In Support of Un-Common Sense

Andrew M. Codevilla’s article “America’s Ruling Class — And the Perils of Revolution” published in The American Spectator‘s summer issue is quickly becoming well known by many. Rush Limbaugh has recommended it to listeners at least twice. Some have even called it “the Common Sense of our time”.

A couple of weeks ago, Linda discovered the piece and enthusiastically recommended I read it. She waited quite patiently until I finally got the job done. (I don’t know how she waited so patiently, in retrospect.)

From the first read, we believed Codevilla’s article to be the best articulation to date of America’s current state and the root causes. One does not so frequently find so much sense, all in one place. It gives definition to fundamental problems and phenomenon observed by those of us who have been actively engaged in having an impact. For me, it provided some explanations for a number of incongruencies I’ve been mulling for some time.

It is difficult to determine effective actions when there are no definitions or there is lack of clarity.

We intend to analyze and examine “America’s Ruling Class…” in detail, provide primary source materials of support, and expand upon some of its ideas with several goals in mind.

Our first purpose in undertaking this effort is to “do our own homework”. We believe a root cause of America’s troubles is the too-ready acceptance of information by too many people. Too much trust is granted too frequently. What we’ve all come to call mainstream media is no longer employing basic journalistic principles. That is sadly too often the case even from sources “conservatives” consider friendly.

Even when we believe a source to be a good one, we should do our own investigation.

Further, we have some guidance on this idea from a fellow many consider one of the more articulate founders:

“Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.”

– Thomas Jefferson, 1787

We even find Biblical guidance on the matter:

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

– Acts 17:11

Paul praised the Bereans for their discernment and thoughtful consideration, praising them as an example to follow. If doing one’s own research and reflection applies to the Word of God, it most assuredly applies to everything else.

In addition to what is noted above, we are performing our analysis here so as to example the idea that sources should be cited. When we are all reading on any website, we should see some references made to original source materials, we should be able to verify the information ourselves.

The second purpose of our examination and analysis is to further explore some of the historical references made with which we are unfamiliar. Most readers are likely to find a few of the references unfamiliar. In any case, the piece is packed with historical references well worth exploring.

The third purpose of our analysis is that we believe it, if proven on as sound a footing as it appears, it could be a basis for formulating action. Our working theory is that it is an important work and one upon which actions may be based. If ever one is going to base action on anything, it requires a thorough examination.

Finally, we believe a well-written, articulate piece such as this should be supported. Expanding upon the piece, we believe, is only likely to enhance it’s credibility and further inform those interested in it. We also believe as many sources as possible, including ourselves, will help to get the broadest audience of Americans to read it.

Stubborn_Facts

Shelli Dawdy is first and foremost the mother of three children whom she has taught at home via the classical method since removing her children from school in 2001. During her early years as a homeschool mother, she worked part-time as a freelance writer. Born and raised in the Iowa, Shelli and her husband moved to the state of South Dakota in 1997, attracted to its more limited government and friendly tax environment. In 2006, Shelli and her family relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska, when her husband’s employer offered a new position. She took a break from work and politics for a time, recognizing the need to focus solely on her childrens’ schooling with two now of high school age. Distressed by many things she was witnessing on the national political scene and disillusioned about the Republican Party, she decided to start writing again, this time online. Motivated to get involved with others at the grassroots level, she networked with activists on the social media tool, Twitter. She was involved in organizing the first tea party rallies inspired by Rick Santelli’s “rant” on CNBC in February 2009. Recognizing that activism should generate on the local level, she founded Grassroots in Nebraska in March of 2009. The group’s mission is a return to Constitutional, limited government, according to its original meaning. While the group has held several tea party rallies, it’s focus is to take effective action. Among its many projects, GiN successfully coordinated testimony for the hearing of the Nebraska Sovereignty Resolution, networked with other groups to ensure a large show of public support at the hearing, and coordinated follow up support to ensure its passage in April 2010. While working to build up GiN throughout 2009, she was asked to work as writer and producer of the documentary film, A New America, which lays out how Progressivism is responsible for how America has moved away from its Constitutional roots. You can see more of her work on Grassroots in Nebraska (GiN) and StubbornFacts