Root Causes

Ive been an active observer of our political system and current events for some years now. Im not an expert, I dont have all the answers; just an opinion on everything. But I've always had a nagging question, and its applies to every issue that comes up. Its a very simplistic question, and probably seems foolish to some. Why doesnt everyone think as I do? Seem stupid? Let me give you an example to make my point.

(Shamelessly snagged from Bill O'Reilly.com)
The State of California is taking action. Earlier this month, the state senate voted 22-15 to prohibit textbooks or instructional materials that "contain any matter that reflects adversely" on persons because of their ethnicity, gender, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. In addition, the proposed law would mandate textbooks include the study of "people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, (and who have contributed) to the economic, political, and social development of California and the United States of America ..."

Take a breath, and consider the implications. If I were a Nazi, and I read any rational history of World War 2, I would feel like it was 'reflecting adversely' on my nationality. If I were a gay man, and I read any kind of rational history of the AIDS disease, I would likely feel that it was 'reflecting adversely' on my sexual orientation. For those of you who dont know, AIDS originally flourished among homosexuals. Sorry to offend you. So, under this law, we can still have history. Just not rational history.

But back to my point, and I ask it in genuine bewilderment. How can ANYONE not think that this legislation is anything but absurd and harmful to everyone it affects. Thats what I dont understand. And it applies to everything; Immigration - why wasnt this insane situation stopped 3 presidencies ago? Gas/Energy situation - is anyone actually surprised we are paying $3.00 a gallon at the pump? Come on, people have been predicting this for decades. No rational person can be surprised. Theres that word again.

In answer to the question, let me say that the greatest strength of our governmental system lies in the fact that every citizen has a voice. Every citizen has a vote. But herein too, is the greatest deficiency of our system, and our greatest peril. For when every man has a vote, then all that is required by one who would work great evil is to convince the masses that that which is evil is not really evil. Our Founding Fathers believed that Democracy would only work if founded upon two principles: Religion, and Education. Once the people become corrupt or misinformed to a certain degree, the whole thing falls apart.

So whenever I get discouraged about the state of things, I am reminded that the answer to our dilemma isnt sweeping legislation, or some new policy in our government. You see, democracy can only work in a society of righteous individuals; and thats the crux of it all. The proper programs, institutions, laws; these are important. But the system will work if and only if the people uphold moral principles in thier personal lives. No combination of other factors, taken together or singly can save or doom our society.