Whatever happened to "principles"?

2018-09-18T12:03:51-04:00

I've been waiting for some "journalist" to pick up on this topic so that I could share and comment on it, but I haven't found any, not yet. So, let me offer the following as briefly and succinctly as possible.

"The definition of a principle is a basic truth or the source or origin of something or someone. An example of principle is a list of values set by a group of people."

We don't elect members of Congress to vote for us. We elect them to represent us and our principles. Obviously, we don't all share the same set of principles, not in minute detail, but rather their principles. Candidates share with us their principles and we select the ones with whom we generally agree. Sadly, it rarely works that way.

The confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh is an excellent example. Judge Kavanaugh has clearly demonstrated his adherence to Constitutional principles. Now, we knew that the Democrats would obstruct his confirmation in any way possible. Anyone surprised at the last minute smear campaign simple hasn't been paying attention, not since the smear campaign that cost Judge Bork his nomination.

What is not particularly surprising, but certainly is dismaying, is the speed with which GOP Senators are caving to popular opinion polls that are affected by smear campaigns. Why would anyone trust a poll, especially since the 2016 elections?

So here we are, once again wrestling with polls instead of principles. Sad, isn't it?

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Sep 18 at 2018 12:12 PM

2018-09-18T12:12:51-04:00

Yes, very sad. There is a trendy notion today, popular in Universities, that there are no such thing as "forever" principles. Truth and Justice are merely constructs without meaning or value until we ASSIGN them value by redefining them under the new social-cultural models. All hogwash, of course, but too many progressives are swallowing it whole. I wonder if the constitution has a chance.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 18 at 2018 12:21 PM

2018-09-18T12:21:47-04:00

Exactly. For example, Jeff Flake, the flake, extraordinare, should be tarred and feathered for his failure to uphold principles.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 18 at 2018 12:47 PM

2018-09-18T12:47:29-04:00

Truly sad sir.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2018 12:49 PM

2018-09-18T12:49:19-04:00

CPT Jack Durish I believe this is why the Article V Convention of States is catching steam. The members that are being sent to Congress to "represent" us, are not upholding the principles of the states that send them. Hell, do they uphold many principles, at all? I mean, outside of a small handful of them?
Once being in Congress became a fulltime job with no termination date, they could forget everything else except keeping that job. Principles be damned.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 18 at 2018 1:13 PM

2018-09-18T13:13:48-04:00

It would appear that Kavannaugh’s accuser is now having second thought about testifying...

I wonder why?

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Sep 18 at 2018 1:19 PM

2018-09-18T13:19:05-04:00

Have you forgot about Merrick Garland? He was qualified? Did he have principles? Where were the GOP's principles when they blocked then-President Obama's authority to nominate a Supreme Court justice? It goes both ways dude.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2018 1:19 PM

2018-09-18T13:19:13-04:00

It's an election year. The Socialists are trying to back the Republicans into a corner where they'll be damned if they do and damned if they don't. They come up with this smear campaign that is clearly BS, just like a majority of the other ones that have come up in recent years, that leaves the Republicans with a divided voter base like we saw in Alabama with Roy Moore. Do they move to confirm Kavanaugh and risk the portion of the voter base that believes the immorality nonsense, or do they move to not confirm, and risk the portion of the voter base that doesn't believe it?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2018 1:33 PM

2018-09-18T13:33:50-04:00

I think the issue is not really a loss of principles but rather a dramatic change in principles. It is more important to focus on the new iPhone or those around you?

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Sep 18 at 2018 2:54 PM

2018-09-18T14:54:31-04:00

Here's another issue I have with this whole thing. The #metoo movement is centered around equality for women and their general safety from men who desire to take advantage of them through sexual harassment or assault. Would that be a fair assessment? Should this be a goal for all, regardless of political beliefs? But when allegations find their way into politics and the #metoo movement is inclined to ignore one side because "their" female subscribes to the "wrong side of politics, I can't take them seriously. Furthermore, when baseless accusations which cannot be proven are presented as fact by those who evoke the #metoo movement, I lose even more respect for them.