“Our U.S. Constitutional Republic”

Beyond just worthy of note, it would seem it should be a bit puzzling (if not concerning) that so many among us continue to use the misleading term “our democracy.”  Especially those within the ranks of our government.  And especially since there is very sound reason why our United States Pledge of Allegiance refers to our country as a Republic and our Declaration of Independence and Constitution do not mention the word democracy.

Yes, our country’s founders were very aware of the failures of prior democracies, such as ancient Athens and Rome.  They feared creating a government having too many similarities to a pure democracy.  They especially recognized the importance of ensuring the right of political dissent and protecting minority groups and individuals from the tyranny of the majority. 

They knew that a pure democracy could result in mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people could take away the rights of the other forty-nine.  And, through their experience, insight, and great wisdom, they put in place a one-of-its-kind constitutional republic—not a pure democracy. 

In so doing they passed to us a very special form of government where sovereignty deliberately rests with we the people.  Where we may act on our own or through our elected representatives to deal with issues, where our government is a servant of its people—where our government’s power comes from and is limited by its citizens.

Of course of our Constitutional Republic does include some likeness to a democracy, such as our use of democratic processes to elect our representatives, pass new laws, etc.  However, as opposed to a democracy, our U.S. Constitution limits our government’s power and spells out how our government is to be structured. 

As a result, our Constitutional Republic is divided into three separate but equal branches of government.  The Executive (Presidency), Legislative (Congress), and Judicial (Courts).   Our Constitution establishes that no branch has absolute power, therefore providing special checks and balances on our government system and protection for the “rule of law.” 

Hence, our U.S. Constitution is the life-blood of our truly unique and ever so precious “Republic”—especially designed to recognize and protect our unalienable (God-given) Rights of Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness.  An “individual liberty” safe-haven we must unfailingly protect and preserve.  A most crucial responsibility that must begin with our having a fact-based understanding of, and due appreciation for, the true by-design nature and intent of—not “our democracy”—but, rather, “our constitutional republic.”  One we must not let fall prey to foreign and domestic threats—none the least, that of an ever-growing government too often loaded with self-serving, self-perpetuating, power and influence craving officials.

It has often been written that, at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, “What have we got, a republic or a monarch?” Reportedly, his response was, “A republic if you can keep it.”     

                                                        

                                                         —William James Moore

=     =     =

[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 3 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, November 19-20, 2022 Edition.]

School Crossings—a “safe space” or “hazardous zone”?

The safety of our school children is dependent upon many things. Including extra-special attention to and compliance with the special signs, speed limits, and flashing lights, etc., at all so identified School Crossings. A responsibility that all drivers should need no special motivation in order to “voluntarily” respect.

And, in a perfect world, the “routine presence” of law enforcement at our School Crossings should not be necessary in order to protect the lives of our school children.  However, given the reality around us, “irresponsible driving behaviors” continue to sound a not to be ignored warning that the need for “enforced” law-abiding behavior too often exists!

Especially at threatening locations, such as that posed by northbound and southbound traffic approaching and passing through the School Crossing at 16th & Dirr in Parsons, Kansas. Time and again, while personally adhering to the signs, speed limits, and caution lights during active crossing times at this location, I and my husband have often been swiftly “passed” by drivers demonstrating gross and dangerous disregard of applicable law and the threats they pose to others. A most troubling observation very likely experienced by many concerned others.

Therefore, as the result of the irresponsibility of a most dangerous few, the lives of our school children seem more and more dependent upon how our crucially important law enforcement chooses to daily allocate increasingly challenged and limited resources.

As we all, by way of our individual roles and behaviors, determine whether our School Crossings are truly as intended “safe spaces”—or in reality, life-threatening “hazardous zones.” 

                                                            —Ann Moore
= = = = = = =

[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, October 29-30, 2022 Edition.]

Why vote?

U.S.-born or naturalized citizens, 18 years of age or older, thus far have a most precious—and much too often taken for granted or otherwise abused—U.S. Constitution-protected right to vote. A “liberty-essential right” under ongoing threat by enemies foreign and domestic. One also endangered by the many faces of “voter irresponsibility.” Including, but not limited to, votes cast in an uninformed, misinformed, or otherwise irrational manner. And also by the “least effort option”—i.e., simply not voting at all, and thus leaving one’s fate, and that of their loved ones, city, county, state, and country, to the wishes of those who do vote (responsibly or irresponsibly).

Our U.S. “mid-term” elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2022. At stake, many positions at federal and state levels. Such as, the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, state and territorial governors, state legislators, and various other state and local positions. With billions of dollars spent in an effort to retain or gain positions of power, influence, privilege, and responsibility. As millions strive to prepare themselves and others to be informed, rational, and otherwise responsible voters. While others let irrational thinking and time-worn excuses determine their voting (or not voting) behavior.

To aid those yet struggling with “Why vote?”—a source of ample motivation should be found in rational consideration of any one or more of today’s many life and liberty threatening realities. Such as, but certainly not limited to, record-high inflation; wide-spreading crime; rampant smuggling/use/abuse of addictive drugs; unsecured U.S. borders; illegal immigration; education issues; health care costs; American cultural deterioration and divisiveness; national security threats; disregard of U.S. Constitution; and an ever-growing and increasingly intrusive federal government; etc.

If one is still in need of a bit more justification to engage in some responsible voting, how about “our” U.S. National Debt? Yes, that truly shameful life and liberty destroying burden that we so-called adults are passing on to the backs of our nation’s youth and the yet unborn. A rapidly growing and unsustainable debt now exceeding some $31 Trillion (i.e., more than $93,000 per U.S. citizen; over $247,000 per U.S. taxpayer)—not including the rapidly increasing “interest” on said debt.

