Freedom

It’s no secret that I’m not in favor of speed limits on Lake Winnipesaukee, here in NH. No one has ever presented me with statistical evidence to me that high speed alone on the Big Lake have resulted in the accident rates that the "It’s just a liquid road" crowd would have you believe.  Trust me, it’s not a small lake by ANY means, like Squam Lake, where the "shhh, quiet!" crowd won the fight of "Your noisy boats offend me; I will get Government to outlaw anything bigger than a putt-putt". 

Jet Skis Personal Watercraft were set up as being the spawn of Satan – ranking right up there with Twinkies, sugary soda, and Happy Meals as dangers to our Republic.  In that case, I’m not sure which loons were which…

Sorry to inform you folks but I think the "slower is better" crowd have to keep making the emotional appeal, including Rusty McLear, a local hotelier, who said…

"Beauty, tranquility, serenity, relaxation,”…“This is what New Hampshire markets.”

…simply to win the argument.  Danger all about – unless they do as we want.  That’s what his biz model sells.  I have no problem in him doing what is best for his business – and he is quite good at what he does; great for him (really!)!. And it seems to be what many other businesses are doing nowadays; not merely competing merely in the free market but going to Government to lobby for rules, regulations, and laws that provide an enhancement to their business over others.  Economists call this "rent-seeking" – the use of Government to obtain either a monetary or marketplace advantage. 

Lest anyone think I’m picking on Rusty (I’ve met him, briefly; he seems to be a good guy); let me assure you, I’m not.  Heck, compared to some, his lobbying efforts are hardly a sniffle – GE’s Jeffrey Immelt has THAT gig all sewn up big time, being BFWO (Best Friends With Obama), dontcha know.

Anyways,  I wrote this ("Letters doodlings – a terror zone on Lake") a bit ago, and my friend Chan over at Weekend Pundit left a comment on it – so I’ve decided that since I have no actual dog in the fight (not owning a boat, but only blogging as it seems to be more of a Freedom issue than an actual danger issue as some would have you believe) to promote the comment up.  Why?

Well, he’s been plying these waters for 30 years – a bit of experience, I would posit (full disclosure: he’s has had TMEW & I on his runabout in the past…..a grand total of…er…once (heh!)). He says this about the "No Fun Faster than 45 on Winnipesaukee" crowd:

While I haven’t been as vocal on this issue as I might have, I believe I must now comment.

First, let me state that I have plied the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee for over 30 years. In all that time I have seen an excessive speed ‘incident’ once, and that was perpetrated by someone under the influence of way too much beer.

While claims about the speeds of boats being too high and ruining the ambiance on the lake have made again and again and how it threatens the safety of everyone out on the lake, those making those claims have chosen to ignore the real problem, one the law already covers.

Under New Hampshire law boats are supposed to…

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Steve’s post on NH Exceptionalism posted up right after our GrokTALK! show this past Saturday – and I really liked it! To me, the money graph was this:

In a corner of America where co-dependence with government is the prescription of choice, the Granite state rejected it on an epic scale.

But it also got me thinking – is that all? Is that’s all that it is, a rejection of dependency on Government?  I think not.

Oh sure, there are some that believe that there is nothing to be called Exceptionalism, that it is merely a matter of luck and geography. Simply, we all were and are fortunate simply by birth and location – nothing less, but nothing more.  They see so much wrong in our history, their dislike the current state of society, and their outlook is so dim – they cannot fathom or stand that life is not completely "equitable" for all.  They realize not, in their striving for that "equality for all", that they have gone past ‘equality of the law’ but to "commonness in outcome".  In other words, they strive for the lowest common denominator.  In their headlong rush to provide their "freedom from" for the "oppressed", they don’t understand (or care) that in deliberately taking from some to give to others, they have become inured to the fact that they themselves have become the oppressors even as they see themselves as liberators and saviors.

Our Founders made much of idea of personal liberties and designed a system of governance that was designed to enhance those freedoms above the needs of the State.  After all, they had decided that the heavy hand of the English Monarchy was far to much to bear – in order to reap the rewards of that Liberty, the only alternative was less government overall and that each individual citizen would have more of a say of how such a new governance would work. They toiled over each word, the nuances that were built up by each phrase, all with the end result of constraining that Government that would result.  They surely understood that Government was a necessity; but in the histories that they read, they compared the best of each of those political systems in those historical accounts and tried to take the best of each AND provide checks and balances against even the best features.

Their crowning genius was not just determining that series of checks and balances that resulted in both the US and NH Constitutions, but in this one eternal fact:

Men will always be men.

Unlike the current crop of socialistic Progressives that believe that mankind can evolve to their standards if only channeled correctly and by the right people to a "higher plane", the Founders realized that those that would seek such control ARE the problem and tried to prevent that.  Over and over again, they bumped into historical examples of "Absolute power corrupts absolutely", and that while the times may change, while the situations may change, the innate fallen spirit of man, when confronted with the wielding of power, suffuses them with the call to acquire more power.

