For the first time in my life, I have begun to worry about the state of our nation. Is it possible for our way of life to weather the challenges it faces? Will our Constitution survive? Will we sink in socialism as other countries are seeking to climb from its clutches? Will we be able to pass on a society which values hard work and respect for others? Will our people believe, as they have in the past, that they should assume responsibility for our acts and omissions? Will we be a people that do not look to others for support and, at the same time, be a people with a spirit of charity to look to the needs of other? Will we pass to our children and grandchildren a country in which they will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and have a life even better than we have enjoyed?
I am a practicing libertarian. I strongly believe that I should have the right to live as I will without the interference of government or individuals so long as I do not interfere with the rights of others to enjoy such freedom. I strongly believe that no one owes me anything and I owe no more to others. At the same time I support voluntary charity to help those in need through no fault of their own. I believe strongly in strict construction of the Constitution, not the elastic version which allows it to support or oppose what the judges want it to.
Over the past few years, I have witnessed events that I feel evoke comment. The events run the gamut. I am concerned that our foreign policy, which has always been uncoordinated and, largely, ineffective, has become dangerous. I feel we have also reached the point where our tax policy, monetary policy, debt policy, economic policy and various governmental programs pose a serious threat to the viability of government at all levels. To the extent possible, I have made my comments clear to those who wished to hear them. I have decided to continue my efforts in a more formal fashion.
I will be preparing papers from time to time which explore issues I feel are important in terms of values I hold high. Joining me in this venture will be Dick Shriver, a friend for 40 years and a true patriot. Others will be introduced from time to time. Some of our papers will address issues that are timely. Some will take the longer view. Likely, none of our papers will deal comprehensively with the issues they address. Often, our papers will deal with a specific issue within a matter and we will come back later with a paper that will deal with other issues. The views are our own. We welcome comments. We also welcome our readers making the availability of our papers known to others.
John Russell Deane III
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