Of course the aforementioned National Debt does not include our so-to-speak “real ticking time bomb”—Unfunded Government Liabilities. That is, other federal debt obligations that do not have sufficient funds set aside for subsequent payment. Obligations such as Social Security, Medicare, federal public-held debt, federal employee and veterans benefits, etc. Yes, a U.S. Unfunded Liabilities debt burden now totaling more than $172 Trillion (i.e., over $516,000 per U.S. citizen).

As “we the people”—through our elected government representatives and un-elected bureaucrats—just keep on spending for that which someone else must at some point pay for, or otherwise suffer the unthinkable consequences.

While, in spite of it all, continuing to be absent in the lives of many will be a rationally determined and responsibly handled answer to—Why vote?

                                                             —William James Moore

= = = = = = =

[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, October 22-23, 2022 Edition.]

"ABSOLUTE POWER-101"

 

During the past 150 years or so, “hundreds of millions” of deaths are attributed to world dictators. The unthinkable legacy of truly reprehensible beings, such as China’s Chiang Kai-Shek and Mao Zedong; Russia’s/Soviet Union’s Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin; Germany’s Adolf Hitler; Japan’s Hirohito and Hideko Tajo; Congo’s King Leopold II; Turkey’s Esmail Enver Pasha; and North Korea’s Kim II Sung; etc. Not benevolent leaders, but Communists, Fascists, Marxists, etc. who ruled with absolute power.

Dictators whose contributions to humankind include lost liberty, murder, starvation, genocide, wars, massacre, enslavement, labor/death camps, death marches, and other unspeakable atrocities. A legacy of unimaginable suffering and destruction, and by no means erased by their passing—but one ongoing at the hand of like intentioned others.

And for most of my life I have been among the long-puzzled — about "how" any such heinous and malicious-intentioned beings can ever find the required level of support to establish and retain themselves in their self-serving positions of absolute control over the masses. However, the unprecedented nation dividing/destructive agenda of the so-called Biden administration has given rise to some painfully enhanced understanding on the subject!

Yes, an alarming awakening to the fact that “it” (lost liberty at the hand of absolute power) can in fact happen anywhere—even in America! A reality check revealed to me and others by simply opening our too often presumptuous and inattentive eyes and ears to what is happening around us!

To the long unthinkable reality that the precious liberty-enabling Constitutional Republic designed by America’s ever-so-wise Founding Fathers is now under serious and unprecedented threat!

However, and as opposed to the lies and other nation-dividing propaganda being spewed from the striving-to-be-dictator now occupying the People’s White House — NOT threatened by former President Trump, his Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda and supporters, other conservative-leaning patriotic citizens, and anyone else who does not agree with and support the Marxist-infested radical-left’s agenda.

But instead, threatened and under ever-more unrelenting siege by a Communist/Socialist/Marxist movement that—in addition to now occupying the people’s White House—has also, over the years, critically infested the U.S. Congress; government agencies such as the FBI, IRS, CDC, etc.; so-called mainstream media; Google, Facebook (Meta), Twitter, and other big-tech; big-Pharma; Administration and other staff of our educational institutions; Hollywood elite; U.S. Military; etc.

So it now is . . . after America’s Founding Fathers and others going to unprecedented effort and sacrifice to establish a government by and for the people — one void of positions of absolute power — there now is a self-serving, power abusing, corrupt, chronic liar, historically-demonstrated bigot/racist, in the people’s White House.  A career practitioner of "projectionism"— accusing others of what he actually is.

One now publicly spewing that I and likeminded others are “A Threat to Democracy”! Yes, this Trump and MAGA supporting old senior citizen and like-intentioned others are now branded and targeted as a blemish on America’s soul! Yes, we who just happen to also consider the crucial foundation blocks of our liberty enabling Constitutional Republic to be not Communism, Socialism, and Marxism, but, much to the contrary . . . our U.S. Constitution, Secured Borders, common language-English, and common-culture founded on Judeo-Christian values.

And now back to "how" the seekers of absolute power achieve their aims . . . seems very likely they do so by demonstrating an exceptionally special proficiency at being self-servingly responsive to our human weaknesses of ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counter-productive fear. 

                                                         ---William James Moore
= = =

“Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely”—Lord Acton (John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, (1834-1902), a leading 19th-century historian.

“THE BATTLE FOR AMERICA’S SOUL RAGES ON!!!”

Yes, the Bigot/Liar/Tyrant/Incompetent-in-Chief now infesting the People’s White House is scheduled to deliver a prime-time speech Thursday night, 09/01/2022, at 8 p.m. (ET), from Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA—before (of course) an invitation-only crowd—for what he calls “a battle for the soul of the nation.”

In reality, however, this so-called address to the nation will be a most shameful spewing of more anti-Trump, anti-Trump supporters, anti-conservatives, anti-American Patriots, anti-U.S. Constitution, anti-secured borders, and otherwise anti-America First rhetoric! As Biden and his Marxist puppet masters clamor—ahead of 2022 and 2024 elections—to maintain their destructive power-grip on our much threatened Constitutional Republic.

No, said speech will not just be another “divide-and-conquer” weapon targeted at any/all opposition to the radical-left’s Marxist agenda! This frantic endeavor of Democrat Party leadership will have the intent of labeling Trump and his supporters as essentially being “domestic terrorists”! While, with the aid of a corrupt and weaponized FBI, Media, and Big Tech, they—the radical-left accusers—strive to conceal that it is actually “they” who are our Country’s true existential threat “from within!”

