From FB, today: A link to a (youtube) video in which a man whose credentials are not presented discusses how the Constitution of the United States is designed to subvert our rights. The (theoretical) right in question is the right to consent to all actions taken and laws passed by the government.
In keeping with the primary mission of this blog, the following is what I would have posted, were I the kind of person who posts such items on a social networking site.
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Well, I for one do not have the time to read, consider, and vote on every piece of legislation that is needed to maintain order in this vast, vastly-populated, and increasingly-complex society. Instead, I study, elect, and rely upon representatives to act in my interest. That’s the way representative government works.
I understand that I will not agree with every decision and vote made by my representative, but I also understand (and I think this may be where the problem is, primarily, right now) that there are others in my district who have different ideas and needs than my own. This “democratic” system is intended, as I understand it, to meet the needs of the majority of people. And yes, sometimes this means we have to share with a subset (minority population), to ensure a better situation for the majority.
Contrary to what the speaker in the video may think, I do not believe that the right to petition the government for redress of my grievances is an empty right. Defendants at trial do not consider their right to appeal an empty right, although appeal does not guarantee a more-desirable outcome. Neither should the value of my right to petition be dependent upon a perfect record of desirable outcomes.
What is the other option, that I should ride to DC on my horse, armed with my gun, and demand that government “fix” what I disagree with?
What about my neighbor, who has different needs or preferences than I do? Would he then ride to DC on his horse, with his gun, and demand that government “fix” it back? Or wouldn’t he take the easier route, and just ride over to my house?
Don’t get me wrong: I think it is valuable to consider, and reconsider, the system of government we have in place. I just think it is nonproductive to do it only when times are tough and when change is needed. Casting blame toward the framers of the Constitution simply redirects attention from the practical issues we are facing as a country right now.
