We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

There you have it, arguably the most illustrious words ever written — well, outside of John 3:16.  With 57 words, 56 men signed a proposition that literally changed the course of human events. To suit their socialistic agendas, 21st century lawmakers and political parties attempt to dilute these 57 words. They can jabber till the cows come home. But no amount of mumbo jumbo can change the meaning — which is, in plain English — individual liberty is inviolable. Beginning with this exalted proposition, the Founders set about to protect each American by circumscribing the reach of the federal government. They did this because they knew that all governments, despite their necessity, inherently stink. You have it on good authority that Madison, Franklin, Hamilton, Morris and others used the pejorative, but only in the privacy of their chambers, choosing not to offend other delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Luckily, Jefferson was on duty in France; so he didn’t leak the “S” word. But from long distance he did the next best thing. He added his voice to insist on the creation and adoption of the Bill Of Rights — those 10 radiant Amendments that help protect citizens from a usurping Federal “dictatorship.” In fact, during spirited debates about the Constitution itself, opponents repeatedly charged that, as originally drafted, the Constitution would open the way to tyranny by the central government. Fresh in their minds was the memory of the British violation of civil rights before and during the Revolution. So they demanded a “bill of rights” that would spell out the immunities of individual citizens. Several state conventions, in their formal ratification of the Constitution, also asked for such amendments; and others ratified it only with the full understanding that the amendments would be in place. You’re not the least bit surprised that a socialist president and other like-minded functionary politicians want to erode a doctrine that sanctifies individuality. Career bureaucrats like the POTUS despise individuals, especially the producers — the doers, the people who build things, who make products and provide valuable services. Bureaucrats have special disdain for exceptionalism and exceptional people — those who actually accomplish something useful — and their disdain swells to outright scorn for achievers who dare to create wealth. But you shouldn’t fault career bureaucrats. Having never held a private sector job, they simply are incapable of grasping the meaning of productive work. They build nothing, make nothing, provide nothing. Their self worth relies entirely on the power to regulate the people they envy — and no one envies accomplished people more than the POTUS. The Founders did their job. They couldn’t, wouldn’t trust government without laying down specific restraints. Above all else, they wanted to limit governmental stink. But they had no crystal ball to suspect that the stench would mushroom like a nuclear cloud. And mushroom it has, saturating the landscape, invading every business, every home and the lives of every citizen. The Constitution be damned, the Fed is the nation’s ultimate trespasser, meddling in Education, Healthcare, Welfare, Business, Energy and a host of other sectors.  State’s Rights via the 10th Amendment is dormant, seemingly paralyzed. But nowhere is governmental stink more foul than in the conduct of the Presidency — in specific, the extent of First Family excesses, to the tune of a reported $45 million. This obscene expenditure alone is staggering evidence that the Federal Government is in the grip of a malignant sickness. You look to the Balance of Powers for remedy and see nothing but impotence, proving that the contamination is omnipresent from top to bottom. The Founders were utterly justified to fear tyranny. They courageously left us an inspired, rich legacy. And like spoiled children, we squander it. Stinks.

Many millions of Americans would tell you that they hold no political allegiance whatsoever — that they are Independent. Millions of Democrat and GOP party members claim they do not toe their party line — that they vote for the best candidate and the right policies, regardless of party. These are the shufflers and hedgers who, like Congressmen, love a little “wiggle room.” Then you have the Loyalists. These are the staunch partisans who cast aside all rational thought in favor of deep-seated prejudice. In approximately 33 AD, a Loyalist mob chose Barabbas over Jesus Christ. In 1776, disciples of King George III would never turn their backs on the Motherland and the Monarchy in favor of independence. In 1985, a big city neighborhood demonstrated its fervent support of John Gotti, a celebrity thug and murderer. In 2008 and again in 2012, above all other considerations, Racists paid total homage to the skin color of one Barack Obama. In each case, these Loyalists knew who they were, publicized who they were and made no excuses for their prejudice or bigotry. In America today, most of these people are Democrats; and they have many other American allies — closet Democrats who, like Socialists, either don’t know or strangely refuse to admit their affiliation. If by chance you don’t happen to know who you are, now is your chance to find out. It’s pretty simple, really.  Just answer ” I Agree” or “I Disagree,” or “I don’t know,” to the following statements:

I believe the Federal Government should provide welfare benefits, like food stamps, housing, cash aid, etc. (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should run the nation’s Healthcare System (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should run the Education System (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should govern the nation’s Energy (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should provide free contraceptive and abortion services (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should repeal the 2nd Amendment (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should repeal the 4th Amendment (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should be responsible for taking care of those who can’t or won’t take care of themselves (Agree) (Disagree) ( I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should not be required to have a Balanced Budget (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should at least double the tax rate on the rich (those making over $200,000) (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should grant amnesty to all illegal aliens. (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

I believe the Federal Government should eliminate any reference to God in public institutions (Agree) (Disagree) (I don’t know).