Of course Marxism’s survival depends upon a lower-class ruled by an all-powerful upper-class, with no room for a thriving middle-class. And, for many years the Marxist-infested Radical-Left’s utter contempt for middle-class America was a bit more subtle. But then . . . along came Trump and the unrelenting promise of his America-first agenda. Hence, in the face of such threat to their power-grabbing aims . . . the radical-left’s long held contempt for middle-class America is now void of any resemblance of subtleness!

And so, radical-left puppet Biden will take the stage on September 1, 2022 in an attempt to demonstrate his tyrannical skills of projectionism . . . i.e., accusing others of the evils he and his supporters have in fact personally long been, and continue to be, self-absorbed practitioners and promoters of! 

                                                       ---William James Moore

"A Simple and Time-tested Solution"

When I and many of my dinosaur generation peers arrived in this world, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was about midway through his third term as U.S. President.   And while the search has been long and challenge-filled, I and no doubt countless others have at last come to realize that there exists—readily at hand—a truly simple and time-tested solution to most all of our needs and desires. That solution of course being—“more government.”  And not just any government, but one ever-growing and duly proficient at being self-servingly responsive to humankind’s self-destructive basking in ignorance, apathy, complacency, greed, denial, and counter-productive fear.

Yes, think student loans are unfair—just have “the government” forgive such debt.  Beginning to be inspired by all those unpursued “Help Wanted”/”Now Hiring” signs displayed across our nation—simply motivate “the government” to continue subsidizing unemployment.  Fed up with the weather and have an unrelenting craving to take charge of the ever-changing climate of our some 4.5 billion years old planet Earth—then merely encourage “the government” to pass billions of dollars of Climate Change legislation (as China, India, etc., march on with their fossil fuel powered energy sources).   And believe that large and small for-profit businesses don’t (by necessity) include “all” costs of doing business in the price of their respective products and services—then just have “the government” increase their taxes, and while at it hire thousands of additional IRS Agents to ensure payment thereof.

Furthermore, since the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will, in addition to other aspects, reportedly include a cap of prescription drug costs at $2,000 out-of-pocket annually for Medicare recipients—why stop there?   Yes, why not encourage “the government” to simply also legislatively decree a duly generous out-of-pocket cap on, for example, housing, food, clothing, utilities, all medical/dental services, transportation, communications, education, legal services, entertainment, etc.

Of course at this point some of the more trivia-inclined among us may be pondering just who in the heck will ultimately be called upon to pay for, and/or otherwise suffer the consequences of, all this so-called “free stuff”?  That is, “in addition to” our rapidly increasing and long out of control U.S. National Debt of now over $30 Trillion (some $92,000 per citizen; $243,000 per taxpayer).  To which there of course exists yet another very simple, long underway, and likewise shamefully pursued solution—that being, we so-called adults in the room just keep kicking the can of responsibility down the road to America’s now youth and the yet unborn.

                                                       —William James Moore 

=    =    =

[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, September 3-4, 2022 Edition.]

"ELECTIONS DO HAVE CONSEQUENCES"

As responsibly reported by the Parsons Sun’s July 7, 2022 edition and elsewhere, the Kansas Labette County Primary Election will be held August 2, 2022.  And in spite of overwhelming past and present evidence that elections “do have consequences,” history much more than suggests that responsible voter turnout will likely again be most apathetic.

Yes, history such as the approximate 33 percent of “eligible” U.S. citizens who reportedly chose not to vote in our nation’s 2020 general elections.  Or, a little closer to home: (1.) those among our city of Parsons population of “about” 9,400 or so, who chose to let a total of some 1,074 (771 Yes; 303 No) voters decide the fate of a sales tax issue during a November 2021 election; and (2.) the some 3,071 (68 percent) of the reported 4,506 eligible voters in the 2nd Commission District of Labette County, who chose to let some 1,435 (844 Yes; 591 No) voters determine the outcome of a December 7, 2021 Recall Election.  These of course being but a few from a shameful many of nationwide examples of voter-apathy.

Of course the consequences of our elections are certainly not alone influenced by the level of turnout.  But also by the extent of factually informed and otherwise rational behavior entailed in (or absent from) votes that are cast; overall integrity of our elections processes; and ultimate aims and performance of persons elected; etc.

Hence, throughout our life journey and regardless of what we Americans choose to do with our right to vote, it would seem especially noteworthy that the first three words of our U.S. Constitution read — “We the People.”  Such being a not to be forgotten or marginalized affirmation that our constitutional republic was designed and established to serve its citizens.   And a further validation that it is by way of our elections processes that “We the People” not only voice and duly administer—but also protect and preserve—our U.S. Constitution declared Sovereignty. “Not” sovereignty over “the” government” . . . but rather sovereignty over “our” government!

And, just in case our U.S. Constitution established aims of our government should ever escape our ever-more-distracted and otherwise increasingly challenged minds—the following “first 52 words” (i.e., Preamble) of said Constitution offer us a crucial memory-jog: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”  Truly consequential “life and liberty sustaining” aims . . . too often compromised or otherwise threatened, however, by humankind’s age old shortfalls of ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counter-productive fear.

                                                      —William James Moore

                                         
                                          =   =   =

[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, July 23-24, 2022 Edition.]

“RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS”

Being a recipient and/or donor of “wishes for happiness” seems to be a relatively common experience.  However, “how to actually achieve such” appears not so universal.

