THAT 'POPULISM' -- WHAT IS IT? -- Just a Minute Radio for Friday 02-05-10

Hello again… So far the Groundhog’s been right…

 

            Every now and then I get a hankering just to read the dictionary.  The plot’s a little confusing … but the stories are generally short…  Corney huh?  Sorry about that… not as addicted as some punsters.

 

            But words are the symbols we *think* with – and when a word gets mashed around a lot – and batted back and forth – Well … it’s hard to know who’s winning.  Populism is one of those words.

 

            I don’t mind having new symbols introduced to the discussion… but every now and then we need to stop and add up the score… or at least see who’s on first.

 

            William Jennings Bryan was a popular populist – he ran for President three times, losing each race. He made a historic speech on which he said mankind must not be crucified on a “Cross of Gold.”  By which he meant those who controlled the gold supply and could thus dictate the value of gold coins and all those ramifications – their power should not be limitless.  Perhaps there he was advocating ‘limited government’ – certainly limited spending.

 

            The “Massachusetts upset” is viewed – particularly as a ‘populist rebellion’ – often it seems those out of power are the “populists” wanting to be heard. Well… is that such a bad thing?  We do have a first amendment to our U.S. Constitution… often abused I believe – but important nevertheless, that Congress shall make no laws impinging upon that freedom; Still and all -- there are limitations such as the “right” to cry FIRE in a crowded theatre.  Your right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins.

 

            So there’s no question … it’s an *important* matter – but it must be dealt with thoughtfully… and especially for Christians – prayerfully.  As you hear what I can cram into 60 seconds trying to imitate my betters in the bigger newspapers and more widespread audience masters – give it some thought.  Thinking never hurt the Republic – especially done by people who have character – and as for my preference – Character shaped by our Creator  -- the Lord Jesus.  Think on these things if you will – and let the Lord guide your thoughts.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

Jack Buttram

 

http://www.justaminuteradio.blogspot.com/jama02-05-10.mp3

 

http://www.justaminuteradio.blogspot.com/jamt02-05-10.doc

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THAT ‘POPULISM’ -- WHAT IS IT?

Just A Minute – I’ve heard “populist” used in such pejorative ways recently – particularly amongst the anti-tea-party crowd, I decided to look into it and try to discern its real meaning.

Maybe it’s a ‘cabin-fever’ sort of frustration that overtakes the hyper-political folks who don’t believe the political process is moving along at a satisfactory pace – so they must needs stir the pot.  Both Plato and Aristotle had reservations about leaving things to the people, add to that David Brooks of the New York Times who calls it an “addiction” -- a worthwhile idea he had not discovered.  

Or, George Will, a generally conservative columnist at the Washington Post seems to mark ‘populism’ down as a politician’s trick adopted when concealing the true objective… he likened it to Fred Astaire putting on brogans and coveralls.  Brooks says it nearly always fails – and points to William Jennings Bryan who ran three times unsuccessfully for President.

We could possibly blow away the clouds if we agreed with Tom Frank of the Wall Street Journal – maybe it’s something the constituents really want  – we could call it democracy.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

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