Federalist

The orator was adamant and deadly serious as he said, “We are socialists, we are enemies of today’s capitalistic economic system for the exploitation of the economically weak, with its unfair salaries, with its unseemly evaluation of a human being according to wealth and property instead of responsibility and performance, and we are determined to destroy this system under all conditions.”

In a private conversation this brilliant lecturer said, “When I talk to people, especially those who are not yet party members, or who are about to break away for some reason or other, I always talk as if the fate of the nation was bound up in their decision; that they are in a position to give an example for the many to follow. Certainly it means appealing to their vanity and ambition, but once I have got them to that point, the rest is easy.” All men, rich or poor, he said, had an inner sense of unfulfillment. “Slumbering somewhere is the readiness to risk some final sacrifice, some adventure, in order to give a new shape to their lives. They will spend their last money on a lottery ticket. It is my business to channel that urge for political purposes. In essence, every political movement is based on the desire of its supporters, men or women, to better things not only for themselves but for their children and others…The humbler people are, the greater the craving to identify themselves with a cause bigger then themselves, and if I can persuade them that the fate of the nation is at stake, then they will become part of an irresistible movement, embracing all classes.”

One might be surprised to learn that the orator of the above was Adolf Hitler, as he spoke in 1927. Today’s “progressives” don’t come out and say it so bluntly, but I get the feeling that the American people are being “nudged” in that the direction with slogans like “change we can believe in”.

It is time to turn to the foundations of the Unite States Constitution. I would like anyone to show me where our government leaders are empowered to issue bailouts, dictate salaries, or issue mandates regarding healthcare.

Right now I feel like we are drifting back to 1927, listening to a political pied piper leading us away from the capitalistic foundation which made the United States a great and prosperous nation. It is only when politicians issued government mandates which forced socialist vices into the capitalist dictates that we expedited failure. Their focus should be limited illegal activity and unharnessed greed. Redistribution of wealth is not the business of government.

Our elected representatives and senators have perpetrated the greatest Ponzi scheme in our nation’s history by taking money from Social Security and leaving an IOU, payable by our children and grandchildren. As we acquiesce to this tawdry behavior, our legislators give themselves raises and increase their own expense accounts. As their employers, we must start minding the store and fire those who have put us in this mess. In 2010, I would demand an accounting from the incumbents who shall be replaced, if they prove to be part of the problem.

Tea parties and town hall meetings were the political arenas of colonial Boston patriots like Sam Adams. It is ironic that, despite the modern media, blogs and internet connections, we find ourselves getting back to those same basics. Sam would be proud to see us confronting our legislators face-to-face, advising them that they are not trusted and can be replaced.

Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1798, “In questions of power let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution.”

Ambrose Bierce defined politics as “a strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles” and “the conduct of public affairs for private advantage.”

Today we me meet in the streets of many cities to remind our elected minions that they work for us and that we shall be heard. Those who will not listen and heed our words shall be removed and replaced.

Recently, a congressman called the President of the United States a liar. It was tactless from a decorum standpoint, but IT WAS THE TRUTH. Having sat in committee meetings, this congressman was saying what many Americans feel. He was better informed, as we are, and would not swallow what the snake-oil salesman was selling.

Let us bind these arrogant legislators to the chains of the constitution. Sam Adams bristled not only at tyrannical taxes, but tyrannical legislation, which imposed the will of a despotic body, pretending that they know what is best for us. The facts suggest they do not and their actions suggest they do not.

Pork is merely a politician’s scheme to garner local votes by picking national pockets. Our federal government has no business building tunnels for turtles or studying rats in some swamp. Leave that business to local turtle lovers and rat students. If this is their track record, I cringe at the thought of their running the nation’s healthcare system. It seems that many cannot resist tawdry affairs or pay their taxes.

Again, Sam would be proud to gather with us at today’s tea parties. In fact, he would write the speeches, while John Hancock catered the event.

“Listen to the people”—that would be a better title to this discourse. History has shown that it takes time for some people in power to learn that lesson. King Louis XVI of France lost his head over the idea. The following demonstrates that Alexander Hamilton had an easier time of it.

1. “I have learned to hold popular opinion of no value.” – Alexander Hamilton – in a letter to George Washington – 1794
2. “It is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.” – George Washington – May 1, 1796
3. “The first thing in all great operations of such a government as ours is to secure the opinion of the people.” – Alexander Hamilton – February 2, 1799

Obviously it took five years for Hamilton to come to his senses, regarding the value of public opinion. Two significant ideas can be reaped from the writings of these two founding fathers.  

1. The first is Hamilton’s change of heart in a period of five years. In 1799, the phrase “to secure the opinion of the people” means to find out how they feel about a certain proposal. This did not mean to stuff an idea down their throats. It took him five years to learn this lesson.
2. The second is Washington’s recognition of the need that “time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection”. He valued the “real voice of the people”, as well as the time it takes to deliberate.

This is true today, as it was then. Sadly, many leaders in Washington DC feel that boisterous townhall meetings, teeming with angry Americans, consider them “Astroturf” or a “mad mob”. In the first place, “Astroturf” is something you step on. Our founding fathers adopted a motto about that, in our dispute with Great Britain—“don’t tread on me”. “Don’t tread on me” was relevant then and even more appropriate now. This “mad mob” has been maligned and accused of being employed by the “vast right-wing conspiracy” or “wealthy lobbyists”. To set the record straight, the only people paid to attend a townhall meeting are those from ACORN, who are paid to disrupt and silence the American majority.

Furthermore, I would ask, “What is the rush?” The attitude that things must be done within a certain deadline is pure folly and makes me question the real motives of those in a rush. Whatever the topic, be it healthcare, stimulus et al, we should be more deliberate, giving time for the people to determine what is “good” or “right”. Not only should we ask if our legislators have read a proposal, but also, “Who wrote the darn thing?” The answers are mystifying and they change every day.

I commend those legislators who had the courage to meet with the people, many of them angry, to listen to them in the light of day. To those elected officials who were too cowardly to convene a townhall meeting, I tell you to fear the people on election day. Alexander Hamilton saw the light; it is time you did the same.

We are proud to announce the publishing of the sequel to “Snug Harbor Tavern: Shaggin’ for a Shillin’”. It is titled “The Seeds of Love…and War: Still Shaggin’ for a Shillin’”. It is the story of Patriots and Prostitutes in colonial Boston, based on the fact that John Hancock had a tawdry affair with a bordello owner named Griffith.

The story is significant because the characters are mired in a struggle against a tyrannical government. Bartenders, strumpets, ropemakers, sailors, candle-makers and merchants are all profoundly affected. When the redcoats arrive, the fun begins. What happens at the Snug Harbor Tavern stays at the Snug Harbor Tavern.