I first met herein spoken of friend and co-worker many years ago.   An at the time very respectable married lady; blessed with a young son and daughter, and like many parents, proud of them to a fault. 

At work we occasionally shared some self-proclaimed bits of wisdom (or youthful naivety) about life.   And knowing she was stretched rather thin between employment, family, church, social activities, etc., at times I would in jest suggest in her “spare time” she might determine and share the “meaning of life” and “recipe for happiness.” 

If my dear friend ever locked in on the “meaning of life,” I don’t recall her bringing such to my attention. However, what she did do one day was hand me a very special little note she had written which read: “The recipe for Happiness: (1.) Something to do; (2.) Someone to love; (3.) Something to hope for.”

In a most respectful effort to add a bit of perspective to her little note and recipe therein—it was written and shared by a lady whose life-challenges included, but were not limited to—the deaths of her husband and thereafter a most special soul mate; considerable workplace pressures; special single-parent child-rearing challenges; and a life-threatening battle with breast cancer. Throughout which she never seemed to lose her faith, hope, sense of humor, work ethic, or desire to pursue her . . . “Recipe for Happiness.”

Early one morning long ago she died suddenly and unexpectedly, at home, at a relatively young age.  And, knowing her as I did, my bet has always been that—if given the opportunity at the time of passing—her parting thoughts were very likely spiritual in nature and about her children’s wellbeing.

It seems that regardless of the aspects of good or poor health, wealth or poverty, fortune or misfortune, or other life circumstances—some of us will forever consider our glass to be only “half-full,” while others will choose to see theirs as being only “half-empty.”  As we seem to be surrounded by overwhelming evidence that much of what many of us pursue in our respective gift-of-life journeys, falls notably short of being a true and lasting “Recipe for Happiness.”

And, after all is said and done, it is likely that Abraham Lincoln touched upon a universal fact-of-life when he long ago reportedly expressed . . . “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”  

Of course, the merit and wisdom of Abe’s words also come with an often difficult challenge—“making up our minds”—“making the right choices.” 

Nevertheless, our ever so unique human design appears to include a very special tool to aid our doing so . . . a tool we have long ago labeled “free-will.” 

                                                             —William James Moore

                                       =     =     =

[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, July 09-10, 2022 Edition.]

=     =     =

[Photo of "Original" Note referenced in "above" writing.]

“COMMONSENSE SCHOOL SECURITY”

Historically, our local newspaper in SE Kansas, the Parsons Sun, has responsibly included Public Mind articles and other publications concerning humankind’s struggle with an array of tragedies. None the least, the unspeakably horrific massacre carried out on May 24, 2022 at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

And as various political leaders and others choose to use such pain and suffering for self-serving gain, growing numbers of others (especially within younger generations) fearfully, hopelessly, but nevertheless “mistakenly,” consider such atrocities to be an unpreventable norm. While others among us hold the view that murder of our school children “is not” in America’s DNA, and we so-called adults-in-the-room should have long ago insisted—and must now demand—that “commonsense security” be established and unfailingly enforced at “all” of our educational institutions.

Yes, we must immediately cease leaving the lives of our school children and others at the mercy of Gun Free Zone signs; unrealistic promises of preventing evil-doers’ access to their weapons of choice; and other ill-conceived “thou shall nots” which evil-doers care less about. Instead, we must employ commonsense security including an effective mix of unrelentingly enforced “pro-active” and “reactive” measures. Security acknowledging and responsibly addressing the basic “Rules of Survival.” That is, one must be willing and able to: (1.) timely “recognize” true threats to one’s survival; and (2.) not only “have,” but also “timely execute” effective pro-active and reactive defenses against such.

Common sense further dictates that responsible design of effective school security can also benefit from lessons-learned by way of various related and long-standing human behaviors. For example, when faced with real and/or perceived threats, it is noteworthy that most if not all surviving nations, many successful businesses, an array of political leaders, as well as countless private citizens, etc., have long responded with both “preventative (pro-active)” and “defensive (reactive)” measures that include properly trained and equipped “armed personnel.” Supplemented of course by available and as deemed applicable use of state-of-the-art security systems technology, etc.

It is further noteworthy that not so long ago the curriculum of many of our schools responsibly included gun use, safety, marksmanship, etc. Seemingly much simpler days, since replaced by times when a simple hand-drawn picture of a weapon has been the basis of expulsion efforts. As generations are now increasingly overwhelmed with access to legal/ill-legal drugs that are not only mood/mind-altering but often life-threatening; dehumanizing video games entailing make-believe terrorism; and social media technology that can encourage the most anti-social and otherwise destructive sides of humankind.

And also worthy of our special concern, the false security depicted by the Gun Free Zone signs on doors of our schools has not only served to encourage the evil-doers, such void of common sense signage has also served as a “daily indoctrination” of attending youth and adults with the anti-U.S. Constitution Second Amendment message that “guns are bad.”  Yes, the same generations that will one day occupy the seats of political power and otherwise responsibility throughout our ever-so-challenged nation. —William James Moore

=     =     =

[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12, 2022 Edition.]

"DOING THE RIGHT THING"

It is of course far from a news flash that humankind’s failings have never been in short supply, including those of a malevolent nature. While much too often overlooked or otherwise marginalized are the many examples of folks “doing the right thing” — including, but not limited to, those concerning efforts to prevent and/or pursue accountability for “animal cruelty.”

