Giving away your rights

I have given much thought as to how I should start this column. I entertained the notion of starting with a quote from one of our founding fathers; but, there are just too many to choose from. So, I decided to consult the Magic 8-Ball. I asked; "Will this country ever return to its original design?" My response: "Outlook not good."

I generally try to remain upbeat about all manner of situations. I usually try to find the good and view the glass as half-full; but, I am having more difficulty with this as of late.

It seems there is a nationwide epidemic, as of late, and the CDC won't don anything about it because there is no cure for willful ignorance. The epidemic is basically a case of American citizens squandering their rights.

When the Patriot Act was first established, I wrote a column that welcomed back the era of Joe McCarthy. The only real difference being that now, "patriots" look under the bed for terrorists rather than communists. I used a quote from Benjamin Franklin that said those who are willing to sacrifice liberty for safety "deserve neither liberty nor safety."

As the years have progressed since my childhood, I have noticed a progressive regression in the liberties of individuals, companies and anyone who basically works to achieve. I have also seen a blatant double-standard put into place under the guise of equality; but, in all practicality is just a form of discrimination.

Our government has basically become the 800-pound gorilla and the American public has basically become the Biblical Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of soup. If left unchecked, this will not end well.

First, let me explain my views of government responsibility: I believe the government should be responsible for providing a strong defense and maintaining good international relations for the purpose of trade and peace. That is it. I don't even believe the government should have any say over the postal service (though it isn't a government institution anyway), as privately-owned parcel companies have proven to be more efficient.

That is all. Nothing more should be done. After reading the Constitution again - for the ump-teenth time - I feel the conviction even more strongly. But, what I see is the opposite of what I feel. I see the states stripped of any real authority, which then strips local governments of more authority and then hits home to you and me. And why? So we can all rely on the father government.

Take, for instance, minority issues. After the death of Rosa Parks, many reflected on the civil rights movement. The target of many a malicious remark was the segregated south. The south has been largely viewed as a breeding ground of bigots since the Civil War, yet no one ever mentions that segregation as a concept and practice was implemented by the government.

Following the desegregation movement, our country found itself dealing with claims of discriminatory practices in employment. So the government stepped in - not state governments, mind you - and decided to level the playing field. What resulted essentially started with good intentions; but, like most government measures, has fallen flat in the credibility department. What we now have is called "affirmative action" or, as I prefer to more accurately call it "reverse discrimination."

And it isn't even fully reversed. I remember speaking with a black friend who lamented government intervention in the realm of civil rights. His gripe? Well, it just so happens that this black friend was a completely self-made man. He worked his way out of the projects, worked his way through college, got a degree and became a successful businessman. What bothered him so badly was the implications that come along with reverse discrimination. He noted that the term "affirmative action" was a smack in his face and "should be to any self-respecting black person." What bothered him was the implication that the government apparently believed African-Americans to be too stupid and lazy to go to do anything without assistance from the government.

He held himself as an example of doing what needed to be done. He was the first one to point out to me that, as a young, healthy, white male, I am the new minority.

And, while the government continues to take steps towards limiting our freedoms - Real ID Act, the Patriot Act, Eminent Domain, etc. - we have citizens voting away their rights; thus, making it easier for the government it step in further.

A prime example would be the last election in San Francisco. Apparently, residents of that city have not read the Bill of Rights, or, at least they haven't read the Second Amendment. San Franciscans voted to completely outlaw all handguns and ammunition from the city. Period. The right to keep and bear arms? What's that?

This is, again, an example of passion running over common sense. They apparently did not consider that the criminal element will not abide by that law. The simple fact that the law-abiding citizens will no longer be armed will only encourage the criminal element to do as it pleases.

It apparently isn't enough that we have an ever-increasing government adding to the headaches of American life; but, we now have people willfully allowing the government to take further steps towards complete control.

I just find it ironic that for several years, our government fought against socialism and socialist ideals; yet, we are well on the way to becoming one of the most socialized countries ever.

Indeed, history can serve as a great teacher. It points out the flaws of other governments and their systems and serve as a useful model for what a country should and should not do. But we don't need a partisan hack to tell us that the apparent objective is to now keep people stupid enough to elect people who wish to capitalize on that stupidity.

Yes, a history book could help curb the most recent governmental trends. All we need is people willing to learn and act to make something happen. Maybe we can move onwards to the point where we can start asking the Magic 8-ball some less-obvious questions.

Jonathon Dawe can be reached via e-mail at jbdawe@dailystatesman.com