by Matt Horsley
The purpose of this recurring column is to identify problems that we need to address (especially at the local and state levels), discuss solutions and mobilize to execute them. A discussion will only exist if you participate by clicking the “Comment” link at the bottom of the article.
To set the stage for future columns, we’re starting big by assessing where we are versus where we started—the Tax Day Rally in June 2009.
The purpose of this recurring column is to identify problems that we need to address (especially at the local and state levels), discuss solutions and mobilize to execute them. A discussion will only exist if you participate by clicking the “Comment” link at the bottom of the article.
To set the stage for future columns, we’re starting big by assessing where we are versus where we started—the Tax Day Rally in June 2009.
- Much of what we feared, we have actually realized. Obama steadily moved his anti-American agenda forward on every front.
- In response, We the People put the GOP in charge of the Congress. In turn, it did worse than nothing because it put the “opposition” party’s imprimatur on the Democrat’s destructive actions. That is, but funding them, they de facto approved them. There is no way around that.
- All of this created boiling resentment and anger in the electorate, setting the stage for non-traditional types to run for president. The angry Left wants an open Socialist to wield the Marxist hammer and “make everything equal and fair,” the angry conservatives wanted Cruz to wield the Constitution to turn back the statist tide, and an odd mix of angry people want Trump to wield a CEO’s fist to “make America great again!”
In other words, our great country is continuing to decline and although we were successful at the ballot box, we’ve confirmed that simply winning elections won’t solve the problem. So what are we to do? That, is what we’ll be discussing in this column, if you’re willing to engage. We’ll talk about what is already afoot and what you think we (MTC) should do.
Like Wes May, I'm a "proud member of Moore Tea Citizens." I checked it out before I joined and found it is a group of people with different beliefs about many things, but who are simpatico about liberty, property and the fact that our founding documents, particularly the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution are fundamental to ensuring those rights.
We agree on what I call “Fundamental American Liberty.” That is, we understand that without the underpinnings of the political philosophy that sparked America and the Rule of Law established by the documents and traditions to which that philosophy gave birth, everything else is tentative. Laws, even constitutional amendments, can be wiped away without warning by a judge or judges, an unelected bureaucrat or a despot with “a pen and a phone.” This happens with no great protest because the populace has become ignorant. The ignorance is by the design of Progressives who have been playing the long game.
Moore Tea Citizens’ focus is on liberty and property, two sides of the same coin. What MTC does not get involved with are “social issues,” and that is the subject, this month. We all know what social issues are, right? Defining terms is necessary to critical thinking and productive debate. For example, a long, passionate debate about the value of “life” will be a waste if you mean “existence” and I mean “lifestyle.” Before you read any further, clearly define “social issues” in a way that others would know what you mean. It isn’t easy but give it a try before proceeding.
Now I’ll define it and you’ll tell me if I’m right or how I’m wrong. I won’t be “offended,” hurt or angry.
Like Wes May, I'm a "proud member of Moore Tea Citizens." I checked it out before I joined and found it is a group of people with different beliefs about many things, but who are simpatico about liberty, property and the fact that our founding documents, particularly the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution are fundamental to ensuring those rights.
We agree on what I call “Fundamental American Liberty.” That is, we understand that without the underpinnings of the political philosophy that sparked America and the Rule of Law established by the documents and traditions to which that philosophy gave birth, everything else is tentative. Laws, even constitutional amendments, can be wiped away without warning by a judge or judges, an unelected bureaucrat or a despot with “a pen and a phone.” This happens with no great protest because the populace has become ignorant. The ignorance is by the design of Progressives who have been playing the long game.
Moore Tea Citizens’ focus is on liberty and property, two sides of the same coin. What MTC does not get involved with are “social issues,” and that is the subject, this month. We all know what social issues are, right? Defining terms is necessary to critical thinking and productive debate. For example, a long, passionate debate about the value of “life” will be a waste if you mean “existence” and I mean “lifestyle.” Before you read any further, clearly define “social issues” in a way that others would know what you mean. It isn’t easy but give it a try before proceeding.
Now I’ll define it and you’ll tell me if I’m right or how I’m wrong. I won’t be “offended,” hurt or angry.
Social Issues: Relative values within a culture. They originate from aspects of the culture, such as traditions or religious beliefs, and may change as the culture changes. They are not “rights” because rights are unalienable, immutable and don’t depend on human action. Examples of social issues are marriage (who, how, what, etc.), sexual activities, drugs (medicinal vs. “recreational,” legalities, etc.), prostitution, what constitutes acceptable public behavior (eg., female toplessness, drunkenness, nude sunbathing, public breastfeeding, etc.) and the drinking age. While there are always a few kooks who dispute everything, there are some topics that many would say are social issues and many would not, such as abortion.
So, what do you think of that definition? Focus on the question; don’t ask new ones like “should we be involved in social issues?” Be concise and clear. Debate with other commenters. Attack ideas, not people. If I defined it well (no, I didn’t look it up), this may be a short discussion but I suspect there are things I missed. Just because I created my own definition doesn’t mean you find someone else's on the Net and smack me around with it. Let's put it in a thought crucible and refine it!