Guest Opinion by Craig Chenoweth,  Etna Ca.  

Principles, Politics and Protest

“Government ... thought [it] could transform the country through massive national programs, but often the programs did not work. Too often they only made things worse. In our rush to accomplish great deeds quickly, we trampled on sound principles of restraint and endangered the rights of individuals.”…“The Declaration [of Independence] was not a protest against government, but against the excess of government. It prescribed the proper role of government, to secure the rights of individuals.”                 - Gerald R. Ford     

Governments…“injustice, cruelty, restraint of conscience, oppression, falsity, dishonor, deceit, violation of law and equity?—But look how they have cleaned up the cities and what wonderful roads they have built!” - Johan Huizinga      ……..But look how they have cleaned up the water and saved the fish?

 At what point did our elected officials forget the principles that where so important when they first ran for office?  What happened to these principles; the sincere service?  In many ways they have become the problem. The bureaucracy they are creating, like the California Department of Fish and Game, feels more like socialism then liberty; more like the tyranny of the majority than a constitutional republic!