Understated Priorities

Humility

2008-06-18T04:28:00.004-05:00

From "Thoughts in Solitude"

It is not speaking that breaks our silence, but the anxiety to be heard. The words of the proud man impose silence on all others, so that he alone may be heard. The humble man speaks only in order to be spoken to. The humble man asks nothing but an alms, then waits and listens.
Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude: 91, 1958

Gentility is a virtue in conversations, listening a service. There is a common thread among arriving presidents in the United States of an appeal to gentility in the population. President George H. W. Bush appealed to a "kinder and gentler" nation; Pres. Clinton appealed to a new, "third way" in politics; George W. Bush likened to a "compassionate conservatism". Listening serves all of these qualities admirably.

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June 14th is U.S. Flag Day

2008-06-13T22:20:00.004-05:00

From an email message:

The flag of the United States has not been created by rhetorical sentences in declarations of independence and in bills of rights. It has been created by the experience of a great people, and nothing is written upon it that has not been written by their life. It is the embodiment, not of a sentiment, but of a history.
Woodrow Wilson, 28th U.S. President

June 14th is Flag Day in the USA. Many of us fly our flag in support of our nation and the troops that fight to protect us all. The American Flag is the symbol of the “Great Experiment” of democracy, a politics that has evolved to represent the great country we citizens are very proud of. For us it is not just a flag, it is the spirit behind America.

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Corruption

2008-06-13T08:43:00.005-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

Whatever may be the general endeavor of a community to render its members equal and alike, the personal pride of individuals will always seek to rise above the line, and to form somewhere an inequality to their own advantage.
De Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 1835

They say that campaign finance reform can never be totally successful- ways will always be found to 'beat the system' if human will is strong enough. Corruption is that undue influence in policy making that makes the resulting policies unfair. Political reformers must prevent corruption, and also be prepared to take action to eliminate corruption whenever it happens anyway.

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Power

2008-06-11T16:06:00.003-05:00

From "oxymoronica"

The greatest power available to man is not to use it.
Meister Eckhart

Paradoxically, those who serve others are the most powerful. They build 'political capital'. Political capital is not power, however. Those that lead from their political capital and not by power earn the greatest will of the people.

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Civil discourse

2008-06-09T07:50:00.004-05:00

Tea for two
by David Weller

tea for two
for you and me

rather for a cup
to sup, to gather

whether hot or warm
we charm or not

yes, leaves to please
with ease it relieves

tea in a cup
yes, sup with me

Synonymous with the British Empire is the afternoon tea. The ritual of having tea in Japan has survived many centuries; it is an honored tradition, from the preparation of the drink to drinking mannerisms. It is a ritual of civilized culture, with civil speech in a civil setting.

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Trust

2008-06-08T13:47:00.003-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

A man usually has no idea what is being said about him. The entire town may be slandering him, but if he has no friends he will never hear of it.
Balzac

The value of a Republican form of government, is that representatives are given a level of trust from their people to make decisions for them. This trust must be maintained through openness with the people on what the representatives are doing. And, the representatives must hear from their people with a high level of transparency. Democracy encourages a pro-active citizenry such that the trust can be maintained.

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Desperation

2008-06-07T00:17:00.003-05:00

From "Walden"

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.
Henry David Thoreau, 1854

Nothing quiets the soul like classical music; for others, it may be the great outdoors. The day-to-day existence can catch one up and take them. Life runs its own pace; as Ralph Waldo Emerson quipped, "Hitch your wagon to a star." Enjoy life and all its bounty- it's there for the taking.

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Politics and legacy

2008-06-06T00:03:00.006-05:00

From "My Heart is a Large Kingdom: Selected Letters of Margaret Fuller"

Be so good as not to speak of my intended work-- it is known only to a few persons. Precarious health, the pressure of many ties make me fearful of promising what I will do.-- I may die soon-- you may never more hear my name. But the earnest aspiration, the sympathy with greatness never dies-- Es lebt im Asche ["It lives in ashes."]--
Margaret Fuller, Letter to Anna Jameson, Dec. 22, 1837

Ms. Fuller wrote this to a pupil when she was only 27 years old. She is today considered to be one of the greatest American women of the 19th Century. She was a feminist, a very learned partner of the Transcendentalist community of letters; she corresponded with Emerson, Goethe and European political leaders. Margaret Fuller cultivated an independent spirit and had high aspirations for like women in a society where women were restricted to few professional enterprises. Fuller indeed lives today, widely read as an example of studied greatness.