Encouraging and inspirational examples such as, but not limited to: (1.) the Parsons Sun’s very informative and duly emphasized news publications; (2.) the Parsons Police Department’s very professional and aptly prioritized investigations and arrests; and (3.) the ever-so-crucial reporting by and otherwise support of various concerned citizens.

With the above humankind pros and cons in mind, attention is drawn to the animal cruelty case reported on the front pages of the Sun’s May 11 and May 13, 2022 publications, concerning “Midus” — an emaciated male dog found tangled in its cable in the backyard of a house in our proud city of Parsons; in poor health; in grass close to a foot tall; so thin that his ribs were showing; with no food found in yard; and only available water suspected to be that from large amounts of recent rain. A terribly suffering and life-threatened Midus discovered “by-chance” and “responsibly reported” by an Evergy employee — as it seems especially noteworthy that subsequent contacts with neighbors reportedly indicated that the owners had “not been at the house for at least a couple of weeks.”

From our so-called superior human perspective, it often seems that for the most part our cats just “tolerate” us. While, much to the contrary, dogs “appear” blessed (possibly burdened) with the capacity for “unconditional affection” for we humans — and in some cases, even for the most undeserving among us. And their loss or abuse is especially felt by those fortunate to experience, and duly respect and appreciate, their truly special and much too limited time with us.

And if our pets ever become equipped with human language, it seems very likely that early-on one of their most passionate and historically justified requests of humankind will include the following plea . . . “If any among them become abandoned or otherwise abused, please personally and very timely “do the right thing” — and leave not their fate to the unpredictability and otherwise uncertainty that “someone else” may by-chance one day discover their plight and react responsibly.”

Of course, the crucial importance of such responsible and commonsense behavior has long been emphasized in a number of ways—none the least via our Parsons Police Department’s ongoing encouragement that we citizens responsibly step up and “see it, hear it, report it.” Even at the risk of possibly offending someone, and even in the face of the long standing reality that at times no good deed goes unpunished in some way.

                                                                 —James & Ann Moore

= = =

[ The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, May 21-21, 2022 Edition. ]

“AMERICA’S LONGEST WAR”

U.S. “drug overdose deaths” reached their highest point ever recorded last year (exceeding 100,000 over 12 months). As, in both 2020 and 2021, “fentanyl overdose” was reportedly the leading cause of death among 18 to 45 year olds—taking more lives than COVID-19, car accidents, firearms misuse, suicide, and cancer. While America’s longest (and likely costliest) war—the “War on Drugs”—continues on with no end in sight. One declared by President Nixon over 50 years ago, while targeting “drug abuse” as “public enemy number one in the U.S.”

Of course Fentanyl—a synthetic opioid created in 1960 and approved for U.S. medical use in 1968—is merely one of many addictive substances abused by countless, along with but not limited to, heroin, cocaine, barbiturates, alcohol, nicotine, THC (found in marijuana), etc. As addictive-drugs and their positive and negative effects appear to have been around since the beginning. For example, the Sumerians’ (of ancient Babylonia) use of opium, reportedly traceable to 5000 B.C.; the earliest record of alcohol production, reportedly traceable to an Egyptian brewery in 3500 B.C.; and tobacco use, reportedly introduced into Europe in 1493 by Columbus and his crew returning from America.

The U.S. “prevailing views” regarding drug abuse, dependency, and addiction, seem to be that the “root-cause” rests with: (1.) drug users; (2.) drugs, drug-smugglers, dealers, and other sources; and (3.) neither the drug users or sources. Consequently, our long underway “War on Drugs” continues to entail “drug policy” subject to debate and change—with some favoring drug-criminalization and supply-sided focus, while others push for drug-legalization.

And after years of well-intentioned and ill-intentioned efforts, untold billions of taxpayer dollars, and unthinkable human tragedy, little seems to have really changed. A failure not unique to 21st century endeavors. For example, in A.D. 1650 timeframe, use of tobacco was reportedly prohibited in Bavaria, Saxony, and Zurich. A prohibition nevertheless “ineffective,” even given the Ottoman Empire’s decree of the death penalty for smoking tobacco. Yes, in spite of the horrors of beheading, hanging, quartering, or crushing hands and feet, the passion for smoking tobacco still persisted—as it does for countless millions world-wide yet to this day!

Could it be our “prevailing-views” about drug abuse, dependency, and addiction fall short of duly acknowledging the true root-cause of “demand” relative to both legal and illegal “addictive drugs.” Observing, for example, that it is “mind/mood-altering drugs”—and not “do-it-yourself root canal kits,” or “spare parts for pay telephone booths,” etc.,—that are being irresponsibly prescribed, smuggled through our borders, purchased, and abused.

Yes, given “less demand” for perpetual feel-good status and otherwise unnatural escape from life’s various uncomfortable challenges, etc., there just might be “less market” for substances that destroy the more truly sustaining and fulfilling aspects of one’s gift of life journey.

As many continue to ponder the likely futility in considering chemicals (pills/shots) and/or punitive (punishment) measures as ever being “effective solutions” to what could well be a “spiritual problem.”       —William James Moore 05/02/2022

- - - - - -

[The above also published as a Public Mind article in local newspaper, the Parsons Sun, Weekend edition, April 30 – May 1, 2022]

“A REPUBLIC IF YOU CAN KEEP IT”

Not all that far south of the U.S. exists the country of Venezuela. A bit larger than Texas; a little more than half the size of Alaska. With a January 2022 population estimated at about 28 million, as compared to some 332 million in the U.S.

Venezuela once ranked high among the wealthiest and most thriving economies in the world. About 60 years ago or so even surpassing China and Japan in per capita income. A country with petroleum reserves still today recognized as being among the largest (if not “the” largest) in the world. 

