Column: Trust Your Own Judgement

These are confusing times, and many things are different from what they used to be. Everyone thinks they know better and will try to convince you they know what's best for you. We are being bombarded from all sides with opinions presented as facts to sway your opinion. Political campaigns today are not about fair competition between the candidates to win your vote. They are about doing whatever it takes to obliterate the opponent by raising massive amounts of money to convince you they can change the trajectory of government to address your every need. Sadly, the government always believes it can solve every problem, and it tells us it is doing great things for us despite our personal experiences. Yet, election after election, we are told how bad the prior seat holder was. Common sense and history tell us that government creates more problems than it solves. Just look at how far in debt we are today. Not long ago, we were shocked when the U.S. Debt crested $20 trillion, and now, we just surpassed $35 trillion, and the spending isn't slowing down. Who can you trust to make decisions that are in the best interest of you and your family? All the candidates talk a good story, but once in office, it's about power and money for them. If they do take action to give you something, a tax credit, a loan, or legislation that addresses one of your concerns, do they pay for it, or do you fund it through the taxes we pay while they pat themselves on the back? Over the years, many of the problems we face today are the result of constitutional interpretations that allowed the federal government to assume more authority than it was granted by the Constitution. As the federal government expanded its control that was originally outlined for the states, the citizens lost a voice on issues that should have been at the state level. So, who should have the greatest voice over you and your family? An elected representative that must work through 535 other Congressional members? A president who can decide to take action with or without congressional or judicial support? A political party that may or may not have even spelled out what their intentions are before you vote? Or should you have a stronger voice in the actions your government takes on your behalf? As the years pass, it seems clear we go from election to election, always hoping for the best, but in the end, becoming disillusioned by the outcome. We zigzag from party to party, hoping for a different outcome or just leaving the same people in power term after term. We know the Federal establishment will never limit its own power, nor be governed by the laws they require us to follow. We see non-elected, long-term agency bureaucrats who wield more power than some elected officials. We all see examples of abuse, which leaves us few options: We can be led like sheep and be grateful for what we have, or we can take the initiative, learn more about our government, the candidates asking for your vote, and the policies they intend to enact, and try to hold them accountable, which isn't all that easy. I believe we've reached the point with what I see taking place today, that it's time we the people need to seek relief and reaffirm control over the federal government. The Founders gave us an emergency tool to fix Washington, D.C. as they recognized that the thirst for more power creates oppression. We must use it before it is too late. Even when good people go to D.C. as elected officials, they lack the power to fix the structural problems now destroying our country. Changes in personnel can only correct a structural problem. Only a Convention of States has the power to repair the damage and halt the federal government from eroding the liberties of sovereign citizens. Learn more at COSAction (conventionofstates.com). -Columnist Dan Alexander is a resident of Elizabethtown, NY. He serves as Publisher Emeritus and President of Denton Publications, Inc. Thoughts Behind the Press Line Column reflects his observations of current events, not from a journalist's perspective but as an independent-minded, local businessman.

Signup for our newsletter

Column: Trust Your Own Judgement

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS