Lawlessness

It seems a bit extreme to hear someone call our government, or portions thereof, lawless, but upon reflection I am concerned.

Federal agencies have been and continue to issue huge numbers of regulations. These regulations carry the force of law and historically have been issued to implement laws that have been passed by Congress and signed by the President. Currently many regulations are being proposed to implement ideas that have not yet been directly passed by Congress. Federal agencies are not supposed to be creators of law. As an example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should not be able to ban up to 80% of woodstoves without Congressional action.

The President has arbitrarily been changing laws (including the Affordable Care Act) by granting waivers, changing requirements, and delaying timetables that were set by Congress and signed by him. The president, according to the Constitution, is to carry out the laws of the land and Congress is to make those laws. He has also has ordered the non-enforcement of laws he doesn’t agree with including in the areas of immigration and drug enforcement.

Our Judicial system often seems to be creating new laws rather than just adjudicating the law and ensuring that laws are not in conflict with the Constitution. Judges have struck down portions of State Constitutions as not being constitutional and in Virginia, the State Attorney General, due to his personal political beliefs; will not argue on the behalf of the citizens who through due process amended their State Constitution.

Congress has been just as guilty with delegating their powers to commissions and back-room dealers. Last years “gang of eight” proposed a transfer of power from the legislative to the executive, thereby circumventing normal checks and balances required by the Constitution.

A number of States have criminalized an unknown number of their own citizens due to gun control laws that far exceed any federal laws designed to comply with the second amendment. These gun control laws seem to be based upon cosmetics rather than function. In other words, big scary guns are bad! Now law-abiding citizens find themselves in the situation of becoming a “criminal” if they own one of the banned firearms, even when the Constitution says they have the right to own it.

These are but a few of the actions we can see happening in our nation. America was designed to be a nation of laws, where citizens and their elected representatives were subject to the same law. A nation where men or women, could not alter the law except through due process where the public could see the actions. We are a country where the majority cannot take the rights away from the minority ever.

No matter if you agree or disagree with the President, his federal agencies, our judges, Congress or your state governments, I believe that you should be concerned. If you agree with those I’ve pointed out above, remember that at some point the other guys will be in charge and they will only be bound by the limits on our current leaders. If you disagree, do you want those you support to someday have far more power than the Constitution gives them?

Our nation was and has been a nation of laws. Not perfect, but it’s still better than any other form of government tried upon this earth. For 200 years we strove to improve it and repaired damage from those who weakened the system. Today we see some of our elected leaders and appointed judges taking actions which threaten that very system again.

Contrary to statements by some partisan politicians, I believe that people on both sides of any issue can be a part of our community, as long as they exhibit civility to others and accept the concept of rule of law as defined by our American Constitution. When the people you support are in positions of power, they should have no more power than when the people you oppose are in charge.

Every American should loudly proclaim that we stand for the rule of law and oppose the rule of men. It is the only way to prevent lawlessness.

Kneejerk Reactions

As the National Grange Master/President, every now and then I am quoted on a topic for a news release, by the media, or I write a blog or article. Often it draws no comment and one wonders if anyone reads it. Occasionally, it draws a bit of opposition and support and people send comments or emails to me. 

It is a fact that people who like something send in their comments in far fewer numbers than those who dislike something you have said. What is interesting is how few opposing comments are civil and respectful. Depending upon the topic, the response normally is an attack on my intelligence, a questioning of my values, an accusation of partisanship, or the charge that I’ve abandoned the Grange values.

If criticism of an elected official’s actions or words is made, their supporters will quickly jump to their defense. If a Grange policy is promoted that someone disagrees with, then the messenger is wrong. This gives me more evidence that the highly-charged partisan world we live in has serious problems.

I believe that the extreme partisanship we see in many politicians is the result, not of their leadership, but of the intolerance of their constituents. When we as the people, are not being civil and tolerant, why would many of our elected representatives choose to be above the fray? And those who disagree with the disrespectful often find themselves labeled as extremist simply for a difference in opinion.

When we react to things without thinking, or take the position that we are right and any differing view is wrong, it is human nature not to listen. Regardless of if your point of view is partisan or a specific policy position, the moment you cease to listen to other viewpoints, your argument is weakened and you cease adding to the discussion.

America and the Grange are supposed to be places where disagreement is acceptable; where the minority can express themselves and have a voice; where the majority has its way within our broad structure, yet takes no rights away from the minority; where each listens to the opinions of all.

The Grange encourages healthy, civil debate among its members. Discussion of issues and events are done outside the partisan arena and only our members create Grange policies. We view elected officials as representing all their constituents, and criticism or accolades are given based on their actions, not party affiliation.

When our members react in an uncivil “kneejerk” fashion, we explain why that position was taken. The teaching of Grange philosophy in the area of civility remains a constant process. New members are often unaware of this fundamental value and grow to appreciate it. Older members can forget this value on occasion and be thankful for a gentle reminder.

America needs the Grange philosophy of civility and respect for all. Our doors are open to any wishing to explore this old-fashioned idea. As our members say throughout the country, “Welcome to the Grange!”