As many of its citizens once basked in the luxury of a thriving health care system, and an array of other so-called never-ending free-stuff, dispensed by a government infested with radical-socialism, uncontrolled spending, and lust for self-serving power and control.

But, in about the blink of a mere decade or so—it all changed for Venezuela! Yes, and not that long ago, one of the wealthiest and most thriving nations on Earth was caught in years of a yet underway downward spiral. Into an increasingly devastating abyss of growing political and civil discontent, corrupt elections, hopeless civil protests, skyrocketing hyperinflation, utility and transportation disruptions, a nationalized petroleum industry, and critical shortages of food, medicine, and other life and health sustaining essentials.

A human tragedy prompting millions of Venezuelans to flee their country in recent years. Including many to the U.S.—a country that seems to include a growing many who (through ignorance and/or intent) strive to take the U.S. down the path of Venezuela, Cuba, and other ultimately liberty-destroying countries.

At this point a most fitting question would seem to be, “What must exist to keep the U.S. from becoming yet another failed nation of economic disaster and lost liberty?” 

And, in brief, a rational response would appear to include “The crucial Foundation Blocks of our truly unique and most precious Constitutional Republic.” Such as: (1.) the U.S. Constitution; (2.) secured U.S. borders; (3.) a U.S. common language-English; (4.) a U.S. common culture founded on Judeo-Christian values and principles; (5.) legitimate U.S. elections at all levels of government; and (6.) an adequate number of informed and actively engaged legal U.S. voters, and occupants in all roles of government, capable and willing to unyieldingly protect, defend, and responsibly apply Foundation Blocks (1.) through (5.).

It has often been written that, at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, “What have we got, a republic or a monarch?” Reportedly, his response was, “A republic if you can keep it.” 

And history will duly record whether each generation of Americans continues to be recipient of the torch of responsibility for a yet protected, preserved, and thriving “Constitutional Republic USA” . . . or, one day cursed with the lost liberty abyss of another "Venezuela"?  

                                                      —William James Moore

                                  

                                            =   =   =

[The above was also included in the Public Mind section on page 4 of the Parsons Sun’s Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, January 22-23, 2022 Edition.]

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!

As the end of February 2022 draws near—Oh what a difference a year makes!

Yes, just a bit more than a year ago—America was energy “independent” and selling oil to the rest of the world; had not lost the life of any U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan for over a year or so; and the people’s White House was occupied by patriotic leadership unrelentingly and successfully dedicated to pro-America/America-first policies and agenda. An Administration focused on the U.S. economy, national security, control of our southern border, and on otherwise making and keeping America great again. And the monthly tab for filling one’s gas tank was not in likeness to making a payment on an auto or home mortgage.

However, in just a bit more than one year later—America has is no now not only energy “dependent,” and begging other countries to ramp-up their oil production, but is also “now buying oil” from other nations—including, but not limited to the continued (after Sanctions) yearly purchase of over a half million barrels of oil from “Russia”!

Yes, the same Russia upon which the now White House occupant announced (on 24 February 2022) “sanctions” for its Putin-directed invasion of Ukraine. Yes, the same Ukraine whose borders and sovereignty the now White House occupant has dedicated U.S. military personnel and other resources to protect - - - as America’s southern border remains unprotected from continued and unprecedented invasion by illegal aliens.

And, yes the same now White House occupant ultimately responsible for America’s disastrous and embarrassing exit from Afghanistan, which cost of the lives of many U.S. military personnel and others, and left countless Americans and American allies behind enemy lines.

Yes, the same now White House occupant who, at the drum beat of his Marxist-rooted radical-left puppet masters, continues to unrelentingly impose on “We the People” . . . not a pro-America/America-first agenda, but rather, one insanely and nation-destructively consumed with “Racism,” “Wokeism,” “Critical Race Theory,” “1619 Project,” “Equity in lieu of Equality,” “Collectivism in lieu of Individual Freedom,” “Political Correctness,” “Identity Politics,” “So-Called Save-the-Planet Climate Change,” and other “Divide, Conquer, & Control” weapons of America’s “enemies within.”

Oh yes, what a difference a year can make! And, elections (legitimate or otherwise) do have consequences!

As will our country’s 2020 Mid-Term Elections and 2024 General (Presidential) Elections—likely liberty’s last stand in this ever-so-precious and much under assault Constitutional Republic!

                                                          —William James Moore

AMERICA’S “RACIST-BIGOT-IN-CHIEF”

Be not distracted or deceived, America! On January 20, 2021 a “Nation-Uniter” and “Savior of America’s Soul” was NOT installed in the people’s White House! Much to the contrary, on that ever so fateful date our country was not only cursed with a radical-left puppet master controlled “Commander-in-Chief” of the most powerful military on Earth, but within the same taxpayer-funded self-serving career-politician body—an also dyed in the wool “Racist-Bigot-in-Chief”!

What follows is but one example from a Joe Biden-historical many:

On January 27, 2022, in a joint White House appearance of Biden and Stephen Breyer, America officially learned of age 83 Breyer’s plans to retire from the U.S. Supreme Court at the end of the current term, after more than 27 years on the court.

Thus paving the way for Biden to appoint a successor for the court’s now oldest member and one of three remaining liberal Justices. A replacement who could potentially be on the court for decades, and in at least the short term maintain the current 6-3 split between conservative and liberal justices.

