“[C]onsidering the natural lust for power so inherent in man, I fear the thirst of power will prevail to oppress the people.” –George Mason, speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788 Note: George Mason did not vote to ratify the Constitution.

From the last three weeks of discussions, we see that there are many structures and opportunities in place to allow Congress to be effective in its oversight responsibilities. We also have learned that most of these are not being utilized for various reasons. It is easy to understand the time constraints on legislators (House and Senate) to be able to do everything that is put before them. There are, after all, only twenty-four hours in a day. So with that logical reason out of the way let’s look at some of the real reasons these structures have not worked efficiently.

Jurisdictional disputes between agencies that provide duplicate services ( territorial struggles) and pressures from all the various organized special interests (lobbyists) continually work to prevent these techniques and sources of information from being used effectively. The major problem is the lack of will on the part of Congress to take their oversight responsibility seriously. In other words it is not a high priority so nothing changes.

A solution would be to institute real mechanisms for coordination of oversight activity. Until this is done, nothing changes. Thus leaving the bureaucracy broad latitude to makes more rules and regulations that restrict freedom and liberty. But as we have discussed the true nature of government, whether by bureaucratic rule, dictator or monarchy is to grow and gain more power over the people.  It is all about control and power.

Congress has created this massive administrative bureaucracy by creating program after program which then resulted in creating federal agencies to administer these programs. They do not really know what these agencies are doing and how their rules and regulations oppress ‘We the People’, making us less free with each passing year. America is exceptional because of the Constitutional system the Framers put in place that allowed the people to live free of government interference. This allowed the nation to flourish and produce innovations that have ultimately changed the whole world.
America is exceptional because we had a system whereby every individual’s rights were respected and its laws applied to everyone equally. Today we are not ruled by laws that are applied equally (which was the original intent) but by administrative rules and regulations created by unelected bureaucrats that touch every aspect of our lives. These rules and regulations are not applied equally as they tend to pick winners and losers. The Framers knew that a nation ruled by a monarch (man) was subject to capricious change but a nation ruled by law would not change except by elected representatives making changes to laws.

So now it is up to us to make sure we find men and women who respect the rule of law and really understand the Constitution to run for office not because they want power and a secure a job for life but because they want to reign in this out of control system. Elections have consequences and that is why we all need to seriously engage in the process.  If we are diligent to watch and pray, vet good candidates then vote the right candidates into office and continually hold them accountable so they know we are watching what they do we can have an impact.

Next Week: Starts Black History Month

Dinner Table Discussion Question: What ideas can you come up with to put in place to coordinate the oversight process so real changes can take place?