This blog posting discusses a few of the glaring reasons why America will have to "crash" in order to bring about the changes needed in our society and our government...
For the record, I call the "new reform" a "rebuild" and not a "rewrite", as there is nothing substantially wrong with our Constitution or Bill of Rights. Sure, I would repeal the anchor baby clause. And for sure set term limits for politicians. Perhaps, I would even reverse the law that gives companies the right to make political contributions as this new contribution vehicle will increase the power of companies over politicians forever. I would also change our system of Supreme Court nomination, establish a standard for their office and set a term limit of say eight (8) years. This allows for correction if a mistake is made and sets the bar height very high for our highest court. One thing is clear to me is that if each of these are allowed to continue unchecked, our liberty is in jeopardy. However, we are discussing true change, and why I think we need to crash before we can heal. Let's start with some examples.
It took a civil war to bring the end of slavery. It took World War II to end the expansionism of Japan and Nazi Germany. It took Rosa Park, a black preacher named Martin Luther King and civil revolt to change the racial divide of the sixties. It's going to take a civil awakening to change the Government this time.
Change is tough. I should know. I have been in, associated with or led, "change management" initiatives since the early 80's. You know the kind I'm talking about....the type that "hurts"....not the "please would you do this different from now on" kind. No, I mean the "real hurt programs" where people either get on-board with change, or they are politely shown the door.
Along the way, I have learned a key, but impossible axiom. Change would be easy if it wasn't for the people (stakeholders) involved. Nice to say, but impossible to do. People will always be the key focus of any "quality" change management initiative because they are part of the system. It's never been more true here now in our society. Let's investigate a bit more about "change" and add "culture" to the mix.
Business Culture: People brought together to create and run a business form a sort of business culture. People become "cultural" when they adopt common beliefs. Usually those beliefs are a shadow of the ideas and feelings of the top man...the CEO or the most powerful figure in the organization.
U.S. National Culture: Unlike a business culture, a "National Culture" is the collection of ideas, truths and founding principals that make up a country's culture. Culture is also our collective memory of past successes and failures...our roots so to speak. It is also our laws, freedoms and liberties as citizens of this nation. Culture is also our founding belief that God has divinity over this country.
We are a melting pot of nationalities. In a way that in what makes this country called America so great. But it is also the diversity of our sub-cultures which makes this country vulnerable, dividable and potentially weak.
Our "national culture" is under attack from forces inside and outside the Republic. If these forces can divide us into our sub-cultures, then they can supplant our national heritage and inject a new dominion of power over the masses. It looks like these forces are trying just that with division rhetoric like race, religion, ethnic heritage and sex.
Does anyone disagree that a "Standing Culture" must be overcome in any change initiative if you want to make massive change? My experience suggests it's really hard to get someone to do something "largely new", when the base culture is used to doing things quite different. This brings me totally on point to this blogs title. I offer below a perspective of national change.
- Before America can return to fiscal health and a much smaller Government ...we have to crash. I believe a financial collapse in the USA (...and perhaps most free world countries) is painfully eminent. I also believe that this could be good, as it will allow the people to use this crisis:
- As a means to reaffirm their faith that a), God is in charge and b), we live by His rules not ours.
- That greed, corruption and self interest have led us to this place in history.
- That our national culture does not include a massive Government trying to run every aspect of our lives.
- That we need a few basic things from our government and that's what it should have and pay for with our taxes...nothing more and nothing less. (In a future post I am going to lay out these things. Actually they are already written but the list is being reviewed).
- We have to repel the forces that want to change this Republic to "a socialist model". People who are used to Government handouts, largely believe that America needs to provide for ALL their basic needs including food housing, health and child care, called "education". People who are willing to work hard, take risks and are self determinant, want nothing from the Government except to get out of the way. We will need to educate the former to show them that example after example, the socialist model has failed. That no amount of Government oversight will increase their freedom.
- We need to repel the onslaught of Islam and stop denying our heritage as a "God based nation". http://informationinstitute.blogspot.com/2010/08/reprintmuslim-history-in-america.html
- For anti-American forces to succeed ...they will need to overcome our own American culture. The easiest way to change a culture is not one heart and mind at a time...it's to change the culture "in mass." Case in point. Germany had to collapse financially (meaning their currency was worthless) before the Nazi party was able to get common German folks to accept the new radical Government model...and a new currency. The greater the crisis and strife we struggle to overcome each day, the easier it will be to accept change....any change...even a bad one, even socialism.
Today, we will stand up and be counted.
Today, we will be patriots and speak out among ourselves.
Today, we will stand together.
Today, we will bring out the best in our Nation and send those who wish to destroy it back to where they come from.
Today, we will call it like it is...not how others what us to call it just so they can feel good about themselves.
Today, we will live in God's light of truth.
Today, we will walk the walk and talk the talk of National pride. American Pride. We will do so as a citizen of this great nation.
There are men and women before you who believed in these things and died for them so you can have a choice.
Will you be a true patriot, or will you be a sheep to be sheered?
Will you "fight the fight" for freedom?
Will you sacrifice for our country?
Will you make a difference and vote?
JR