A most simple truth.  Most, once obtaining that desired power, will lust for more.  Not always in large amounts all at once, but as with many Administrative States, simply proceeding step by step ESPECIALLY if not confronted, admonished, and vanquished.   And that is exactly what has happened here in NH. But there was, as we have seen the last two years, that headlong rushes to "fundamentally change" society, the intermixing of Society and Government, the replacement of personal charity with governmental funding of services.  A limited government grown to Leviathan dimensions and that growth seemingly without end.

Steve adds these questions:

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This is the final paper from the good students of Fellowship Christian Academy located in Methuen, MA.  We all met at Ovide Lamontagne’s "Return to Red" even held in Manchester the week before the election.  Although I had noticed that there were teens in the room, I really hadn’t paid much attention as I was, well, rather quite busy.  However, as the event wound down, three of the guys came over and said that they wanted me to interview them.  A bit puzzled (er, why GraniteGrok?), I said yes.  Well, afterward, they stood politely by as I did a couple of other interviews.  They were patient.

I then saw them, said it was time, and then they ALL descended upon me – Yikes!  Yes folks, I had been "had" – and it turned out to be GREAT!  During the interview, it came out that they were working on these papers and I asked if they would send them to me.  They agreed and I have kept my promise.

This last paper is by Meghan (preceded by Peter, Maggie, Laura, Kathryn, Grace & Tim, Catherine, Ben, Tyler, Jillian, Michael, Christie, Nate, and  Hannah!)

Warning: This essay contains strong opinions on America’s future, listener discretion is advised. Those of us participating in this contest have been posed with the question, “How will my generation affect America’s future?” But my question is, how could we not?
         
Just as every generation before us, my generation faces the ever-mounting odds against American youth. With the issues of politics, economics, religion, and pop-culture threatening to overwhelm us the moment we reach adulthood, it would be understandable if we were shaking in our boots. As it has been with every generation since America’s inception, we stand at the door frame leading out into the future, faced with the choice to slam the door and retreat, or to venture out into the uncertainty that awaits us.         
 
You may think he too bold, or too pompous, but I know that my generation will decide if…

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Second to last paper – this time from Hannah!

By the way, one of the folks that was at the event, Jeff Chidester, is also one of the principals at the General John Stark Liberty Award organization – while recognizing those who exemplify his famous phrase:

Live free or die; death be not the worst of all evils.

It will be offering scholarships to students as well. While but a fledgling organization (their website is rather sparse – a work in progress), he donated a small token of a prize – a small statue of General Stark.  Folks, I gather we are going to have a contest!

Remember – previous papers done by from  Peter, Maggie, Laura, Kathryn, Grace & Tim, Catherine, Ben, Tyler, Jillian, Michael, Christie, and Nate!

Voice of Democracy:

I believe that every generation has a role in America’s future whether it is for good or for bad.

The Pilgrims came to America in 1620, for religious freedom and to escape persecution. When America was founded, it was given the freedom of religion. People could come to America to worship however they wanted and whatever they wanted, but our country was founded by Christian leaders and on Christian principles. When President George Washington was inaugurated, he added to the end of the inauguration oath “so help me God.” In Washington’s farewell address, he said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” With Christian principles, our country prospered for many years.

The present generation of Americans is slowly getting farther and farther away from…

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OK, took a wee bit of time for other things – time for me to get back to these papers!  Latest one is now from Christi (previous: Previous papers were from  Peter, Maggie, Laura, Kathryn, Grace & Tim, Catherine, Ben, Tyler, Jillian, & Michael)

A wise man once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” The man who spoke these words was Mahatma Gandhi, a very influential leader who changed all of India. So in answer to this question, yes, I do believe that my generation does play a role in America’s future but the role which we will play is dependent upon each individual of this generation.

Martin Luther King Junior was probably one of our country’s most inspiring leaders. He was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was smart, well raised, and had almost everything a child could want except one thing: freedom. Although he was able to live as a free man he did not have the basic rights every human deserves. He was treated as second-class citizen and, almost as the member of an entirely different race, but none of this held him back. “I have a dream” he shouted on the steps of Lincoln’s Memorial, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of it’s creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal’” These very words forever changed the heart of America in a way no one thought possible. This one man was able to…

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Well, yes sir – one more paper to present; as I said, this was an entire class that came to Ovide Lamontagne’s "Return to Red" event now almost two weeks past.  This one is from Tyler (previous papers were from  Peter, Maggie, Laura, Kathryn, Grace & Tim, Catherine, & Ben).