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Power

2008-06-05T02:48:00.003-05:00

From "oxymoronica"

The liberals can understand everything but people who don't understand them.
Lenny Bruce

Paradoxically, revolutionaries that attain power "become a conservative the next day" (Hannah Arendt). True reform comes from the outside. Take, for instance, the Prohibition success: it was a colossal government failure; as H. L. Mencken said, "One [government] composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top, there is no limit to repression." In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams wrote:

Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak; and that it is doing God's service, when it is violating all His laws.

The Democratic Government

2008-06-04T14:11:00.006-05:00

From "oxymoronica"

If our democracy is to flourish, it must have criticism;
if our government is to function, it must have dissent.
Henry Steele Commager, Freedom, Loyalty, and Dissent, 1954

The historian knows of this inclination of past successful societies, that change is at the heart of endurance. "Reform, that you may preserve," said Thomas Babington Macaulay. In the heart of the patriot is a place for dissent, for "... in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law" (Martin Luther King).

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Contraries and politics

2008-06-04T01:20:00.003-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

Without Contraries is no progression. Attraction and Repulsion, Reason and Energy, Love and Hate, are necessary to Human existence.
Blake, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, 1790-3

Or, Human existence manifests contrariness? It has been experienced time and again the polarization of a population during political contests. I must admit I am puzzled by why and how this happens, except for a desire for a debate over the issues. The prevailing political system directs how many positions will be taken by the people, and how open the debate will be.

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Equality

2008-06-02T00:51:00.003-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

What makes equality such a difficult business is that we only want it with our superiors.
Henry Becque, Querelles litte'raires, 1890

Perhaps tongue-in-cheek, it makes prescient the eternal value of service. But, service can only take you as far as the prevailing system will allow it to. Openness and transparency may accomodate how much equity a system aspires to.

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Liberty and law

2008-05-31T06:44:00.004-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

The sense of liberty is a message read between the lines of constraint. Real liberty is as transparent, as odourless and tasteless, as water.
Michael Frayn, Constructions, 1974

Laws always are a constraint on the lives of its subjects. Liberty is freedom from law. Can a nation set at liberty its own citizens? Only with faith in the nature of man; in lawlessness, imperfections in the citizenry are not restrained.

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Public service is a calling

2008-05-29T10:05:00.008-05:00

From "365 Daily Treasures of Wisdom"

... Thou, Almighty, Who art with me, yea, before I am with Thee. To such then whom Thou commandest me to serve will I discover, not what I have been, but what I now am and what I yet am. But neither do I judge myself. Thus therefore I would be heard.
Saint Augustine (354-430A.D.)

Service is the highest calling of God. Jesus exhorts, "Love God with your whole heart, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." Hence, the term for our own legislators as 'public servants'. All eligible candidates for- and holders of- public office feel a calling to serve their community; and by serving others they, creatures of God, serves themselves. By serving others we do not judge ourselves but speak to God.

Corrupt government

2008-05-28T11:16:00.008-05:00

From the Facebook.com page of Daniel De Bonis:

"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. . . . Corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money-power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."
Often attributed to Abraham Lincoln

Indeed, in the United States we have, since this quote was given, reached this critical democratic problem twice: once in the late 1800's- early 1900's, when this economic crisis was relieved during the administration of Theodore Roosevelt, and today, in the early 21st Century. The U.S. Constitution allows the people to take recourse if we believe our Republican form of government needs fundamental correction; the U.S. Bill of Rights asserts this right for all of its citizens. As happened 100 years ago, we in the U.S.A. may rightfully restore our democratic system from the corrupting hands of the monied few.

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Faith and the Roman Empire

2008-05-26T01:08:00.008-05:00

From "The World's Great Letters"

Well may we be unhappy, for it is our sins that have made the barbarians strong; as in the days of Hezekiah, so today is God using the fury of the barbarian to execute His fierce anger. Rome's army, once the lord of the world, trembles today at sight of the foe.
Saint Jerome, letter to a friend, 410A.D.

"... the wolves of the North have been let loose..." writes Saint Jerome as he hears of the first sack of Rome. Among his accomplishments was the first translation of the Holy Bible into latin, the Vulgate; Saint Jerome had lived much of the first 70 years of his life under the safe and wealthy governance of the "mother of nations." And yet his Christian faith assures his eternal service to the one eternal God- he tells this tale after the second sack "to those that come after..."

"... so that they may know that even in the midst of swords and deserts and wild beasts virtue is never made a captive, and that he who has surrendered himself to Christ may be slain but cannot be conquered."

In Memory

2008-05-24T13:13:00.007-05:00

From "The Spirit of Seventy-Six: The Story of the American Revolution as Told by Participants"

Letter of an unknown Patriot soldier.
New York, September 1, 1776
... Most of our generals, on a high hill in the lines, viewed us with glasses as we were retreating, and saw the enemy we had to pass through, though we could not. Many thought we would surrender in a body without fighting. When we began the attack, Gen. Washington wrung his hands and cried out, "Good God! what brave fellows I must this day lose!"
Onderdonk, Revolutionary Incidents, pp. 147-148.

