The right use of power has been hidden from the masses for hundreds of years. There was great hope when the Declaration of Independence became a reality, however as with most beautiful things for the good of all they have barnacles attached to them. John Quincy Adams wrote the following: "All the public business in Congress now connects itself with intrigues, and there is great danger that the whole government will degenerate into a struggle of cabals." I began thinking about the power of corruption and am realizing it has been in power for centuries and perhaps eons – yet people still hope for moral men to lead our government.
I have noted that with Obama being the president-elect that some people assume that he is a trickster. I would like to think that he is a man of his word and he does give the people of this country hope. It is my observation that too many people have lost faith in the government. This is not a new thing and by failing to become involved with the elected leaders, have as Bess Myserson stated, "The accomplice of the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference."
In my research, I came across The Idaho Encyclopedia – written during the Great Depression. The chapter on the history of state government is most enlightening. Idaho was part of the Washington Territory in the second half of the 1800's. As miners and settlers began coming into the portion of what is now Idaho, each camp had its own customs or rules along with a judge, a recorder, and an executive officer of some sorts. Attorneys could be found in large camps, which became towns. There was what was called a miners' meeting that became the final source of authority. It was similar to a New England town meeting. It also put into practice "the fundamental American doctrines of equality and manhood suffrage." You will notice that women were not considered. This method worked for a while, but the lawlessness of desperados and banditry called for more law enforcement. Therefore the Idahoans petitioned the Territorial Government to become its own independent territory. This was rejected and the people petitioned the U.S. government to become a state. Idaho became a state in 1863.
The new citizens of the state of Idaho were affected by this move. Author Vardis Fisher states, "The first and most serious of these impediments to order were (1) Political corruption; (2) Crime and violence; (3) Inflated speculation in mining; (4) Poor roads; and (5) Indian troubles. The people thinking their problems would be handled had to face the political corruption along with crime and violence. Doesn't this reflect what we are seeing today? It would appear that political corruption has been a bane throughout history along with crime and violence. Where does morality come in?
Vardis goes on to write that both the Democrats and Republicans were considered corrupt even before the territory became a state. "Between the strife of the two parties, concern for the public good almost disappeared. The Republican machine, desperate to gain the spoils of office, made use of such questionable and corrupt maneuvers as were calculated to offset the overwhelming numerical strength of the Democrats. These factional intrigues and counterplots resulted, very naturally, in shortsighted and nonsensical legislation." Doesn't this apply today? This quote reflected on Idaho in the 1860's.
As Obama takes the oath of office, there are those waiting in the wings to criticize him or condemn, others who are playing the wait-and-see game as well as those acting with indifference. We are at a pivotal point of change and this can be the greatest change in history. We have an opportunity to connect with our government and insist that we want to move beyond corruption. We want to have a healthy environment. We want to move from dependency on oil to alternative fuels. The moment has come for us to dance to a new rhythm and reclaim the power of the people with our government elected officials serving the needs of the people. The time has arrived for a new march. Use the website www.change.gov and let Obama and his team know what you are wanting – demanding. Write your national senators and representatives and demand action. Write your state legislators and demand action. Let us keep the momentum going and see a new era – a new way of life. We have to also do our part and that is to be actively involved instead of indifferent. There is no time like this time.
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