During same appearance, Biden renewed his campaign trail promise to “nominate a Black woman to the court.” No, not a promise to nominate the “most qualified” person, regardless of gender, race, etc. But, instead, and in keeping with the truly racist-infested identity-politics demands of the radical-left—a promise to in effect “exclude” any consideration of potentially more qualified nominations from other races, men, etc.).

Clearly, a most blatant and shameful “racist” and “bigoted” behavior. And one that would indisputably bring about 24/7 media supported boycotts, riots, lootings, arson—and otherwise ultimate ruination—of any American business that chose to do same. That is, publicly declared an intent to hire employees of only “one particular gender and/or race.”

Truly reprehensible behavior on the part of Biden, and in shameful disregard and disrespect of the nation-healing tone of the following ‘content of character’ message of not so long ago . . . “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), American Christian minister; activist; leader in Civil Rights Movement.

Powerful words taken from King’s now-famous “I Have a Dream” speech he passionately delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, to a “March for Jobs and Freedom” crowd of some 250,000 people spread across the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963.

Of course, Biden’s divisive “racist” “bigoted” behavior—and that of like-behaving others—does not just entail some truly shameful words one day entered in the dust collecting books of history. But also, and much more relevantly, are self-serving Marxist-rooted weapons that destroy the liberty, hopes, dreams, and lives of countless.

And, speaking of Marxist-rooted weapons—anyone taking opposition to Biden’s “racist” “bigoted” behavior will of course be unrelentingly declared to be, yes, you guessed it—an irredeemable and despicably deplorable “racist” and “bigot”! That long and effectively used radical-left weapon of loudly and incessantly “accusing their foe” of being that which “they actually are.” An anti-America weapon that so-called mainstream media and big-Tech willfully and without fail dedicate their liberal-biased support to.

Sinister mindsets and behaviors that, if not timely and effectively confronted and successfully countered, have historically resulted in irreversibly failed nations of lost liberty and other human tragedy, such as, to site but a few—that entailed with Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, as well as China’s hundreds of forced labor detention camps (prisons).

Yes, it is to the demise of present and future generations of Americans that we, the now so-called adults in the room, be distracted, deceived, silent, and unresponsive to the many “faces of evil” and our nation’s “enemies within”—none the least, those infesting our government and other positions of power, authority, and otherwise influence over others. 

                                                          —William James Moore

“CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC”; “NATION OF LAWS”; & “OATHS OF OFFICE” — A “REFRESHER-101”

In a country basking in envy-of-the-world liberty “entrusted to” federal/state/local government, judicial courts, law enforcement, etc.—rational thinking would suggest that the meaning and importance of “Constitutional Republic,” “Nation of Laws,” and “Oaths of Office” would rank high among that which its citizens keep relatively fresh in mind. Especially given the hundreds of billions of dollars spent yearly on taxpayer-funded education, and untold time and fortune consumed with an array of 24/7 state-of-the-art media.

But not so, as much to the contrary “we the people” become ever-the-more self-destructively overwhelmed by the many faces of Marxist-rooted “divide, conquer, & control” weapons,” such as: Racism, Wokeism, Transgenderism, Fair Share, Reparations, Climate Change, Identity Politics, White Privilege, Gender Neutrality, White Supremacy, Victims, Oppressors, so-called “somewhat peaceful” Protests, Insurrection, Gender Pronouns, Equality, Critical Race Theory, etc.

Therefore, and in an effort to prevent crucial liberty-sustaining foundations such as “Constitutional Republic,” “Nation of Laws,” and “Oaths of Office,” etc., from totally crumbling into America-destroying obscurity—the following “Refresher-101” is offered for consideration:

(1.) “NATION OF LAWS”: The United States of America is often referred to as a “Nation of Laws” . . . in lieu of men [or women]. Meaning that, from the unprecedented wisdom, courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of America’s Founding Fathers, “we the people” have been gifted a most unique and envy of the world nature of government, wherein we are (supposed to be) governed by “laws,” and not by the emotional or otherwise irrational mindset of “people.” And not just any laws, but by those stated in and otherwise legislatively supported by the U.S. Constitution. A most unique and precious Constitution that includes a “Bill of Rights” (first ten amendments to the Constitution) specifically added early-on by America’s Founding Fathers to ensure the liberty and freedom of American citizens.

(2.) “CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC”: Hence, and furthermore, the U.S. is by wise design and with liberty-ensuring intent a “Constitutional Republic.” And, NOT a “pure democracy”—where the view of 51 percent can determine the fate of a 49 percent minority. This being a “highly relevant distinction” that unfortunately, through ignorance and/or intent, a shameful many of the occupants of all branches of our government; the administrators and other staff of our educational institutions; and our so-called mainstream media; etc., too often fail to responsibly acknowledge . . . as they continue to spew misleading utterances about “our democracy”! Seemingly unaware, for example, that there is sound reason why our U.S. Pledge of Allegiance refers to our country as a “Republic,” and why our Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution do not mention the word “democracy.”

(3.) “OATHS OF OFFICE”: Oaths of office and allegiance have of course been aspects of an array of governments for countless centuries. For example, when the United States were colonies of Great Britain, government officials swore allegiance to the King. While Colonial and state legislatures also used various oaths requiring members to swear allegiance to the state, and to often also profess a belief in God.

Ultimately, America’s Founding Fathers decided to require in the U.S. Constitution an oath for federal and state officials that did not include a “religious test.” However, the specifics—such as wording of the oath—were left to the First Congress (1789-1791). As a result, in its first legislative act, the Oath of Office bill, specifying the following simple text, was signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives on May 21, 1789, and signed into law by President George Washington on June 1, 1789: “I do solemnly swear or affirm (as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States.”

