Writ of Mandamus - Do it!

Latin for "we order," a writ (more modernly called a "writ of mandate") which orders a public agency or governmental body to perform an act required by law when it has neglected or refused to do so. Last night I was considering, what can we as common citizens do to force our government to perform its legal duties?  The border laws make it illegal for people to cross our borders, but when it happens, we do little to deal with the problem.  These are likely illegal Democratic voters, and it becomes apparent that nothing will be done even thought the law is clear.  The Constitution says we have the right to privacy, but we are now involved in the largest effort imaginable to check what we are saying, and who we are saying it to.  This goes under the guise of homeland security, but given that the IRS has already proved that it can't be trusted to do its job within legal boundaries, is it safe to assume that the likes of Valerie Jarrett will find a way to invade our discourse for political advantage.  How many people are audited by the IRS after confronting anything done by this administration.  If you have the name Tea Party in your dealings with this White House, you can be sure you will be scrutinized and dealt with by the heavy hand of our government.  Everyone gets excited when the comparisons are made to pre WWII Germany, but isn't this subtly what is happening here?  -- Enough

My ideal politician in Congress

So you were selected by citizens in the primary to represent your political party.  The citizens of your community in the general election elected you.  But what are we expecting of you when you go to Washington?  You are now part of a large organization of people who have come to represent their communities.

You have to know we as a nation are unhappy with the body you are now part of.  We have high hopes as you establish your office in our nation's capital that you will be our voice to express our disgust for what has been going on with this august organization.

I would like you to be a strong voice as you become part of committees.  I don't expect you to lean back in your seat and listen to the "spin" that is Washington.  We expect to hear that you were heard in objeccting to the foolishness that is so often on the agenda.  I expect you to answer questions in a very direct way, without spin, talking points, or equivocation.  I expect you to be visible and vocal with the media and at town halls.  I want you to talk about the greatness of our country and the principles that have brought us to this point in history.  I want you to quote from the bible and the constitution often and with pride.  You are a leader and we will judge you on your moral character and the behavior that exemplifies the best in our society.  Be proud of our nation and its heritage!

We expect much from you, and we believed that you were ready for this significant role in Congress.  -- Enough

Lying and spinning!

At what point do we say "you are lying"?  People often equivocate with statements like "perhaps you don't understand", or we simply are confronted with "talking points".  The word "lying" often needs to be said, especially for those who have scripted comments to so many questions.  By the way, how many people, especially in politics, refuse to answer a question directly, but go "spinning" a response that is far away from the thrust of the question.  Often the interviewer gives up and accepts the tangent that the respondent has put forth.

I am very happy when I find a pundit, or media person who refuses to accept the blather.  I hope the interviewer will try to understand that we, the viewer or reader, wants a to know the answer in bold terms.  We have been living with these inadequate diversions (i.e. lies) of truth and frankness all too often. -- Enough