A new year is here and as usually is the case, people are making resolutions and operating on a “turn over a new leaf” kind of attitude.
One resolution that I am particularly heartened to hear about is the new Congressional resolution to have the Constution read at the opening of the new session. According to the Blue Ridge Caucus blog, associated with the Roanoke Times, Virginia’s own Bob Goodlatte and Ken Cuccinelli played a critical role in making this resolution a reality.
Now, obviously I realize that unless the words that are read are taken to heart this means nothing. However, this could serve as an indicator of things to come.
Perhaps the incoming Congress will begin the process of rebuilding our United States’ commitment to lower case r republican principles. In addition to reading the Constitution, I hope that they will take the time to read President George Washington’s farewell address, which can accurately be considered a primer of republican liberty and virtue.
It is my hope that the incoming Congress will take to heart the understanding of Washington’s farewell address that republican liberty and virtue are intertwined and one cannot survive without the other. That for a government to do its job in establishing order; liberty and justice must be inseparable.
I hope that they will not only know these principles but that they will act upon them in regards to the policy proposals that they put forward as well as the laws that they pass.
I am hopeful that Republicans will address the massive entitlement issues that our nation faces. That the monster of inflation will be addressed and our currency made more secure, that the Federal Reserve will not be implementing a QE3, and that Republican lawmakers will audit that aforementioned institution.
I am hopeful that Republicans will forcefully articulate why our President’s current foreign policy is not working, and that the American people realize that even if the economy naturally improves, the President’s foreign policy is reason enough to deny him a second term.
I also hope that Republicans will see that social issues affect fiscal ones. This November Mississippi will likely see a personhood initiative on the ballot. It is my hope that the initiative will be passed into law and Roe v. Wade challenged as bad precedent.
With the Republicans currently in control of only one house of Congress. I am aware that some battles may be lost despite the election victories of 2010. I am hopeful that Conservatives will not be disappointed at potential losses, but would only take potential upcoming defeats as motivation to simply push harder the next time the policy battle comes around. That in victory, Conservatives will not become complacent, but always motivated by the goal of rebuilding the walls of the Republic.
I am hopeful for this New Year with all its challenges and opportunities.
