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America Has Lost One Of Its Great Political Thinkers

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

Last Thursday, June 21, conservative writer, and #political columnist Charles Krauthammer passed away. The United States #has thus #lost #one #of #its most significant in political commentary and thought. Throughout his writing career Charles, although he most assuredly had conservative leanings, he was never shy about questioning when he saw the need, the conservative thinking at the time on any number of issues. He was the same way when at the beginning of his long career was more liberal leaning. Even in his most critical of opinions to either side of the political divide he was always fair and presented his case most thoughtfully and transparently possible.

I always loved listening to his thoughts and viewpoints on the networks and reading his columns, for me he was an inspiration for how to responsibly express and share one’s ideas and views on politics and what is going on in the world. I unfortunately never knew him but will always count it among my most remembered, enjoyable experiences in my life to have met him in person at a dinner a few years back before the I believe it was the 2013 CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference).

Besides his excellent and well thought out views about events and such; what really has amazed and inspired me (and continues to do so) is his relaxed and joyful view on life. This despite or perhaps because of his being paralyzed early in his life and career. Whichever the case, he thus had developed and displayed throughout his whole life afterward a kind of joyful, easygoing attitude for dealing with everything life threw at him.

Charles wrote extensively on a variety of topics, most especially foreign affairs and in all of his views he never let his emotions rule him. His opinions were always not just well thought out, but meticulous and precise in detail. They were never it seemed to be rushed into being formed. He will most definitely be missed by those who follow the political process in the United States and pay attention to local, national, and world affairs/news. A huge gape in the intellectual opinions of political columnists has suddenly developed as a result of his passing. You will be missed, Charles Krauthammer!

Staying Silent Helps No one

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

This is a response to the #one-word prompt “Silent” by “The Daily Post.”

#No one wants to offend or start a controversy over “nothing.” “Don’t discuss Politics at the dinner table.” “See no evil, hear no evil.” “This/that does not concern me.” Most of us know and have heard all this from somewhere and/or have said such themselves. Somehow we think if we don’t discuss a “problem” or involve ourselves,  if not already involved, then the “problem” will eventually go away or work itself out.

We tend to think that if we do get involved in something, (perceived to be not involving us in the first place), that only makes things worse and more heated, complicated. This is and can’t be any further from the truth.

In any society, no matter what form of government it takes, everyone apart of that society has a commitment and duty to his/her fellow citizens to be involved in some way in the broader community and its governance. This is even truer for those societies with some form of representative governance such as “republics” as the United States.  A society is made up of people who voluntarily enter into community with one another to more easily live and take care of one’s needs.

In order for these “volunteer communities” to survive and succeed, everyone in it needs to do his/her part in it, and keep and follow the rules, laws, and/or agreements that have been made and agreed by the vast majority of the society. Yes, there will always be a few who don’t and thus break the “social compact” (criminals), that is why we have laws and law enforcement; not necessary to enforce the rules of society on its “agreeing members” but to “punish” those who live in the society, but do not follow its rules and agreements.

Thus, when “problems” pop up in the broader society, it is the responsibility of those in a “representative republic” to be apart of the solving of that problem by talking about voicing their thoughts/opinions with fellow society members. As Ronald Reagan said, “All great changes in America, happen at the dinner table.” When the people aren’t involved in society’s problems, society begins to break down.

This is why our politics have become so divisive these last few years, with our leaders in Washington bearly able to get anything done. It is not because there is too much political discussion as some think, but because there is actually too little; that leads to what few discussions there are to break down into “heated, ugly debates.”

So the next time you have friends or family wanting to discuss politics/society’s problems, please do join in the friendly conversation.

So what are your thoughts on this subject? Please do share. Your thoughts and viewpoints are very much welcomed and wanted.