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Morning Advocate
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Published: Oct 14, 2010 -
Page: 8B
Deviate from the liberal political persuasion of
The Advocate’s editorial staff and you are
branded as being on the “fringe.” Perhaps the
editorial staff should do a little investigative
journalism before they put to print their
opinions.
Over 40 percent of Americans identify themselves
as being conservative whereas 20 percent
consider themselves to be liberal. Perhaps then,
we, the readers, should be identifying The
Advocate’s editorial staff as being on the
fringe.
I personally consider myself to be a strict,
constitutional constructionist. Fancy words for
meaning that I believe we should follow the
purpose and intent of the Constitution. Does
that mean for example, as The Advocate stated,
not have a national interstate system just
because it is not mentioned in the Constitution?
Let me think. Oh, yes, I believe there is that
little phrase that the federal government, i.e.
Congress, is responsible for interstate
commerce. Now, if our representatives feel that
our interstate commerce can be improved by a
national interstate system, it is in their power
to create such.
Let me give you an example of where our federal
government has over extended its authority.
Nowhere in the Constitution do you find that it
is the responsibility of the federal government
to provide for education. Does that mean I am
against education? Far be it! Having benefited
from receiving an advanced degree, I full well
know the value of education. The problem is that
it should be left to the states to provide for
the education of their own citizens.
The further we separate the dollar being spent
from the end user, in this case the student, the
more inefficient the process and leads to
government waste. There is no need for a federal
Department of Education. Cut out that level of
bureaucracy and you can provide even more for
our children.
I could give numerous other examples of where
our federal government has over- stepped the
intentions and design of the principles set
forth by the Founding Fathers of our country. I
have never been to a tea party event, but I
would support the majority of its agenda. Since
when should those who support returning to our
heritage and the view of government as
established by our Founding Fathers be labeled
as being on the “kookier fringe”?
I would think that an educated editor would
refrain from name-calling. Might I suggest a
more intellectual presentation of the argument
from both sides. Wow, what an idea! Actually try
to educate your readership instead of trying to
insult them. I would encourage a series of
articles supporting both ideologies presented in
a nonconfrontational format. Let the reader then
decide for themselves who is on the “fringe.”
- Keith Holmes, Physician - Central
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