I’m trying, I really am trying. I want to write about new topics, but then it happens. One article. Some story. Another current event and then I’m off to the races. I constantly feel as though ignorance has no bounds. No, in fact, it has no limits. And we’re a university, for Pete’s sake.
Let’s see.
First, there was the most interesting article this past month in recent print entitled: “Republicans offer no help to Mississippi poor.” I can’t even begin to type all of the incorrect statements made within. They range from economic to massive hyperbole. Here’s the real kicker: “Granted, Bryant’s speech did mention slight progress in education, workforce development and job creation — all areas that can indirectly alleviate poverty.” Emphasis added on “job creation.”
I could not care less if an article is focusing on Republicans, written by an ignorant progressive. Nor would I care if it were an article focusing on Democrats, written by an even more ignorant conservative.
I’m completely confused. What, then, actually alleviates poverty in progressive terms? Surely, it can’t be going to work — private job creation is so 19th-century industrial, far past our time in a world of progressive government-mandated society. I couldn’t imagine believing the only way people get out of poverty is letting entrepreneurship, personal choices and ingenuity take control, free from the government’s grasp. Please, someone show me where government has eradicated poverty in this country after years of failed policies.
Second, more nationally, we focus on a Senate race here in our state. And not surprisingly, we have people writing articles covering it. I did want to as well. But I’m not; I’ll just respond to them.
Chris McDaniel vs. Thad Cochran, a rather interesting matchup. An establishment candidate whom even progressives wish to see continue to pour millions of dollars of federal phony money in our state, and a newcomer, who, I’ll admit, has issues. I find McDaniel’s stance on LGBT issues contradictory, considering his views on “liberty” and the Constitution. “It doesn’t get much worse than Chris McDaniel” as an article was correct that he has made past statements that are troubling. The real question is: “Who doesn’t?”
The real sane position is supporting someone who will make a difference in the current culture of Washington, knowing when to compromise on reasonable positions and when not to. This doesn’t mean electing an incumbent. Electing individuals on seniority should not be the shield to defend them; it should be the weapon to replace them. Our culture is too fond of establishment politicians. Ego’s run amuck with power, and seniority necessarily breeds it.
Perhaps McDaniel is the candidate to place in Washington, and perhaps he’s not. It disturbs me that Republicans jump on board for a man just because he’s nobly served our state for a certain period of time. The truth is, Cochran should’ve never decided to run again, instead letting others who need to step up and take on the pertinent issues facing our country take the lead.
For instance: We need a politician who truly supports freedom — bringing an end to the drug war that’s costing lives, particularly to the poor and minorities. Voting for bills that end the grip of government on our lives. Sorry, folks, but that includes health care. Someone who understands that spending money for the sake of good principles doesn’t negate their faulty outcomes. Someone who values freedom to live their own moral lives, including personal choices about family. And someone who places common-sense economics above almighty central planners.
It’s amazing that we don’t trust individuals to govern themselves with their own freedom, but we trust a select few in D.C. to govern everyone.
A politician with the opposite mentality should prevail. If this is Chris McDaniel, then he should receive our support. To the best of my knowledge, I haven’t seen either candidate espouse these views to their entirety. But I hope one thing: Don’t let hyperbole rule the day. Don’t let others use their moral trepidations to cloud your personal judgment, including these articles printed in front of you. Indeed, don’t let my rebuttal stop you from pursuing your personal ignorance of the views that truly impact our society. For that would be just plain rude of me, bless my heart.
Cory Ferraez is a third-year law student from Columbus.
