Monday, November 12, 2007

That's Not Right #3 - Candidates

There is a TV commercial currently making the rounds that is put on by the folks at Dividedwefall.org. It's supposed to tug at our heartstrings by using children to tell us what kind of candidates that they would vote for if they were only old enough to vote.  

First of all let me say that once again, a liberal organization is shamelessly using children to promote their agenda, a practice which is truly beginning to sicken me. (though I am not looking for government health care to treat this illness)  

Second, there is little doubt that these are well-coached child actors who would normally not know the first thing about the issues that they are speaking about or be able to voice their opinions so coherently if they were not working off of a script written by someone with an agenda.  

Third, since these are in fact children, with very little exposure to the realities of life, why in heaven's name would I use their opinion (even if I agreed with it) to guide my voting preferences?  

OK, three strikes, you're out! I am really getting tired of any group, liberal or conservative, hiding behind children in order to get their message heard. If you believe in the message, stand behind it yourself and be proud. Don't take a cowards approach of using children as a shield. I am equally tired of the story that the job of elected officials or of the government is to take care of the citizens. 

While it has been a while since I have taken a civics class (hell, they probably don't even call them that any more), it seems to me that I remember that elected officials are sent to represent constituents, and that only. I don't care whether the cause is fixing health care or saving an endangered toad, the government exceeds its authority when it attempts such things. The Constitution defines not only the responsibilities of government, but the limits of it. If the citizens do not like those limits, they have the right and responsibility to change that document; and they have a mechanism (Amending) with which to do so. 

When are we going to recognize that it is not the government's job to supplant the care given by family, friends, or the simple generosity of perfect strangers in caring for each other? 

When are we going to recognize that it has always been the spirit of self reliance and stubborn pride in our own accomplishments that has made this country great?

So for all of you organizations out there trying to influence, cajole, persuade, or threaten me; for all of you groups that have a social agenda to push on me; for all of you who wish to tug on my heartstrings in order to change this country's government into something antithetical to the design of its Founding Fathers; let me tell you that you need not bother. I am after all a conservative, and one with a very libertarian point of view. It should therefore be readily apparent to you that I have no heart.

4 comments:

Hooda Thunkit (Dave Zawodny) said...

Tim,

"I am after all a conservative, and one with a very libertarian point of view. It should therefore be readily apparent to you that I have no heart."

We don't refer to it as not having a heart so much as we credit a large, active brain and superior intellect, that isn't "sucked in" by these liberal heart and feelings targeted commercials.

And we never forget that "the game" being played is creeping incrementalsim, with Socialism/Communism as "their" ultimate goal ;-)

Timothy W Higgins said...

hooda,

I like to say that true conservatism involves placing common sense above compassion. The libertarian version, doubly so.

These Dividedwestand.org ads insult both my common sense and my compassion. Further, I will say again that only cowards will stand behind children to defend their point of view.

Anonymous said...

i was googling and came across your blog. well said! why do we, as americans, think that it is our right to have government take care of our happiness? The office of government is not to confer happiness, but to give men the opportunity to work out happiness for themselves. -W. E. Channing. we have become a truly fastfood nation. i want it all and i want it now (freddie mercury sums it up pretty well) what we need to do is get up off our behind and realize that it is up to us to achieve/ensure our own happiness. the more power we give the government the more power they have. power they were not meant to have.
"I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be. I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country. I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." -thomas jefferson

Timothy W Higgins said...

Thanks for the compliment. This posting has some age on it, but never the less holds true for this election as well.

Seems like you too have your head screwed on straight and the wisdom of the ages at your fingertips.