We shall aways remember the brave men and women who have fought and died for us, that we may live in freedom from tyranny. The general was viewing the most stirring action of the one-day Battle of Long Island, Aug. 27, 1776. For heroism, nothing matched the actions of a band of close to 400 gallant men from Maryland led by American Brig. Gen. William Alexander, better known as Lord Stirling. When the effort finally collapsed, 259 American men lay dead, and another 100 or so were wounded.

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Liberty

2008-05-22T15:21:00.004-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

Liberty is the right to do whatever the law permits.
Montesquieu, De l'esprit des lois, 1748

Politically speaking, the rule of thumb is: the less laws one is under, the more liberty he has. To measure one's liberties, one has to consider the number and weight of the laws, rules and regulations his government has imposed on him. To increase or decrease one's liberties, one must advocate for the respective decrease or increase of such laws; this applies to all levels of government, from local to international.

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At the polls: a song

2008-05-21T06:25:00.002-05:00

AT THE POLLS: A SONG
By David Weller

Lasting in Line
is a crazy thing...
There is so much to do
before you can be voting

there is the heartfelt
chatter of hazing,
by those that have voted...

there is the cute
crashing of the computer,
by those that sell to voters...

there is the quaint
intimidation,
by those that legislate the vote...

Yes, Lasting in Line
is a crazy thing...
There is so much to do
by those that help voting

Oh, Lasting in Line
is a crazy thing...
There is so much to do
by those that help voting

This is a tongue-in-cheek look at the polling place during election day. As nerves get frayed waiting for the final count of delegates for each of the remaining presidential hopefuls this election season, a little light humor is quite called for! And, as they say, there is a little truth in humor, as, in fact, yours truly has experienced the same things mentioned in this poem at one polling place in one voting session! Seriously, though, we must honor the men and women who take time off their own busy schedules for the oft-maligned job of poll worker and thank them for the thankless work they do.

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Intellectual hatred

2008-05-20T14:25:00.005-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

An intellectual hatred is the worst.
W. B. Yeats, 'A Prayer for My Daughter', 1919

A legislature, such as the US Congress, is a deliberative body during its legislative process; the president may deliberate with Congress during a bill's debates. In the interest of the public, an intellectual curiosity must be sustained until a final bill is passed or failed. The federal government must reflect the diversity of opinion of the people at all times- a thorough understanding of the bill in question, reception of constituents' input, arms-length advise from experts and an open legislative process are critical to a well-thought-out final vote.

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Peace and aggression

2008-05-19T00:17:00.007-05:00

From "A Treasury of the World's Great Speeches"

"... If we adhere faithfully to the Charter of the United Nations and walk forward in sedate and sober strength, seeking no one's land or treasure, seeking to lay no arbitrary control upon the thoughts of men; if all British moral and material forces and convictions are joined with your own in fraternal association, the high-roads of the future will be clear, not only for us, but for all, not only for our time, but for a century to come."
Ex-Prime Minister Winston Churchill, "The Sinews of Peace" speech, March 5, 1946

These words, spoken at Missouri's Westminster College in reference to the then new "iron curtain", strike very truthfully and aptly for today, as well. We are presently a major ally with Britian and others on a world stage darkened by the aggression of extremist religion. Perhaps, we in the United States have not heeded some of Churchill's admonishments while confronting this new threat. We should take heart, that, for another 40 years of Winston's dream, we can return to his seasoned wisdom and take the "high-road" to peace.

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Patriotism

2008-05-18T03:18:00.002-05:00

From www.poets.org

Patriotism
by Sir Walter Scott

Breathes there the man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
'This is my own, my native land!'
Whose heart hath ne'er within him burn'd
As home his footsteps he hath turn'd
From wandering on a foreign strand?
If such there breathe, go, mark him well;
For him no Minstrel raptures swell;
High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim;
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch, concentred all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And, doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonour'd, and unsung.

Whether in peace or war, patriotism runs deep in the proud citizen. His land (country) lives whole in his heart, and nothing escapes its riches, honor, fruit, fortitude and well-being. When times are threatening to his land, he takes a stand and says "no more." This is ours, and you can't take it away from me.

