Bastian letter: Public discourse

Man continues to struggle in his attempts to govern himself. The public discourse in our current election validates that claim. The insults, toxic statements, and lack of honesty and civility are evidence of the demeaning spirit that prevails in our current political environment. It doesn’t appear there are many gods among us.

James Madison once wrote that if men were angels, we wouldn’t need government. Then added, if government were run by angels, we wouldn’t need to place controls and limitations on government. And while Madison didn’t address it, it’s easy to speculate that angel-run governments wouldn’t need the scrutiny afforded by public record laws. But mortals run our governments, and openness, and transparency and vigilance are required.

Below are evidences of the eternal struggle man has had trying to govern himself. “A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.” (Shaw) “A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.” (Liddy) “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.” (Jefferson)

This story was originally published March 13, 2016 at 12:09 AM with the headline "Bastian letter: Public discourse."