“America rejects the notion that DC can manage all of life’s challenges. We dismiss the fantasy that deepest problems are solved by politics.”

One of the more disturbing popular political theories is the notion that Congress Must Do Something!™ Not only is reactionary governance unwise, it also runs contrary to the founders’ intentions. Our government was designed specifically to mitigate the hair ablaze reactivity that inevitably leads to horrible policy and infringement of rights.

Progressives typically carry the reactionary banner though no segment of the political spectrum is immune. Everyone wants change and looks to the government and by extension, their elected officials, to give them what they want. Often our elected officials are the worst offenders of this politically driven extra-Constitutional reactivity.

Rather than work within the confines of our Constitutional framework, Democrats (who here, are worse than their Republican counterparts) routinely look to skirt boundaries to achieve short-term political gains.

Enter the filibuster debate.

Senator Reed once again suggested the Senate kill the filibuster if Democrats regain control of the upper house in November. Why? To squash those pesky obstructionist Republicans. Forget that the filibustering Senators are elected to represent their constituencies, the collective progressive agenda is far too important a cause to risk. Or something.

Thankfully, Senator Sasse is having none of it.

Translation: "The Democrats want lots more government."https://t.co/U6JOyiuEwv — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

Filibuster flows from Founders’ design of a system in which they wanted to make it hard, not easy, for govt to act.https://t.co/DhDakYa5Om — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

The desire to limit debate so the central government can move quickly is a radical instinct.https://t.co/DhDakYa5Om — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

Progressives believe power–that is the govt–is the center of life. Americans have historically rejected this view.https://t.co/DhDakXSuWO — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

America's starting pt:

Govt is not center of life.

It's not the source of rights.

Govt exists to provide framework..https://t.co/DhDakYa5Om — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

1/2

The job of govt is not generically/unqualified "to make life better." Govt has specific duties/specific powers. https://t.co/FRm4urVcOn — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

Government trying to do everything — and thereby crowding out other institutions — makes life worse, not better, for people. — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

But not everything.

Many functions rightly belong to fed govt. (Our debate is lame when Ds say all & Rs say none) https://t.co/tF2C7VTT0A — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

The Constitution aims to limit the risk that DC smothers the dignity of individuals & dynamism of local communitieshttps://t.co/DhDakYa5Om — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

We must reaffirm the dignity of individuals & the dynamism of local communities–the real centers of life and love.https://t.co/DhDakYa5Om — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

Natl Ds said in '12

"govt=just another word for things we choose do do together."

This is wrong.

That word=COMMUNITY https://t.co/IvhOS1wCly — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

America rejects the notion that DC can manage all of life’s challenges. We dismiss the fantasy that deepest problems are solved by politics. — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

Bingo:

House is built for offense. Reflects public opin w/2yr terms

Senate is for defense. Exists to cool popular passionshttps://t.co/DhDakYa5Om — Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) September 1, 2016

Follow Kemberlee on Twitter @kemberleekaye



