“When it can be said by any country in the world, my poor are happy, neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among them, my jails are empty of prisoners, my streets of beggars, the aged are not in want, the taxes are not oppressive, the rational world is my friend because I am the friend of happiness. When these things can be said, then may that country boast its constitution and government. Independence is my happiness, the world is my country and my religion is to do good.”
Thomas Paine, Rights of Man
The philosophers of the eighteenth century are calling to me right now as I preemptively seek solace in the face of the upcoming regime. I do not afford it the dignity of being called an administration.
In my student days I never read much by Voltaire, John Locke and Thomas Paine, the leading voices of the Age of Enlightenment, and today I cannot get enough of them. What they presented was so rational: advocating the separation of church and state, positing that one could have faith in the Divine, but not expect Them to have a hand in solving the problems of everyday life, acknowledging that certain rights are inherent, and fomenting a revolution or two. They viewed the act of governing as practical and productive. It was hands on stuff, filled with discussion and civil discourse, new ideas, and immense promise. Where did we go wrong?
In this age of outrageous sound bites/bytes from politicians, disappearing human rights, and “thoughts and prayers” as a substitute for substantive action, it’s clear that we have taken several wrong turns on the rational path.
Enlightenment is my word of the year. I need to embody its rational approach and demand the same of government. I challenge them: Don’t just stand there mouthing platitudes..Roll up your collective sleeves, practice compassion, compromise and consensus. Govern, or get out of Washington!
Tales from the jolly bungalow 