Organizing For Freedom

How has government changed since the founding of our nation? We quote Thomas Jefferson when we speak of the separation of church and state, but what has he spoken about our government in other areas?

In chapter 14, page 421 in the Writings of Thomas Jefferson, by Bergh, he writes, "The way to have good and safe government is not to trust it all to one, but to divide it among the many, distributing to every one exactly the functions he is competent to [perform best]. Let the national government be entrusted with the defense of the nation, and its foreign and federal relations; the State governments with the civil rights, laws, police, and administration of what concerns the State generally; the counties with the local concerns of the counties, and each ward [township] direct the interests within itself. It is by dividing and subdividing these republics, from the great national one down through all its subordinations, until it ends in the administration of every man's farm by himself; by placing under every one what his own eye may superintend, that all will be done for the best. What has destroyed liberty and the rights of man in every government which has ever existed under the sun? The generalizing and concentrating all cares and powers into one body, no matter whether of the autocrats of Russia or France, or of the aristocrats of a Venetian senate.”

Rep. Bob Inglis (R-S.C.) who just lost by 42 points in his primary, recently said to GreenvilleOnline.com that the “fear-driven conservative movement . . . will ultimately die out and cost the party dearly unless leaders resist the ‘demagoguery’ and ‘misinformation’ of its figureheads.”

According to conservative ratings, Inglis has been good on legislative votes. So you’d think, instead of insulting his base, he’d be saying this White House has raised demagoguery and misinformation to new levels. He’d say the left spews hate.

Legislative vote ratings, however, don’t measure leadership — or humility.

The piece goes on to say that Inglis “believes a majority of Republicans in Congress think similarly . . . but are afraid to speak out because ‘hot’ voices in television and radio talks shows have the microphone and are driving angry voters.”

But it’s Inglis — and like-minded Republicans — who make people angry.