John Adams said something to the effect of, "Our form of government is entirely inadequate for a people lacking essential moral virtue." Other founders expressed similar sentiments that, without a "moral majority" ( to coin a phrase), this nation, as conceived, could not last. "Follow your heart (appetites)" and "If it feels good, it must be right" are poor guides to the full realization of our humanity, according to the opportunity opened to us through the freedoms defended by our Constitution and our form of government.
It seems inevitable that good people who run for public office run into the "system", the need to "compromise" on bills, to "deal" with the bureaucracy, and to realize that without compliance with the system's demands, you will never pass a bill, or be anything but a back bencher with a reputation for solid beliefs, but nothing to show for it. Elected officials are not the sharpest knife in the drawer in most cases, however any good they would do is negated by the system and the bureaucracy. To restore America we must remove a career politics as an option, and limit the power of the bureaucracy. We do that by demanding that congress takes back the responsibility for writing law, not just making general statements to the bureaucracy and leaving the details to them. I write about this topic a lot, most recently in "The Law is Not a Suggestion at https://jacksotallaro.substack.com/p/the-law-is-not-a-suggestion ". We restore America by caring about it, knowing and adhering to the Constitution, and believing the Word, and living it.
Well said. I've been thinking that the noticeable decline in our day-to-day lives isn't in politics or in Washington. It's the deplorable behavior from an increasing number of adults who apparently have no sense of shame.
“How do conservatives reduce the size of government and restore honesty, integrity, accountability and competence in America?”
Stop electing Republicans. They don't give a shit about any of that. Witness the primary campaign Massie is enduring because he won't kiss Trump's ass.
For what? The president does not determine spending, Congress does, and that's where the Republicans are screwing us royally. They don't ever really cut spending - hell, they can't even hold it constant over a year or two.
With us and what we will accept. Yes indeed. I’m absolutely lost anymore at trying to figure out if this Republic will survive. And it seems more perilous than ever. And sooner rather than later what we will accept is either the failures of the past or a fight for the future.
Most of us are neither rabid Republicans nor dedicated Democrats. It is hard to choose between unhinged bartenders, socialists, attorneys and actors. Term limits, anyone?
Why do you mention traffic regulations? Speeding is not even a real wrong. People who drive in the high-speed lane at the designated limit are disrespecting the other drivers. I agree with you that lying is wrong, but pride can be an even bigger sin.
John Adams said something to the effect of, "Our form of government is entirely inadequate for a people lacking essential moral virtue." Other founders expressed similar sentiments that, without a "moral majority" ( to coin a phrase), this nation, as conceived, could not last. "Follow your heart (appetites)" and "If it feels good, it must be right" are poor guides to the full realization of our humanity, according to the opportunity opened to us through the freedoms defended by our Constitution and our form of government.
It seems inevitable that good people who run for public office run into the "system", the need to "compromise" on bills, to "deal" with the bureaucracy, and to realize that without compliance with the system's demands, you will never pass a bill, or be anything but a back bencher with a reputation for solid beliefs, but nothing to show for it. Elected officials are not the sharpest knife in the drawer in most cases, however any good they would do is negated by the system and the bureaucracy. To restore America we must remove a career politics as an option, and limit the power of the bureaucracy. We do that by demanding that congress takes back the responsibility for writing law, not just making general statements to the bureaucracy and leaving the details to them. I write about this topic a lot, most recently in "The Law is Not a Suggestion at https://jacksotallaro.substack.com/p/the-law-is-not-a-suggestion ". We restore America by caring about it, knowing and adhering to the Constitution, and believing the Word, and living it.
Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Well said. I've been thinking that the noticeable decline in our day-to-day lives isn't in politics or in Washington. It's the deplorable behavior from an increasing number of adults who apparently have no sense of shame.
Nicely put, " it begins with us"
“How do conservatives reduce the size of government and restore honesty, integrity, accountability and competence in America?”
Stop electing Republicans. They don't give a shit about any of that. Witness the primary campaign Massie is enduring because he won't kiss Trump's ass.
Governor DeSantis!!!
Yes because democrats are doing such a great job in their race to pull the country into the cesspool of communism!
Funny how Democrats get elected on that, isn't it? That of course is the point of Mr. Smith's article - the people are to blame for who they elect.
For what? The president does not determine spending, Congress does, and that's where the Republicans are screwing us royally. They don't ever really cut spending - hell, they can't even hold it constant over a year or two.
With us and what we will accept. Yes indeed. I’m absolutely lost anymore at trying to figure out if this Republic will survive. And it seems more perilous than ever. And sooner rather than later what we will accept is either the failures of the past or a fight for the future.
Humans are God's image bearers, and as such are innately moral creatures. The irreligious seculars have fought this truth for two millennia.
Most of us are neither rabid Republicans nor dedicated Democrats. It is hard to choose between unhinged bartenders, socialists, attorneys and actors. Term limits, anyone?
Why do you mention traffic regulations? Speeding is not even a real wrong. People who drive in the high-speed lane at the designated limit are disrespecting the other drivers. I agree with you that lying is wrong, but pride can be an even bigger sin.