A Balancing Act

When we look at the structure of government, we all must realize that it is not about some idealistic set of principles, it is about mutual or common interest.  Balance of powers is just that -- a balance of the interests of the powerful against each other in a manner that no one of them can gain dominance.  Otherwise, there develops a dominant ruling entity -- whether it be a king, autocracy, plutocracy, or whatever.

The U.S. system was designed for a balance of powers -- Executive vs. Legislative vs. Judiciary.  In theory it is a great design although in practice it is in constant search of balance. 

There is one piece of the balance of powers that is little discussed -- or at least has been examined very little since the Civil War.  That is the balance of power between the states and the federal government.  Until that relationship is returned to balance, we will continue to see the growth of government at the federal level at the expense of the states.  The states must come together in mutual self-interest to preserve that power.  The Constitution has a provision for that, it is the power to amend.  I don't think the Constitution needs amending.  I do think that the states must elect members of Congress who will vote to return that balance.  Or, better yet, let's see a President who will push to return that balance.  There are a few potential candidates out there.

Decision Points

I am certain that the left-leaning of this country will believe that it is nothing but a lie -- propaganda -- but, George W. Bush's book, "Decision Points," is one that I would highly recommend to all.  It provides a great deal of insight into the events of the eight years of his presidency and in my opinion, distills them down to a comprehensible level.  Some might believe that the crucible of the Presidency shapes a man.  I think instead that it reveals the man.  It is undoubtedly true that the account is from the perspective of the former President, however, that in itself is the most telling of all.  His view of himself is one that is worthy of emulation.

What Perspective?

Obviously, the author of this post hasn't been keen to offer his perspective on things lately.  The elections sent a message to Congress, but, we have yet to see how well they got the message.  So far it seems to be mostly rhetoric.

Since I last posted, I made a trip to Kenya.  That's one way to put things in perspective.  When you see that the country has been ravaged by poor governance, corruption and the HIV pandemic, you can quickly be thankful that the U.S. isn't in that kind of shape.  I guess I shouldn't complain about Congress.  Their kind of corruption hasn't stopped the U.S. economy from continuing to move ahead -- yet.

I think the unrest in the Arabic speaking countries is another thing that helps put things in perspective.  Maybe they are getting fed up with corrupt governments that turn a blind eye to terrorists.  I just hope we don't see radical Islamist governments replace them.  We certainly don't need another Iran in the world.  Here, in the U.S., we just have an election.  It's hard to imagine the turmoil that comes with a change in government leadership in other countries.  I suppose we should be thankful -- no, I don't suppose -- I know we should be thankful that we can still have a peaceful transition of power.

OK, enough rambling.  Maybe I'm getting some perspective back......