Power and Glory

I spent yesterday in the clutches of the medical profession. This was a necessary, but not necessarily pleasant activity. Thank God all is well!

While my back was turned all sorts of things occurred: successful surgery for a close friend, a military coup in Thailand, the bankruptcy of our daughter"s employer. Robberies, Murders, Stolen and Lost Children, Automobile Accidents, Financial Ups & Downs of local businesses. All these things and many more took place without my supervision, control, or for that matter, my interest. I was focused on me!

I am not upset with my behavior. I think it is appropriate to care for oneself and to be focused on oneself when that is necessary.

What amazes me again is how this world goes on without any of us having any real influence, let alone control of the process. Yesterday I was really just along for the ride. I wonder how many days are really any different?

Truly, Father, yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory.

Voting Principles - Beware of Red Herrings

Campaigning politicians try to keep us focused on broad generalities they really can't do anything about.

Cutting taxes is a favorite red herring. Of course no one wants to pay taxes and especially not more taxes. The trouble is that the tax supported budget of the government is no different from the paycheck supported budget you have to live with. Lower your income, you have to spend less. There comes a point where income and spending can't drop any more. We know this. We deal with it every month. Governments are notoriously inefficient and careless with our money. When was the last time you heard a politician running on his record of controlling and cutting spending?

Politicians like to promise things they can't do anything about. Candidates for governor promise, "I will cut taxes. I will increase police services. I will lower insurance costs....." None of these are things over which the Governor has any control. The Legislature controls the appropriations and taxes. The insurance commissioner has control of rate approvals. Presidential candidates are also prone to promise what they can not deliver. A real red herring will get you all excited about some issue that the politician stirring the pot can do nothing about.

Slogans are usually red herrings. Be careful of them. "Stay the Course." "Fear and Smear." "Honest Government." "Proud American." All sentiments designed to increase the heat and reduce the clarity of political discussion.

What are the real issues? What are realistic answers to problems? If you can't identify them then the speaker is sending you chasing after red herrings.

The Hermeneutic of Voting

Voting Principles (so far)

1. Throw the Scoundrels out.
2. Identify and eliminate the Incompetents.

3. The Party or the Person
4. Beware of the Red Herrings

Voting Principles - Joining a Party

I'm a member of the Democrat/Republican/Libertarian/Green/Whatever party. We are a group of like minded people who unite our efforts in order to make this a better society and a better country in which to live.

Let's get real. Political parties are about political power not about like minded people, platforms, or agendas. Maybe the welfare of the country and a better society are in there somewhere, but they aren't even close to political power in importance.

If you are actively involved in government an community affairs and you want to associate with a party to further your goals. Go for it. Being a committee of one and trying to change the world is a non-starter. Or, to put it in Southern lingo, "That dog won't hunt!"

If you are a voter who wants a better country, you would do well to look carefully at the character of the persons to whom you are giving power. The question "Is this someone you'd buy a used car from?;" is a good starting place. If you have already ruled out the scoundrels and the incompetents, character is the next thing to consider.

Yes, I know you really care about the war and the economy and taxes and human rights, but these things aren't going to matter if the wrong hand is on the wheel.

The Hermeneutic - Voting Principles (so far)

1. Throw the Scoundrels out.
2. Identify and eliminate the Incompetents.

3. The Party or the Person