With all of the challenges we face as a nation, we need to take some time to put some distance between our challenges and us, recharging our batteries. It is ironic that when you do put some mental and emotional distance between you and your challenges, random thoughts can come to mind to take the edge off of your day.
When you hear the word ‘stock,’ what comes to mind? Do you think of Wall Street, or stocking your pantry for the coming shortages, or livestock? Do you think of the stocks of medieval and colonial American times that were used as a form of punishment and humiliation? While kicking back with a few buddies at a favorite watering hole, the thought occurred to me that it might be time to reinstate an old custom, ala Longshanks in Braveheart, erecting stocks … in D. C.
While the thought of punishing and humiliating our Representatives, Senators, VP and Traitor-in-Chief is inviting, I believe we could do a lot of good with the reinstitution of stocks, using them to keep our elected ‘representatives’ honest for a change!
The basis for an elected Federal politician being confined to their personal stock is any vote, or authoring or support of legislation that is, or was, outside of the limits of our Constitution. Considering that about 95% of what passes for business-as-usual inside the American Rubicon is un-Constitutional, means most individuals in elected government would be hanging their heads and hands through stocks, ready for a very public form of punishment and humiliation. Everyone, especially elected politicians, better get fully educated about Amendment X to our Constitution!
Once the stocks are in place, how much would you be willing to invest in the enterprise of taking shots at those who have led us down the Yellow Brick Road of political perdition? At five bucks a throw, I believe we could generate a sizable sum. Have you ever had to throw out a tomato, an egg, lettuce, etc., which has gone bad? Why not save these items in the future, and travel to our nation’s capitol to get some value out of them?
We would also probably see an uptick in consumer confidence when people believe they can really have an impact upon their elected representatives. Our travel industry and the D. C. hospitality and dining industries could also get a shot in the arm, as people travel to D. C. to take their shot at those who purport to represent them, but, who, in fact, have abused them mercilessly. Think about those who lose their jobs due to political interference in the private sector, and taxes and policies that make our industries less competitive in an ever-increasingly competitive global economy! Do you think they may want to pay-to-play, taking their shot at our political miscreants? Can’t you visualize the mugs of our Traitor-in-Chief, Gaffe Biden, Dodd, Frank, Pelosi, Reid, Bugeater Nelson (the 60th vote for ObamaCare), Rangel, Durbin, Leahy, Schumer, Waxman, Waters, Wasserman-Schultz, GOP elitists, etc., lined up for your best shots?
With this type of leverage over our elected representatives, don’t you think those elected would be more responsive to our wishes, assuming our wishes are Constitutional? Do you think they would pass legislation upon us, from which they are exempt? Do you think they would use their position to further their own wealth and power at the expense of those they swear an oath to represent? Would we continue to be victims of unscrupulous lobbyists, if the lobbyists and the companies/organizations the lobbyists represent realize they couldn’t sway weak-kneed politicians? Would we have czars and Federal departments and agencies usurping our legislative process? Would we really need term limits to send the carpetbaggers and scalawags packing?
We could establish an entity that would handle all of the proceeds to ensure the money goes towards paying down our national debt, once Congress and the President enact serious legislation towards restoring our government towards Constitutional governance. As the American dream is being decimated by those who are charged with ensuring the passage of the American dream onto future generations, isn’t it fun to dream about what we can do to hold accountable, those who are responsible for this passage?
A.J. Cameron was born in Kansas City, MO, and raised in Prairie Village, KS. He is a graduate of Rockhurst High School and University of Kansas, and is a the former president of the Native Sons & Daughters of Greater Kansas City. Having worked for international and local, start-up companies, A. J. brings a wide range of insight to many of the challenging issues of the day. A.J. seeks to engage readers on key issues with views grounded in time-tested principles and common sense.
