To My Elected Officials (Local, State, National):
Thank you for your willingness to serve in promoting beneficial efforts/programs/statutes in your area of supervision. Few have the courage, fortitude, and endurance to fight for what is right, necessary, and effective.
As we begin this new year of consideration and legislation, I want to remind you of several things that often get lost in frenetic pace, overwhelming demands, and critics that come with your position.
1. Government is not the solution to every problem. The federal government was established to protect the rights of the citizens. Nothing more and nothing less. The same holds true for state and local agencies. Funding of anything else goes beyond these boundaries, is a burden to taxpayers, and reduces the desire for self-governance. Other organizations should be more involved in providing services and will be more effective and efficient. As Rick Green wrote, "the only Constitutional way to 'promote the progress of science and useful arts' is through patent, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property protections; NOT through subsidies." Over-control by the government leads either to rebellion (which we are witnessing now as the anger over the revelations of graft, greed, and mismanagement by DOGE) or dependence which is the opposite of self-governance.
2. Stay in your lane. Each government body has its specific duties and limits (see the US Constitution Article 1 Section 8 and Amendment 10 for the US Congress). The agencies should not step outside these limits and cross over onto other turf. We see this with the Supreme Court dictating legislation and with the federal government appropriating the responsibility for education (which is left to the states in the US Constitution). The "general welfare" clause in the US Constitution relates only to programs that will benefit the entire country and population (such as interstate highways) and not pork-barrel projects that benefit a few in one's immediate locale. With any proposal, ask if this is within your purview.
Constitution is a limited one, possessing no power not actually given, and carrying on the face of it a district of power beyond the distrust indicated by the ordinary forms of free Government.
~ James Madison
3. Read, research, and inform. A. Take the time to read bills in their entirety, and consult expert (not just lobbyists') opinions and experience. Feeling pressure is a warning sign to stop for reflection. B. Consider long-term consequences, not just short term based on economics or gain for limited populations. The problems with the wildfires in California started 100 years ago when they did not consider the results of growth without adequate resources. C. Share the information with your constituents and detail the pros and cons; then survey your constituents. Be transparent in the reasons for your eventual vote. I believe that you will have fewer disgruntled citizens and fewer emotional responses when such information is published rather than keeping it secret. This transparency will build the understanding and intellectual capacity of residents. Fixes may be difficult, but citizens are willing to make sacrifices if they understand the greater good.
The interest of the people is one thing: it is the public interest. And where the public interest governs, it is a government of laws and not of men. The interest of a king or of a party is another thing: it is a private interest. And where private interest governs, it is a nation of men and not of laws.
~ John Adams
4. Faithfully execute your duties as a servant leader. Be the steward of resources (fiscal, physical, and human which belong to the people as well as yourself); be the watchguard over those resources always in service to others rather pthan ersonal gain. Remind yourself continually of your mission, and ensure that any action taken by your agency is in keeping with that mission.
I am grateful for Constitution Alive! and Biblical Citizenship through Patriot Academy for reminding me of many of these points. North Carolina's Kate West will be hosting a free Constitution Alive! online course March 6-April 10 with registration at https://www.patriotacademy.com?coach/register/9718 Registration for free Biblical Citizenship is available for in-person and online courses at https://www.patriotacademy.com/coach/find-a-class.
Servant Leadership training is also offered through Convention of States. Check with your district or regional captain for registration.
Convention of States promotes amendments that limit government overreach, require fiscal responsibility, and bring term limits. Sign the petition at conventionofstates.com and volunteer to get involved.