The form of the oath has changed many times since the “first legislative act” of Congress. However, the oath used today by the U.S. Vice President and Members of Congress has reportedly not changed since 1966; is prescribed in Title 5, Section 3331 of the U.S. Code; and reads as follows: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”

And then there’s the somewhat different and much shorter oath used by the U.S. President. One specifically prescribed in Article II, Section 1, Clause 8 of the Constitution; contains 35 words; and reads as follows: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Yes, the above being the same U.S. Presidential oath to which President George Washington reportedly added the words “so help me God”; a practice thereafter and so far included “traditionally” by every U.S. President except Theodore Roosevelt. As, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, all but two presidents have also placed their hand on a Bible while saying the oath. Reportedly, Theodore Roosevelt did not use a Bible for his first inauguration; and John Quincy Adams took the oath upon a book of the law. Whereas, in 2013 Barack Obama took the oath using two Bibles, one once owned by Abraham Lincoln and the other by Martin Luther King Jr.

=    =    =

And, as (1.) through (3.) above fall deeper into the abyss of anti-America obscurity . . . more and more of “We the People” continue to self-destructively encourage and tolerate being governed not by the U.S. Constitution, but by shouts; screams; cries; hurt feelings; accusations of uncaringness; so-called “mostly peaceful” protests (riots, looting, and arson); corrupted elections; the expressed wishes and/or votes of illegal aliens; real and/or imagined prejudice; the anti-America agendas of so-called Big-Tech; political activists posing as so-called mainstream media; etc.; etc.; and by the otherwise many faces of ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counterproductive fears.

As the Founding Fathers of our U.S. Constitutional Republic—our Nation of Laws—are no doubt painfully turning over in their graves. In agonizing sorrow and disbelief of the growing many who willfully disregard their sacred Oaths of Office. As, through ignorance and/or intent, many other of today’s so-called adults-in-the-room otherwise destroy, or tolerate the destructions of, humankind’s “best hope” for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

                                                              

                                                              —William James Moore

“A RADICAL-LEFT INSURANCE POLICY FOR ALL OCCASSIONS”:

(A Truly Caring and Compassionate Heads-Up: If you are averse to painfully lengthy writings, and those that use a touch of sarcasm in an in good-faith effort to stress very serious concerns, you might wish to spend your reading time on something other than the following.)

If there is anything that just possibly might “outnumber” the multitude of things the radical-left seems to find offensive, it would likely be the “countless types of insurance policies” available in today’s world. Yes, if one can afford the premiums, one can “insure against” about most anything having the threatening potential of disrupting one’s status-quo (e.g., loss of homes, autos, personal belongs, jobs, health, etc., etc., etc.).

So, it only stands to reason that there would be a wide range of insurance policies offering various levels and natures of protection against “THE THREAT OF TRUMP.” Including policies especially named and otherwise tailored for special clients, such as the Democrat Party infested radical-left. And, when the policy owners have unlimited access to the taxpayer-funded public treasury, the premium (cost to America) obviously falls in the sack of “no concern”—or, as a much corrupt Hillary would say, “at this point, what difference does it make!”

Hence, we have the radical-left’s ever-expanding portfolio of insurance policies, including, but not limited to, those named: “Russian Hoax”; “Impeachment”; “24/7 Fake-News”; “Etc.” As well as proudly owned radical-left polices named “THE INSURRECTION” and “THE JANUARY 6 COMMITTEE.” Special long-term insurance policies, which will continue to involve as-needed public-disclosed claims against the ever-present “THREAT OF TRUMP”; claims that will of course increase in frequency and magnitude as our country’s 2022 Mid-Term Elections get closer.

Yes, well-timed and craftily-formatted public-disclosures of insurance claims submitted to the brokers and other Marxist backers of radical-left owned policies named “The Insurrection” and “The January 6 Committee.” Public-disclosures aimed at making sure that “we the people” clearly understand and never forget that there is a “big difference” between “mostly peaceful protests” and “insurrection.”

Whereas, “MOSTLY PEACEFUL PROTESTS” are, for example—the time and time again rioting, burning, vandalizing, pillaging, looting, terrorizing, and otherwise destruction of America’s cities, businesses, homes, government buildings, treasured historical statues/artifacts, etc., by individuals and groups considered appropriate by the radical-left.

Where, on the other hand, “INSURRECTION” is, for example, and indisputably so—what took place in Washington, D.C. on January 06, 2021. When one of the most heavily and state-of-the art protected facilities in the World—our nation’s Capital—was breached! Not by a heavily-armed special forces team from Russia, Iran, North Korea, or our ever-growing number on existential threat, China—but, by “The Mob”! And NOT by just any “Mob”! But, naturally and predictably by a “Mob” identified with President Trump and his ever-more-threatening deplorable supporters! Yes, breached even after the Capital Police had been warned in advance by the FBI, that the crowd of U.S. citizens assembling at “the people’s” federal government facilities on January 06, 2021, was likely to include some especially unruly individuals, etc.

Yes, a January 6, 2021 “INSURRECTION”—even after the FBI’s subsequent investigation reported finding “no evidence” of intent to overthrow our government, or otherwise ties to Trump. An FBI investigation that in turn has yet to publicly reveal why, on January 06, 2021, Speaker Pelosi (to whom the Capital Police report) chose to “conveniently” purchase yet another insurance policy against “THE THREAT OF TRUMP”—instead of responsibly providing for proper security of our nation’s capital. —William James Moore