Dormant memory gene possible in politicians, judges and bureaucrats?  Lack of memory of oath of office, constitution, turns some into "guardians" rather than "servants" 

TRACKSIDE   (c)    by John D'Aloia Jr.

August 11, 2002

With the primary behind us, and general election campaigns gearing up for action, it is time to issue another warning about the "political gene," first discussed in TRACKSIDE five years ago. Scientists delving into the secrets of human genes often find a specific gene associated with a unique trait or malady. The actions of politicians lead me to believe that there exists in a large percentage of the population a dormant gene, activated upon taking the oath of office to an elected position. All variants of the gene are associated with memory. One blanks out all memory of campaign promises. Another, especially prevalent in federal officials, results in a complete loss of memory of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and their oath of office. Still another results in a loss of memory of who is serving whom. The person afflicted becomes intoxicated with power, ready to impose his personal agenda on those he represents (rules?). The gene turns them into Guardians. For many now in office, all three variants combine.

Similar genes reside in judges and bureaucrats. When afflicted judges are sworn in, they forget they were placed on the bench to weigh existing law, not legislate or impose their social beliefs or morality on the entire country. Bureaucrats often have a form of the gene that makes them forget they are servants of the people, not overseers with the power to make life miserable for citizens. When the gene activates, they become Clerks.

To protect itself, the electorate’s task is to discern which candidate carries the political gene. You have kicked yourself enough for voting for "Mr. X" or "Mrs. Y" on the assumption that they meant what they said. You do not have to leave the state to find examples of this type of political perfidy. More important than knowing a candidate’s position on a given issue is your knowledge about the candidate’s virtue quotient and his guiding principles. A person exhibiting the traits of integrity, honesty, prudence, temperance, humility, and chastity, and who has a firm grasp on governing principles is going to react to an issue or situation much differently than the finger-in-the-wind power seeker. Discovering a candidate’s integrity, his honesty, the state of his moral health, and his real principles can be difficult. How your questions are answered - or not answered - may provide a clue. Do they waffle, do they phrase their response to what they think you want to hear, or do they give you a specific response, not verbal fluff? Do they look you in the eye and tell you exactly what principles they have, even knowing that you might not agree with them? If they have already held public office, does their current campaign rhetoric match their past votes and deeds? Their private life actions are just as important in many respects as their public life actions. A person who lives a life of lies, deceit, and dishonesty is not going to change behavior patterns in carrying out official duties. We do have recent experience of this human failing.

Is the candidate telling you that he will protect you from all evil while providing you with everything you desire? If so, you are talking to a Guardian, one who puts his power and ego above your welfare. He carries another gene that results in what economist F. A. Hayek termed "the fatal conceit," the pretension that the person knows how to order and control society and mankind.

Are you talking to someone who seems to be telling you that government can pass any law on any subject "for the common good?" Turn away, keeping a firm grip on your wallet, for such a politician has no comprehension of the purpose of government in our constitutional republic and no respect for (no knowledge of?) the Constitution or freedom.

With a 47% primary turnout, my hometown did better than the dismal under 20% statewide turnout, but as a friend ruminated, perhaps it is best to have a low turnout if it means that those citizens who have no understanding of our country’s founding principles or the issues stay home. By staying home, their vote cannot be bought by political hucksters with promises of bread, circuses, and Utopia. A pragmatic approach given the demonstrated state of political acumen present in the electorate, but at odds with the God-given duty of every citizen to be informed and participate in civic affairs in keeping with his state in life. Kansans who are not registered to vote have until October 21st to do so. Every one of us have until November 6th to learn more about the candidates asking for our votes. It is going to be fun trying to sort the wheat from the chaff between now and then.

 

See you Trackside.