Dakota Beacon

Dr. Edward L. R. Elson continues to inspire me with his insights back in 1951, in his “One Moment With God” devotional. Listen to his words for July 3rd, 1951, entoitled NEEDED NEW MEN:

“The issues of our times turn not so much on economic forces or social philosophies as on the quality of the people. Good philosophies cannot be effective with defective people. Reputable statesmen point out that one obstacle to making peace is the untrustworthiness of some who are commissioned to make it. The collapse of character (emphasis mine) is the concern of the age. Men need Christian conversion.”

Now I realize that there will be a few readers who may take an exception to the last few words, but I would not darn leave them out just because it may offend. The real important thing is Dr. Elson’s pointing out the importance of “character”.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “character” as moral excellence and firmness, “a man of sound character”. In other words, a man’s (or woman’s) character defines who he (she) really is. It also establishes the reputation of the individual. It is interesting that Dr. Elson refers to “reputable statesmen”, i.e. men of character, are the ones who can establish peace. One who processes In my opinion character entails other attributes such as honest, courage of one’s convictions, integrity compassion, and trustworthiness, just to name a few. The question then comes to mind “do we have any reputable statesmen in the political arena today?”

In the light of recent and past indirections on the part of a number of politicians it is questionable if there are any “reputable” ones left? This lack of character is neither a democratic, republican nor any other group phenomena.  It would serve no purpose to name names of those we put our trust in when we vote them into office, as Mr. Palmer O. Hanson, Jr. (Opinions of the Reader, July 6, 2009 TTT) felt I should have done in my article recently entitled “Our Greatest Danger is Moral Deterioration (July 2, 2009 TTT).” In fact Mr. Hanson missed the point of the article. 

A case in point is the Guest Column by Rep. Shuler in the July 9th issue of the TTT, in explaining his support for the H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, better known as the “Cap and Trade” Bill. Mr. Schuler makes a “strong case” as why he voted for this bill, but either he has not fully read or understand what this legislation will actually mean. He states, and I quote from his article: “H.R. 2454 will take steps to keep energy cost low, protect domestic industries invest in clean energy technology, and drastically improve the energy efficiency of our homes, office buildings and vehicles.” In fact, H.R. 2454 will impose the largest tax increase on every citizens and business in this nation. Even President Obama has admitted, “Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.” (http://www.jbs.org/freedom-campaign/5033).

In a Wall Street Journal article dated June 26, 2009, there was this statement: “The hit to GDP (gross domestic product) is the real threat in this bill. The whole point of cap and trade is to hike the price of electricity and gas so that Americans will use less. These higher prices will show up not just in electricity bills or at the gas station but in every manufactured good, from food to cars. Consumers will cut back on spending, which in turn will cut back on production, which results in fewer jobs created or higher unemployment. Some companies will instead move their operations overseas, with the same results.”

Under the guise of reducing carbon emissions, less dependency on foreign oil, and cleaner air the politicians in Washington have demonstrated a serious “character” flaw by lying to the American taxpayer that this bill is NOT a tax increase. Of course space does not permit discussing this bill thoroughly, but if you will type in “Cap and Trade” in the search engine on your computer you will find more information than you ever wanted on this subject.

I have been a Rotarian for about 47 years and we have a “test” that each Rotarian is expected to abide by in his/her personal, business and community life. It would be an excellent guide for every politician when casting his/her vote. It is called THE FOUR-WAY TEST. “Of the things we think, say or do: (1) Is it the TRUTH? (2) Is it FAIR to all concerned? (3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? And (4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”