After speaking with Republicans Kelly Ayotte and John Stephen at a recent political rally, I am well aware of what may become of the future generations of our country. The current generation leading our country has brought us into immense amounts of debt to other countries. Having to pay off debt that I don’t owe to the government isn’t what I had in mind for my future. Does my generation have a role in the future of the United States of America? Yes! Who else will be here when our current leaders are gone? But is it that simple? Things for our country will not get better without hard work and dedicated people.  What else can we do other than just sit back and wait for the next generation of leaders to take their place? Will that bring change? People say, “We can! We can make a difference!” But when will we? After talking with media, politicians, and teachers, I have found ways for the young people of my generation to get involved and make a change. A very easy way to start is to hold signs at popular stores, intersections, and even posting signs in your front yard. I volunteered at the GOP headquarters in Salem, NH to do phone-banking and it is a great way to get the word out and support your politicians. You can even talk to your politicians by calling them, showing up at rally’s, and even emailing them. One very important thing to keep in mind is that one voice can make a difference. You can be heard! An 18 year old named Andrew Edwards is running for County Commissioner is Kentucky. The Talmud said, “Blessed is the generation in which the old listen to the young; and doubly blessed is the generation in which the young listen to the old”. Edwards is young and he is getting involved in running for County Commissioner!

Being able to run at such a young age is…

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Does my generation play a role in America’s future?

Just like I said – an entire class!

“It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes." A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.” This is a quote by our great former president, and one of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. I believe that with each passing generation, this quote has been more and more demolished. If you look back to the time of Thomas Jefferson and the rest of our founding fathers, I don’t know of anyone that wouldn’t agree with one statement: our world is a different place now then it was then. Too many generations have passed where no one has acted upon their responsibility as an American citizen and a part of the future of America. Every generation has or had a role in the future of our great country. How they handled that is a completely different story. Our country is not a place that reflects the words of our Declaration of Independence anymore. This greatly known document reads, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I ask one thing – when is the last time that we paid any attention to these true and powerful words of one of the most famous documents in America’s history? It is time we realize that we have strayed far from the principals that the founding fathers tried to establish our country upon. It is time we humble ourselves before our creator and acknowledge that we have greatly forgotten His plan for our country. It is time to take on the responsibility that many generations have seemed to overlook. Our generation needs to play a role in establishing a better future for America.
               
When was the last time you met a teenager or young adult that would honestly be able to tell you that they don’t go…

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 (Picture credit: Alan Glassman; FCA students with John Stephen) 

Lots of kids – lots of papers.  What is undeniable, however, is their optimism is there (as well it should be).  However, this paper rings a note of truth – spot it.  

Does My Generation Have a Role in America’s Future?

In 1998 journalist Tom Brokaw published a book entitled The Greatest Generation. In it, he wrote these words: “It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.” He was referring to the millions of Americans who were raised amid the Great Depression, fought World War II, and returned home to firmly establish America as the most powerful nation on earth. These heroic men and women had not only the willingness and perseverance to accomplish what to them must have seemed impossible, but also the humility to use these abilities to benefit others. To me, these accomplishments pose a question. Does my generation have a role in America’s future? Assuming it does, will this role be positive or negative?

I have to admit, at first glance, my initial assessment is not encouraging… 

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Next up in the Voice of Democracy line up is Ben – and we still have more papers coming in.  I do hope that they all tell me how they do in the VFW’s competition (that’s a hint, Mr. Glines!). Previous submissions: : Peter, Maggie, Laura, Kathryn, Grace & Tim, & Catherine.

And then I’ll let them know how they do with ours!  Once all posted, we’ll run a "Vote the Paper" contest!

Speaking of Mr. Glines:

  
My generation’s role in the future of our country can best be enhanced by George Santayana who said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Two generations ago was labeled the “greatest generation”. Using veterans from that era as an example, my generation should have a goal to be as good, if not better, at forging the future of this country. I believe my generation does have a role in America’s future. Among my generation are the future local, state and national leaders.
    
There are many challenges in today’s world like the energy crisis, feeding the hungry, military uncertainty, and the economy. Also there are evil men and terrorists trying to do harm to people. Two generations ago young adults rose to face the challenges of their day. They gave their lives to protect Europe and America from evil. Also, they faced challenges like the Great Depression. We can learn from the past in order to improve our future. My generation can solve our current challenges that our leaders face today with new ideas and leadership.
    
Take for example…

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And the papers keep coming on in!  You keep them coming, students, and we’ll keep posting them up.  This is  per is from Tim; previous submissions: Peter, Maggie, Laura, Kathryn, & Grace.

A corrupt government that controls virtually everything, growing crime rates, and few people that mean to do good things.  Face the facts: we live in a world that’s not perfect and can never become perfect.  One thing we can do is make the world a little bit better.  This is the duty of our generation.

Our generation is the future.  This means that we need to plan ahead to be able to change the bad policies and corrupt government.  We are already seeing it all around us.  Rising taxes, inflation, a failed stimulus package, and selfish, self-seeking politicians.  We need to recognize and understand these failures so we are able to fulfill our duty and fix them.  The reasons for tax hikes in this country are failed stimuluses, government control, and raising salaries for Congressmen.  The politicians are concealing their back-room deals and their first priority is not the people they are supposed to be representing.  They are trying to get money for themselves.  The government is corrupt and it needs to be changed.  This is part of my generation’s duty.

I am the person who will change the future.  I am…

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