Letters at 3AM (#1): We are governed today by an arbitrary legal hodgepodge

[villager]

Last edited Wed Jul 3, 2013, 02:13 PM - Edit history (1)

An Arbitrary Nation, Pt. 1

by

Michael Ventura

This series of columns is called "An Arbitrary Nation" because it will demonstrate that our Constitution is no longer a functioning document of law. Instead, we are governed today by an arbitrary legal hodgepodge that is arbitrarily applied with scant regard for constitutionality or any coherent code of principles. This state of affairs bears no resemblance to what we mean by the rule of law in a nation of laws.

<snip>

What to do about it? I have no idea. But I know this: It is idiotic to speak and think about American politics as though our system is what it was 20 years ago. Worse than idiotic – delusional.
Sound extreme? Well, here we go:

The First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Item 1: I was about to write the phrase "literate citizens," but it's worth mentioning at the outset that there are fewer and fewer of such people in this country, and that, though I keep my vocabulary on the street, there are many, many thousands of fellow citizens unable to read this or any serious article – a well-documented fact which, all by itself, wounds the body politic terribly.

Back to Item 1: Literate citizens who followed the 2012 elections know that the Supreme Court blew up the floodgates and let loose millions in "dark money" and "super PAC" contributions, giving anyone with the cash the power to influence any election anywhere in the country.

It should go without saying that your vote loses its weight and your voice loses its strength when local elections are no longer truly local. Yes, we've let this gradually happen nationwide, and we take it for granted. But is it democracy when factions far from home wield heavy power in your district?

<snip>

http://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/2013-04-19/letters-at-3am-an-arbitrary-nation-part-1/

[think]

1. K&R. Excellent read. Very thought provoking.

Thank you for posting.

[villager]

2. You're welcome!

Ventura remains one of my favorite, lesser-known columnists!

[Doctor_J]

3. Why did you post this twice in GR?

[villager]

4. I didn't -- it's a series of columns, Parts 1 - 4

I've posted two, so far.

Ventura's overall column is called "Letters at 3 A.M.!"

[Doctor_J]

5. OK. Can you edit the subject lines so that I can find them in order?

TNX

[villager]

6. Good idea! Done!