Posted by
Countryman on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 8:52:54 AM
Ike's comment added to his article, "Adieu to the Grand Old Party" gave me an idea.
He said:
I think that part of the "fight" is going to be educating the public about the horrible side-effects of constantly demanding that the government "do something" for them or about some problem, real or imaginary. Ceaselessly, we need to remind them with plain language and the most direct examples from history - preferably U.S. history - of the consequences of that demanding attitude. Ah, well, if it was easy ....
I have read numerous press releases given out by legislators touting the new bill they sponsored or voted for, the headlines reading something of the stock phrase: Congressman Smith has announced the passage of a bill to put two chickens in every pot!
Rarely have I seen it announced in that press release the cost or strings attached, or infringement of individual liberties involved in putting those two chickens in every pot. The constituents think (if they give it any thought at all) that: 1) someone else will pay for it, 2) the loss of personal liberty is insignificant compared to the benefit, or 3) the amount needed to pay for it is so miniscule compared to the total budget of the government that it will hardly be felt in the taxpayers' pocket.
Perhaps a way to bring the cost to the public's attention is to issue a release citing the costs of a bill without the benefits mentioned, a reverse of what the politician does.
For example: Congressman Smith has supported a bill, Senate Bill 4302x, that increases taxes by $50 million. It also restricts individuals from doing xyz on their own property. Smith, a Republican, joined with 140 Democrat congressmen to say "This bill is a landmark piece of legislation which makes the lives of Americans easier."
But never, ever mention the benefits the congressman touts. Sure, it's a bit of selective reporting, but it's not lying to the people. If they want to, they can look up the piece of legislation and find the goodies for themselves; but why help the wayward congressman in his quest for reelection?
Perhaps an enterprising individual could start a website called something like "Strings Attached", go through every daily piece of legislation and press release, and print the truth that lies beneath the magic fount.