I write here as a private citizen, and as such I am concerned with how many of our political candidates seem to view that position. From all appearances, the political candidate sees the private citizen as someone to be cajoled and coerced into agreeing with and voting for him.
The private citizen is too ignorant to figure things out for himself, and too swayed by propaganda to make rational decisions. Why, if you gave him all the facts, the other candidate would twist them to “make a trap for fools” (which of course would include the private citizen). If you were honest about your weaknesses, and even, God forbid, your opponent’s strengths, you would be done for!
No, you must paint yourself in the best possible light while painting your opponent in the worst possible light, whether or not your public statements match your private feelings.
This would seem to be the prevailing attitude in politics today toward the private citizen. There is a fundamental lack of respect for him. But what would happen if politicians were honest about their strengths and their weaknesses, and if they gave voters the information which they needed rather than simply what the candidates wanted them to know? Can we trust the people to use this information responsibly?
In answer to this question as one of the people, I will say this: If you cannot trust us, then you are not fit to lead us. But if, in the end, we are not trustworthy, then I admit that you cannot lead us anyway: you may only control us.
Benjamin Franklin predicted that the government of the United States would eventually turn to despotism, “when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.” And the control of knowledge is indeed a type of despotism: It is a tyranny over the truth. Perhaps we have been so corrupted by incessant propaganda that it is now the only thing we will answer to. Perhaps we are no longer capable, as a people, of judiciousness.
What then, Candidate? Will you use the foolish masses for your own ends, or will you strive to instill in us once again, through your candidacy, the aptitude for freedom? And what then, Private Citizens? Will you gather to yourselves teachers, “having itching ears,” or will you strive for mature political thought, leaving the sophists to enthrall themselves?
For the continuation of our liberties is not to be found in servile allegiance to party lines and slogans. No, but “the truth will make you free.”
- Luke K. Quinn is the minister for West President Church of Christ in Greenwood.
