, they are only filling a need and doing their job, I blame the people putting them in that profession and demanding they fulfill that need.
There once was a time in American history when politics was a part time job. Congressmen would actually be real Americans with a life other than Washington. They were selected from their communities for their character traits and good business sense, not electability and likability.
My how times have changed!
But I'm not here to write about the need of wisdom for politicians, I'm here to write about the American people's need for wisdom.
Misunderstood Outrage
A lot has been made of a memo released from the Department of Homeland security regarding the supposed threat of conservative leaning people, such as veterans, anti-abortionists, anti-gay marriage advocates, etc... In this memo the director (herself a proven hard left liberal) warned law enforcement personnel to be on the lookout for signs that these people were mobilizing against the government.
Scary stuff, especially if you're against abortion and homosexual marriage!
However, there were similar memos sent out regarding radical environmental activists and frankly, there are "wingnuts" on both sides of these issues.
So in reality it's not so much the fact that conservatives got profiled as potential terrorists, but that a wide swath of the American population got profiled at all. The real issue is that the Department of Homeland Security is profiling American citizens without any indication that they are a threat in the first place.
This is actually in direct opposition to the 4th, 6th and 10th Amendments of the U.S Constitution. That's heavy stuff!
That brings me to my purpose for writing this; anyone holding an opinion in opostition to the official government stance needs to be double sure of where they stand and have a solution to the issue before speaking out.
Are we under surveillance?
Confirmed reports that the FBI has heavily infiltrated the Tea Party movement are starting to reach the public and, with a bit of searching and asking, I've found that blogs are one of the more heavily monitored mediums in regards to domestic terrorist threats.
So everyone say hi to our guest over there in the shadows, Agent Anonymous! He's assigned to watch all our communications and yes, including email. Nice guy I'm sure, Agent Anonymous. And I really don't mind being monitored by the FBI, if in fact they see my little blog here as worth monitoring. I have said nothing that I wouldn't stand by!
So to all my Conservative friends I offer this wisdom;
keep on keeping on. Keep on writing, keep on talking, keep on debating and keep on "teabagging" as the liberal pundits love to call it. You are being heard!
However,
DO NOT let your anger get out of control.
DO NOT make statements you cannot back up with fact.
DO NOT seek encounters with the media unless you are totally prepared to be mature, respectful and in possession of some solutions to offer the American public at large.
When making statements about your position, use a gentle voice, be respectful and refrain from personal attacks.
Never compromise on your values or the Constitution, but give others from the opposite spectrum the benefit of the doubt before engaging in debate. Ultimately, the person who is the most informed, mature and in possession of the facts with history to back them up will prevail.
In this time we need solutions for our problems, not blame-shifting. We need unity in this nation, not sectarian arrogance.
Simply put, we need God. :)
Comments (6)
As always- your so informative and on target. :) The cartoons are great!
Good advice, especially about keeping your cool. There's no better way to lose an argument than by flying off the handle.
More words of wisdom from the Tentguy. Amazing times we live in....thank you for the great reminders...I find myself wavering between protecting my family and closing the blog down and standing up for what I believe in. I'm already on someone's camera just for being at a Tea Party and standing behind a table....how dare I exercise my freedoms. The hypocrisy of the left simply never ceases to amaze me.
What do you think of the Mark Levin book?? I tried to buy one but they were sold out!
@The_Ragged_Edge - The Mark Levin book is by far one of the best political books in modern history. I highly recommend everyone read it! It's level headed, full of constitutional truth, good solutions and is written so everyone can understand it. I think Amazon still has them.
We have not reached the place where the government is putting us in danger for speaking our views. Lots of people get investigated or at least checked out by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, so it's nothing to get worried about just now.
In fact, it's good. We need to show them that we're not a bunch of violent fanatics bent on revenge. We are responsible citizens concerned for the direction our country is headed and are exercising our constitutional right to free speech and the right to assemble. If we live true to the true conservative values, we show those investigating that we're more of a threat to corruption than anything. The word will get through eventually.
Friend, don't allow fear to rule your decisions. We must stand strong, but stand with the knowledge that we're not alone and that there is MUCH hope for America if we keep being who we are and standing for what we believe. :)
The Mark Levin book is my next purchase. Your right of course...all they will find is responsible citizens if they investigate the bunch at our Tea Party...One has to choose not to shift into paranoia these days it seems! Thank you for your no nonsense words. Onward!!