A consistent flurry of unsettling intrigue has whirled around the Obama Administration – some of which is first-term carryover – that would make disgraced late President Richard Nixon blush. For leftist pundits, it is deemed un-American to question most of it. Yet, it is the apathy and hypocrisy of the left, especially in the media, toward the current administration’s questionable, perhaps even unconstitutional, activities and motives that is becoming un-American. The lack of any outcry, once so inexorably directed at previous administrations under similar conditions, only highlights the bias. Taken as a whole, it is becoming increasingly unnerving the blind eye turned where questions persist without any transparency or concrete answers.
Throughout history, many leaders have begun with great intentions and promised many things to the betterment of their society. Many have fallen prey to the corruption of power, or worse to the malevolence of their own nature. Despite foresight and diligence, the United States has not been, and is not, immune to this phenomenon. Past presidents have tested the innate checks and balance system of our republic, pushing the boundaries of their authority in relation to the legislative and judicial branches. Not to mention to that of and for the people. Should we, as President Obama so mindlessly advised, really “reject the voices that warn of government tyranny”? If we do, who then watches the watchers? Only those who willingly continue to ask questions, in appreciation of principles and values under threat from forces that would circumvent and oppress them.
For as French revolutionary Robespierre stated, “The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.” Executed on July 28, 1794, for tyrannies against the French people during his “Reign of Terror,” he would know all about it.
©2013 Steve Sagarra
Bill O'Reilly was correct - the Bible is touted too often in opposing gay marriage. Not everyone believes in religion, though, and the Supreme Court is not weighing belief. To me, religion is a constant fallback argument for those who have nothing more substantial for the debate. Have belief, but do not make it the centerpiece. You cannot sway an argument with a person who is staunchly anti-religious using religion. You will lose; trust me, I'm agnostic. Facts win an argument. If you want to say gay marriage will raise national debt or something, then fine say it. But touting religion to people who do not believe cannot work.
The fact is that marriage is a bond between two people, not a contract with the government. When you take religion out of the debate, the argument opposing gay marriage falls flat.
©2013 Steve Sagarra
Over the course of 13 hours, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) – with support from the likes of Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and John Barrasso (R-WY) – demonstrated the job of our elected officials. At the core, the filibuster concerned the nomination of John Brennan as Director of the CIA and domestic drone attacks on American citizens on U.S. soil. As some apparently failed to grasp in their denouncements and rebukes – including Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) – it was about so much more. It was about the principles and values contained not only in the U.S. Constitution, but also in the American experience and culture. It was about the survival of both, and our ability to maintain them equally in the times of despair as in the times of prosperity.
In the end, personal decorum, to put it mildly, rather than any faltering enthusiasm brought the proceedings to a close. In light of the recent Senate vote confirming Brennan as Director, was Paul’s action worth it? In short, yes. It showed that some politicians are still willing to honor and uphold their duty to protect the past, present and future of the American people and the republic. No matter how long it may take.
Vote breakdown confirming Brennan:
YEA (63): Democrat - 49 Republican - 13 Independent - 1
NAY (34): Democrat - 2 Republican - 31 Independent - 1
NO VOTE (3): Democrat - 2 Republican - 1
Surprise YEA: Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
(Source: www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00032#position)
©2013 Steve Sagarra
