Quote of the Day: Fickleness and Folly

The inquiry constantly is what will please, not what will benefit the people. In such a government there can be nothing but temporary expedient, fickleness and folly. -Alexander Hamilton

At the time that Alexander Hamilton made this statement, I imagine it was probably accurate. Unfortunately, not much has changed.

Today, the focus on pleasing oneself is still true, but priorities have changed, and not for the better. Our representatives believe they know what is best for us. No matter what the polls say, they will make decisions (or not make them as the case may be) that serve a tiny elite, their biggest donors, or their own personal agendas. At this writing, President Trump has been on a campaign to get the Save America Act passed, and poll after poll suggests overwhelming support. The law would require prospective voters to present identification and proof of birth in the United States to cast ballots. Even with a small majority, you would think Republicans could get this legislation passed. Who would object to election integrity?

The Democrats complain that this law will disenfranchise voters who, despite functioning well in a modern society that expects identification for countless activities, wouldn’t know how to get the required documents. And Republicans, according to John Thune, don’t have enough votes to get the bill through Congress. It will be fascinating to see whether these people can get their act together and do the right thing.

I’m doubtful, since integrity and benefiting the people of this country are not a high priority for them.