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Government by Idea

2008-05-16T03:07:00.005-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

Government by Idea tends to take in everything, to make the whole of society obedient to the idea. Spaces not so governed are unconquered, beyond the border, unconverted, unconvinced, a future danger.
Lord Acton, MSS notes, Cambridge, late 19th-C

Of course, the 20th Century is ripe with governments by Idea, some of which are still surviving. Even in the U.S.A., the political landscape has at times been thick with one type or another of mostly leftist or rightist social philosophy; these have had a profound influence on public office candidate preference. Individuality takes second stage- he is but a pariah outside the realm of political correctness. Socrates knew the wisdom of self reflection and contemplation:

I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.

Musical campaigns

2008-05-15T03:01:00.002-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

What matters most about political ideas is the underlying emotions, the music, to which ideas are a mere libretto, often of very inferior quality.
Sir Lewis Namier, Personalities and Powers, 1955

Emotions are the glue that hold people together. Campaigns, whether they be emotional or not, for office are serenades to the voters- for as no idea is perfect, one solution must be forwarded. People will want to follow, if the idea is "sweet music to the ear."

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Politics and happiness

2008-05-15T00:59:00.004-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

Vain hope to make men happy by politics!
Carlyle, Journal, 1831

"Vain" is the key word here, as everyone is a politician. No two souls have the same politics, so how does one make another completely happy? Hence, the value of debate and negotiation in legislation. No form of government has been found to be perfect, but an open political process generates transparency and accountability.

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The coarseness of government

2008-05-14T01:06:00.006-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

The Government of the World is a great thing, but it is a very coarse one, too, compared with the fineness of speculative knowledge.
Marquess of Halifax, Moral thoughts and reflections, late 17th-C

Planks of political platforms are very narrow stands on major societal problems. But, there is a value in various viewpoints for healthy legislative debate. The two dominant political parties in the US government include many caucuses within them with their own platforms, but their respective national platforms are staid. Healthy democratic elections enjoy competition among more platforms- more caucuses for party primaries, and, more "parties" (major, minor and/or independent) for general election.

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The people and government

2008-05-13T02:47:00.006-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

There has never been a perfect government, because men have passions; and if they did not have passions, there would be no need for government.
Voltaire, Politique et legislation: Idees republicaines, 18th-C

We have a government of, by and for the people; because of this, there will always be a terse, yes, perhaps cynical, eye on government from the people. An open democracy in a republican form of government requires a dispassionate concern for the people by the government.

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Indignant attitude

2008-05-12T13:06:00.004-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

An attitude of permanent indignation signifies great mental poverty. Politics compels its votaries to take that line and you can see their minds growing more and more impoverished every day, from one burst of righteous anger to the next.
Valery, Tel Quel, 1941-3

Blind anger dilutes the mind in favor of the object of their indignation. And as indignation grows, so does their contentment of themselves and their own unwillingness to improve. It's how you use that anger that determines your nobility.

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Ordinary selves

2008-05-11T02:48:00.002-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

Everything in our political life tends to hide from us that there is anything wiser than our ordinary selves.
Matthew Arnold, Culture and Anarchy, 1869

The great danger is that our "ordinary selves" in politics is anything less than the highest ethics and morals. Noone gets past themselves in the legislative process without losing his integrity and thus his actions.

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Great affairs

2008-05-10T14:00:00.005-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

There are no small steps in great affairs.
Cardinal De Retz, Memoirs, 1673-6

I think of great legislative initiatives that require intense debate and time. That could be declarations of war, fundamental tax system reform and government social services reform. Rash and awkward completion of great initiatives are borne with problems right away.

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Contempt

2008-05-09T19:25:00.004-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

In politics nothing is contemptible.
Benjamin Disraeli, Vivian Grey, 1826-7

Thomas Mann said "Everything is politics." I believe Disraeli should have been cynical in mood when he said this, though he is correct. However, there is "good" politics and not so good; a good politician should always strive to hold high ethics and high morals.

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Circumstances

2008-05-08T13:43:00.005-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

Circumstances (which with some gentlemen pass for nothing) give in reality to every political principle its distinguishing colour and discriminating effect. The circumstances are what render every civil and political scheme beneficial or noxious to mankind.
Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France, 1790

The economy, the culture, global warming, war are the surroundings of which the current political campaigns for office work within. These circumstances color how people view political platforms by our candidates. And of course all of these same circumstances color constituents' views of their legislators, too.

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Boldness

2008-05-07T21:48:00.007-05:00

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

In civil business; what first? boldness; what second and third? boldness; and yet boldness is a child of ignorance and baseness.
Sir Francis Bacon, 'Of Boldness', Essays, 1597-1625

Often, the more successful legislators are bold; they are outspoken and aggressive. Does this make it right? True legislation is a pragmatic affair, requiring a thorough understanding of the bill under debate. Negotiation is the outcome of debate. Just the opposite of ignorance and baseness.

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