Sam Adams Would be Proud
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.