I am “going fishing”
As we like to say in Arkansas, the notion of “GoingFishing” refers to taking a break, which is exactly what Iwant to do. Would it not be wonderful if my cell phone did not ringevery 10 minutes, along with the influx of emails that I receive ona daily basis?
However, as my grandfather keeps telling me, “Welcome toreality.” For the sake of argument, let us take a source thatwill not be named for certain reasons that cannot be specified.Their argument relates to my article written two weeks ago onWesley Clark and his bid for the Democratic nomination. Apparently,this certain reader has a problem with the use of the word”hatred” in my articles. On a basis of moralconvictions I apologize to the reader, but I will not back down ontheir assessment of the separation between church and state in theU.S. Constitution.
Our founding fathers mandated that the United States will notdevelop a democracy that founds itself on religious bickering.History, once again, proves my case and point with theestablishment of the Church of England in 1534 as a politicaldevice for Henry VIII. The Acts of Supremacy did indeed establish aconflicting device against the corrupt Catholic Church at the time.However, Henry’s motives may still be questioned on apolitical basis. His daughters Queen Mary and Queen Elizabethmanaged a repetition of crusade warfare throughout 16th centuryEngland. Catholics and Protestants were repeatedly burned at thestake throughout England.
American democracy implements the assertion of “freespeech” throughout the Bill of Rights. It is our ability towork out problems without personally attacking moral character inan individual. We find ways to foster economic growth throughoutthe world, while still implementing a successful domestic agenda,which encourages growth and prosperity in all sectors.
Still, as Madison asserts in the Federalist Papers, the abilityfor “factions” to arise becomes a necessary evilthroughout the political sphere. Separation from the literalinterpretation of biblical texts is something that must beimplemented. It is a false pretense to assert authority over peoplethrough the word of God. However emotionally charged an individualbecomes, you cannot manipulate people through emotion.
The election of 1898 offers the best example of this theme. TheDemocratic nominee William Jennings Bryant, who was an exceptionalorator, implemented a “Cross of Gold” into his nationalcampaign. Through emotionally charging his crowd, Bryant found themeans to create political strength. His attempt to influence theworking population through emotion drastically backfired on him.Yet, the Republican candidate William McKinley managed to sweep theelection by outspending Bryant in every category. His campaignconfidante Mark Hannah established a precedent that had never beenseen in any political sphere. Advertising and newspapers nowcontrolled the outcome of presidential elections through pollingthe American public. The infamous Gallup Poll became instituted.Henceforth, the American political system emancipates a greatirony. Perception versus reality becomes apparent.
Finding a means to function without emotion is definitelydifficult to any degree. Still, for the enhancement of your ownbeing, finding a way to function without bringing your religiousbeliefs into any form of business is advantageous andnecessary.
If you could ask Lyndon Johnson what his greatest regret was, Iguarantee that it has something to do with his emotionalinstability. His need and desire to control the situation led tothe man’s death. As Doris Goodwin asserts in her biography onJohnson, you could almost see the failure in his eyes once he leftthe White House.
So, to wrap this all up, my advice relates to finding happinesswithin your own mind. Talking politics can be great, but sometimesyou need to develop friendships rather than trying to foster yourown growth. If you cannot look yourself in the mirror every morningthen your “structural deficit” needs a policychange.
On a much lighter note, I wish to congratulate Mr. Rob Price onhis 21st birthday. Also I am “going fishing” over FallBreak to cheer for a Razorback victory over the Auburn Tigers onSaturday. Everyone should know that I am going to be screening myphone calls.
Finally, as George H. Bush stated in the 1988 campaign, “Ihave a problem with this vision thing.” I hope this anadequate rebuttal for my critics, but if you have any questions, Iam sure that my e-mail will be open. You will be happy to now knowthat I am retiring from this position for the moment to focus onsome different interests. Thanks to all of those people who gave methe strength to find words, and the opportunity to write.
