Participatory Democracy

A tragedy in Tucson this Saturday past has reminded us of the risk of participation in public life.   That participation however is part of democracy.  Life risk usually is not the cost of it in the United States of America.  There have been few members of Congress attacked or slain, as well a Presidents and Judges in the history of the United States.  We have a good public record when public assassination or attempts to it is examined.

These attempts do not and will not cow our democracy.  We are hurt and wounded but not disabled.  The personal injury by Tucson’s shootings to the bystanders and the dead and wounded are not forgotten by their fellow countrymen.  Nor are the ideals by which we communicate meet and govern with our elected officials.

Mending and  re-shouldering is our standard.  We continue, and we remember.  We hurt and we heal. 

Ballots are not stolen here by bombs or bullets.  The people govern.

Other than mad bulls, as appears likely in Arizona’s tragic weekend and  barring conspiracies, our public political life endures and endures well.

Let us pray and ponder these lives and do as they would want us to do.  Lead and join  and live in America.

Sadly, a young child, and there could have been many, was killed in the Tucson shooting.   That youth would be lost and disillusioned by fear or errant adult activity is the possible cost of that tragic morning.   It will not be a madman’s teaching to us.  As a nation, we  encourage the opposite. 

Politics – the art and science of reaching and according power among ourselves for government is noble.  Its participation begins with interest.  May that be taught  to our youth, and  the victims, especially the young remain instilled with patriotism and pleasure in their growth at that duty.

As to the cheap hot buzz and bicker bait of gun control – people who are disabled or mentally ill or intoxicated should not have access to automobiles.  And to firearms or other weapons?

Secure the public meeting -  a doorman would have been nice like an alert sergeant –at-arms; share the public risk information – pooled and checked as necessary and further ourselves as a nation of self-governance.

G is Part of the Demand in GDP

Incoming Republicans making a point in the new House of Representatives Majority should remember the importance of Government spending constancy in the  economic recovery.

Often derided as taxes from incomes and working people thrown away on nothing; Government spending is consumption.  When the private sector slacks off, the recession begins – unless Government spends.

As an economic prong, it should modernly be receded gradually or addressed with a savings brake to cool an inflated heated economy.

Perhaps the GOP would like to address it again with a symbolic $1 spending cut to make the point.  Yes other and real cuts are there and waste and appropriations re-direction are part of politics.  But, lets keep the G up in the whole economics equation.