If you answered “Agree” to six (6) statements, you’re a certified Socialist. If you answered “Agree” to two (2) statements, you’re a Democrat. If you answered “I don’t Know” to more than one (1) statement, you’re not qualified to vote. If you answered “Disagree” to ten (10) statements, you’re a RINO. If you answered “Disagree” to all twelve (12) statements, you’re a hybrid — part Republican and Libertarian. You probably say you don’t fit neatly into any of these categories. In fact, you resent being categorized like some kind of mindless robot. No, you’re one of those independent thinkers who knows there’s a little bit of good and a little bit of bad in all of God’s creatures (if you happen to believe in God). You don’t see issues in black and white because there’s always room for compromise. The words “right” and “wrong” don’t apply any longer, do they? You have to love  Independents who occupy the moral high ground. They feel clean. Never devious. Always principled and conscientious. Never really at fault, no matter what they think, because they vote pragmatically. As a Judge, Pontius Pilate demonstrated an independent, pragmatic mind. He made a rational decision. And like any good independent, washed his hands of it. Clean.

Political Parties in America need to disappear. Before you dismiss this recommendation as a fascist notion, put your prejudice in idle as you shine a light on it. Logically, you might begin with accepted definitions:

The main purpose of political parties is to join people together with similar points of view about government . . . to participate in and influence government by having members elected to government positions.

Or, to bring people together to achieve control of government, develop policies favorable to their interests or the groups that support them, and organize and persuade voters to elect their candidates.

Pretty bland stuff. So is TNT, just sitting there. These definitions sound so democratic, so broad-minded, so equitable — so — legitimate. Yet consider this —  although highly involved in the operation of government at every level, political parties are not the government itself, and our embattled Constitution makes no mention of them. So you have a choice. Decide now to shine a light on the reality of political parties or pretend they are stalwart, heroic guardians of our Republic. Let’s get real. Political parties are Gangs in Suits. That’s the true definition, stripping bare the Party’s lofty disguise. Party affiliated voters like you are rank and file gang members who have blind loyalty, no different than a sport fan’s devotion to a team. These peons have no influence (unless they have deep, deep pockets). They elect leaders who operate at the seats of power. Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Socialist and Communist Parties are represented by the Washington Gangs whose sole purpose is to compete for power. Parties do not exist to serve all the people or even the national interest; they exist primarily to seize control of government (and the Treasury) and consolidate individual and group power. You must acknowledge that the political parties are in a state of perpetual war. The gang hierarchy in Washington is no different than the structures of Cosa Nostra, Crips, Wah Ching, Bloods or Aryan Brotherhood — or any Trade Union. You have the Bosses, Underbosses, Consiglieri, Captains, Enforcers, Soldiers, Recruiters, Money Launderers, etc. The Political Party, as constituted, is antithetical to the tenets of liberty. Consider the preeminent goal of any elected leader: To remain at the seat of power indefinitely. The politician achieves this goal by: 1. rising in Party influence; 2. returning patronage to supporters; 3. obeying Party leadership; 4. growing the size and scope of government; 5. enhancing personal wealth; 6. seeking higher office and 7. raising money. You may reject this summary to suggest that very good people are doing their very best to represent the diverse interests of a great nation. Perhaps. But a few rowers in a lifeboat have zero chance of moving a massive, tyrannical iceberg. No, there’s only one way to kill the beast — cut off its head. Political Gangs should disappear. Congress and Senate should have Members, period. Members individually accountable, without allegiance or obedience to any group, special interest or even State. How dumb can you be? Without allegiance? Members of the House or Senate eventually would form alliances and cliques and you would be back at square one. Yes, but not in lock-step. Remember first how Members would get there. Voters, no longer having the option of pulling one lever for their favorite Gang, would be forced to vote for individuals based on something other than a party label. Jiminy Cricket. The flaw in this recommendation is that the CLU would instantly bring a discrimination suit, charging that millions of disadvantaged people would not have the time, the ability, knowledge or interest in properly evaluating the candidates. Think of voters who can’t read. Think of those who are illegal. Think of those who are dead. Think of the interminable waiting in voting lines.  America then would have the imbalance of being controlled unfairly by those citizen elites who are informed, knowledgeable and patriotic — citizens whose political IQ would surely select the best and brightest Constitutional disciples. Oh, yes, the very citizens who in 2008 and 2012 voted for eight years of gang rule and tyranny. God bless America.