As we continue to see sensationalized images of ranting citizens in various Town Hall meetings on the evening news, one might ask what the cause of this outrage is. There are many reasons for and from which Town Hall participants draw strength to challenge their Congress men and women. Among the many reasons is fear of change of any kind, a misunderstanding of the facts, or they are downright misinformed acting on out-and-out lies about the issue, or more probable—Town Haller’s might have a gut feeling that there is something just plain wrong about the issue and the information that they receive from the media and government representatives. Combine strong suspicions with real fear and what you often times get is wild-eyed outrageous conduct by people who are otherwise collected intellectually and personally. It would be nice if we could all live in a Pollyanna world—or even better, Lake Woebegone! In addition to all the other attributes of Lake Woebegone, all of our politicians, judges, appointed officials, and bureaucrats would be totally honest, morally upstanding, and perhaps even transparent in motive; none would have hidden agendas and certainly no conspiratorial thoughts to over throw the U. S. Constitution, or to destroy the very foundations and traditions of our nation as some Town Haller’s suggest. But, history from Genghis Khan and before to the present day tells us clearly that such a world is not reality; human nature is what it is, and that there have always been those who would challenge and to challenge by force if necessary for our own good to redirect a nation and reshape it in their own image at the expense of thousands, e.g. Russia, 1917; Germany, 1933; Iran, present day! What we witness is a continuous, ongoing conflict of world views!
I might add here that some people in the media who laugh at or become indignant over the ideas of others who raise images of our collective history in the form of Hitler or Stalin suggest that we here in the United States of America are somehow immune to such extremism and further that those in positions of power and authority here (or they in the media themselves) are somehow intellectually superior to and therefore incapable of such extremism as these an other historical personalities exemplify. To so smugly dismiss these historical images is naïve at best as educated citizens of world history and persons of some responsibility, or supremely arrogant; either is reprehensible!
While one can intellectually understand why Town Hall participants may loose their composure and lash out in verbal violence and with near physical violence as well, it is not enough to just vent in the presence of your Senator, or House of Representative member, to tell him or her off, or to give them a piece of your mind. It is time to stop the yelling! Rather, arm yourself with facts and information! Think about it; when your teenager (if you have one) is yelling at you, screaming into your face, are you persuaded by his or her so called “argument”? You may be willing to put up with the temper tantrum for awhile, but that’s about all! I suggest that the example of the Conscientious Objector provides us with lessons and information that we can use now with regards to objections to the proposed health care changes, or any other government program or legislation that we do not agree with. The Conscientious Objector is able to explain to what he objects and why; even further he is able to provide his listener with alternatives to what is being objected to. The purpose of his argument is to persuade and to inform, ultimately to change the outcome of the issue as he sees it. The Conscientious Objector having done his homework is ready to defend his position intellectually, and the alternative ideas and solutions offered also provide his opponent with “cover” and good reasons to change his or her mind about the issue.
In a previous opinion page editorial, I outlined several suggestions for those who would object to the current direction that our nation seems to be heading and the proposed restructuring of our health care system. For those who might have missed those points, allow me to state them again:
First, know who you are intellectually, spiritually, and politically. Do your homework—know your U.S. history, the issues, what you believe and why; know the political personalities of your area, your Congressmen or Congresswomen; familiarize yourself with their record, their beliefs, and their history. Second, make yourself known to your local, state, and national representatives; write letters, make phone calls, drop by their offices and get to know their staff members. And always be polite and good natured when interfacing with your political representatives at any level, but also be well informed, persistent, and assertive (not aggressive or confrontational). Remember, you represent your town, state, and your family and friends. Work to garner respect, not contempt! And, always remember too that with great freedom comes also great responsibility! Nothing that has lasting value—such as your personal liberty— comes free of charge, personal or otherwise. Finally, and I add here: Become an expert with regards to at least one issue; own it and be able and willing to make your voice heard on that issue! The effect of our collective voices can be to preserve the best of our culture and political system while at the same time fostering change for what needs changing. Though Liberalism’s presumption of perfection is not possible because of the imperfectability of human nature, improvement of our condition is possible. While “change you can believe in” sounds great as a campaign slogan, blind change, change undefined may just as well lead to tyranny. Fundamental change is fundamentally unnecessary!
So, let me say it again: It is not enough to be just an objector; it is not enough to wear your emotions on your sleeve or on your face in the presence of your congress person. We must also be Conscientious Objectors offering sound reason, alternative ideas, and real solutions to national problems. The 35 year old women participant of the Pennsylvania Town Hall meeting of last week led by Senator Allen Specter said the current health care debate had awakened a sleeping giant. Let us pray that she is correct; that the national health care debate has indeed awakened a sleeping giant of alert, well informed, and activated citizens ready to participant in the affairs of our nation. For citizen participation is the only way by which we will maintain the balance of power (and of world views) that our founding father were so well aware of and addressed in the writing of the Constitution of these United States of America and other national historic documents.
Tags: Allen Specter, conflict of world views, Congress, conscientious objector, fundamental change, Genghis Khan, Lake Woebegone, Liberalism, Town Haller's