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Editor, News-Register:
I worked my entire career for a German company, and I remember the day that my German boss said, "Do you realize that the United States is one of the youngest countries in the world with one of the oldest governments? Your Constitution is something you should be profoundly proud of." I never thought of it in those terms up to that point, but I do now.
In other words, we have something very special. Something that must be the envy of many. And I am not talking about our Second Amendment right, or the "Right to wear a mask or not"!! Stop and remember the three branches of government -- legislative (House and Senate), executive (the president), and judicial (the Supreme Court). If you have not read our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, you owe it to yourself. It clearly outlines the responsibilities of each. It establishes our "checks and balances."
Without it, we run the risk of fascist leaders, or tyrannists -- a government in which a single ruler (a tyrant) has absolute power.
What really caught my attention recently in our Constitution is Article I, Section 7 -- "All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills." I had to laugh. Back in 1789 the new government already knew that there would be a need for taxes, that is, revenue generation.
Nobody likes being taxed. However, our Founding Fathers understood that there was a need for taxes, but they wanted representation. Now, stop a moment and ask yourself if our taxes are too high. Also keep in mind that we have not balanced a fiscal budget since 2001. President Bill Clinton did not support a constitutional amendment, but in his 1992 campaign, he called for balancing the budget through ordinary fiscal policy. Beginning with the 1998 budget year, during his second term, the federal government ran a yearly budget surplus through FY 2001. From fiscal years 2001 to 2009, spending increased by 6.5% of gross domestic product (from 18.2% to 24.7%) while taxes declined by 4.7% of GDP (from 19.5% to 14.8%). If we are always running a deficit, I suppose (maybe) spending is too high, not taxes.
A very long discussion could follow about spending. But I encourage finding FACTS. Look up our budget spending categories and numbers. How much is Social Security (you want that), and Medicare (you expect that), and defense (keep me safe), and interest on our debt (it is not free), etc.
I am already drifting away from a very important lesson. If you want a robust economy with the highest GDP per capita then move to Qatar, or Monaco, or Luxembourg. But is it really about money? Or is it about something far more important? Our Founding Fathers outlined in the Declaration a moral vision and a type of government that would result from that. When it states "We hold these truths to be self-evident," it really implies a higher law of right and wrong. Things that should be obvious.
I visited Philadelphia and Independence Hall a few years ago. Our tour guide noted that the room was once filled with rich, pretentious, powerful men. Men that developed our government, representation, voting, currency, and many very difficult topics. They were men that were able to talk and reason with each other. They could compromise. What has happened? We now label people as "right or left, conservative or liberal, socialist or capitalist." You don't have to look hard to see evidence of political polarization -- just watch cable news, listen to talk radio or follow social-media debates. However, if you want to learn something, go to PewResearch.org to see how Congress has moved away from center since the 1970s. It should come as no surprise that they are in constant gridlock.
I don't necessarily believe that history repeats itself, but I do believe that we have lessons to learn from it. Take a walk down memory lane from now until the November election and ask yourself what is really important to you and this country, understand our Constitution, and decide whether you want a politician that establishes battle lines drawn in the sand, or one who can negotiate on your behalf and best interest of our prized United States of America.
Chris Muroski
Wheeling