Alexander Hamilton quite eloquently addresses the need for honest dialogue. In this honesty, we are to remember that the thoughts and intentions of men/women, no matter how pure and well founded they seem, are often tainted by jealousies and fears. These sentiments then collide with the sources of the ill feelings within the political arena to be misconstrued as selfish advancements of ambition.
We see this in our political system today. Just persons enter government service with the intentions of justice and equity. Though through time and the buffetings of those who would oppose them they sink into defensive corners defined by party lines. They are strengthened in their positions by like minded individuals and persuaded of the correctness of their opinion and the error of their opposition.
“To judge from the conduct of the opposite parties, we shall be led to conclude that they will mutually hope to evince the justness of their opinions, and to increase the number of their converts by the loudness of their declamations and the bitterness of their invectives. An enlightened zeal for the energy and efficiency of government will be stigmatized as the offspring of a temper fond of despotic power and hostile to the principles of liberty.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #1”
They are then converted from valiant advocates for truth into bitter opposition against the pretended outcomes of the opposing parties agenda. This leads to the need to assume greater power and authority over their opponents in an attempt to save them (and others) from the folly of their position.
Restraint and understanding are required in public service. With an understanding (or assumption) that, with high probability, few persons in the seat of public, elected service enter therein with much less than personally perceived just intentions of the highest degree ( though this often degrades rapidly if allowed to do so).
“Candor will oblige us to admit that even such men may be actuated by upright intentions; and it cannot be doubted that much of the opposition which has made its appearance, or may hereafter make its appearance, will spring from sources, blameless at least, if not respectable—the honest errors of minds led astray by preconceived jealousies and fears.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #1”
If elected officials can focus on discussing the difficulties and differences that beset them they may be able to find the appropriate application of their zeal and ferver. With great hopes they will refrain from attempts at despotism or unjust / unlawful / unconstitutional dominion.
“the vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty; that, in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed judgment, their interest can never be separated; and that a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #1”
I have found that few positions (principles), laid before our government for consideration, which are wholly without merit (at least in the underlying principles). It is often the application proposed where the position loses its merit. Therefore, instead of deliberating the justness of a given principle or cause, they should first assume its merit, for arguments sake. With this basic assumption, the discussion should then determine which level of government is best suited to discuss, deliberate and, if necessary, enact and implement legislation in behalf of the principle of justice under consideration. Conversely, they may determine that in all just applications, the principle is best left to the people to determine the fate and application as the people must assume responsibility for all civil duties, with or without government intervention. If in fact, the body deems their level of government is best suited to address this issue, they should proceed with extreme caution.
Much of the discord, and opposition which occurs in our federal government results from their assumption of responsibility and duty which they never should have considered. The States, communities, and families should be encouraged, no, required to stand independent within their circles of influence to be forces for goodness and justice. All these lesser forms of government fit under the whole though they are encouraged in their efforts and applauded for their diversity by the freedoms and obligations that are placed upon them. In this way States, communities and families rise to meet their obligations to their community at large and find purpose in patriotism.
“It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #1”
I choose freedom.
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