Time for the New Age of Reason!
“He who will not reason is a bigot; he who cannot is a fool; and he who dares not is a slave.” (William Drummond: Academical Questions)
“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe: Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship.)
Reason is “the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways.” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reason) It is the component which the members of a democratic political society must possess in order to not be oppressed by a demagogue, a dictator, or a monarchy. The United States has long depended on those who have been empowered to govern, to lead through the power of reason, to search for truth and to avoid those who would attempt to influence laws and policies which are not in the best interests of a super majority of citizens.
We, the citizens, the voters, must demand more from those who we allow to run for office and especially from those that we ultimately elect. When Congress passes bills that support only a minority of citizens or special interest group, they do not serve the best interests of all Americans. That should be unacceptable! Any bill that is passed should be supported by at least 60% of House members. When judges are appointed to life terms by only a single vote, that is not in the best interest of all Americans. Anyone appointed for life should be acceptable to at least 60% of Senators. Being elected to office should end a public servant’s association with a particular political party. These men and women represent ALL AMERICANS and owe their loyalty ONLY TO THEM and the U.S. CONSTITUTION!
Reason means that our elected officials seek all sides to questions, debate openly and honestly, looking for solutions and laws which improve life, advance science and technology, ensure that education works for everyone, and protect not only the people’s lives but also the environment, whatever the cost. Only people of reason can do this; those who seek to advance only their own interests or those of special interest groups have no place in leadership.
One of the things which separates humans from other animals or life forms is the ability to REASON. However, unless you are willing to examine other points of view, the facts and REASONING and logic behind those viewpoints, you are not exercising the ability to REASON!
“Men (and women) who are governed by reason...desire for themselves nothing which they do not also desire for the rest of mankind.” (Benedict Spinoza: Ethics, 1667)
Robert Butler
P.O. Box 193
Marmaduke, AR 72443
501-827-3792
