Hows about a REVERSE Patriot Act?

Question

Since we ARE a gov't By the People, FOR the people;
and the gov't is the SERVANT; wouldn't it make sense to MONITOR the gov't instead of the gov't monitoring US?

(What kind of "servant" makes more money and has more power than the masters??)

Answer 1

You're a simpleton.

This is a republic, not a complete democracy. Those in office represent the people (that's plural). It makes sense that one of these representatives makes more than one person - they're representing many!

Master vs. servant. That's a weak analogy. They have the same rights and represent many masters. There's no place in your argument for the representative to be a servant. Just because you're in office doesn't mean you have to abandon your personal beliefs and ideals by watching poll numbers. Good politicians should be balancing our wishes with theirs - that's called leadership.

Though they "serve" the people and have an obligation to their constituency, they also have an obligation to generations of the past and future. It's about what this country stands for. The People of the republic do not speak in one voice, which is why you have political parties and elections...

Answer 2

Well said.

Important distinction which some answerers haven't realised is that it's the government that's the servant, not so much the people serving in it. By the people means that they are supposed to be our peers, a government of equals.

That means an informed and educated electorate and humility in those serving. I think the founding ideal was that people would serve for a time before returning to private life, and that many would take a turn to give of themselves towards the sound and responsible governing of the country.

Instead we now have a regime that is intent on overturning all of the interlocking layers (like the separation of powers) specifically designed to distribute power and protect against its abuse. And most people don't even realise that it's going on.

Answer 3

Government has become perverted as an idea and institution. Voters have the ultimate sanction and hopefully will return someone with an IQ of more than 35 at the next election (for the sake of us all elsewhere in the world as well). It's been a long time since Abe lincoln spoke those words at Gettysburg. Let's hope they apply again soon.

Answer 4

Look at the pathetic turn out for elections. Most people don't care enough. That's why politicians do what they please. If we had about a 90% turn out they would listen.

Answer 5

Never get passed into law in this land...

Answer 6

good point, yet were told we live in a democrecy

Answer 7

We have one - it's called ELECTION DAY.

Answer 8

That gets my vote!

Answer 9

Hear, hear!