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June 07, 2006
Codependency and Government Part III
by Jack Lee
As we enter the 3rd and final segment of this article, I want to outline the patterns of codependency as it plays out in our modern US government. As you read this, I'm sure you find the patterns familiar as I based this on many of the things I found in Codependents Anonymous. Now I admit, the following outine is full of unsupported generalities and if you want me to give specifics on each and every point, I could, but then it would be called a book and not an article. lol So, please bear with me on the generalities and hopefully, it will all make sense when you're done reading:
Denial Patterns:
Government has difficulty identifying what "we the people" really want and think...there's a sort of disconnect because they are in one world (Washington) and the voters are in another (reality).
Government perceives itself as completely alturistic, unselfish and dedicated to the well being of others, whether those [others] want the gov help or not.
Patterns of Weakness and Confusion:
Congress, like a house divided, has trouble doing the right thing for odd reasons that often escape the logic of the common man. There's much confusion because of competing self interests, hidden agendas and that results in a murking view of what is right and wrong. Caught up in this tangle are the bold ideas and reforms, which get quickly dilluted down, sometimes into obscurity.
Our government rarely demands anything of other government's in exchange for our generous help. Too often, we give and give and give... to nations that hate us or work against us or worse, that are corrupt regimes.
There are times when Congress overvalues the opinions of other western nations that criticize our leadership.
Compliance Patterns:
Going along to get along. Government sometimes will seek compromise in order to avoid conflict or rejection from our peers, even when it is right and in our best interest not too.
We are extremely loyal to other nations even when they are not loyal to us and we remain in those harmful situations too long.
Control Patterns:
Government, in the most general terms, believes people are incapable of taking care of themselves. In time government develops an irresistable urge to [help] too much!
Government tries to tell voters what they [should] think, rather than listening to the voters, who are empowered by the Constitution to tell government what to think.
Government frequently tries to buy friends and influence in the world through overly generous gifts and favors.
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NOW FOR THE SOLUTION:
Our nation's common good should come [first], above all else.
We ought to [sometimes] step back and let other nations take the lead when it comes to international problem solving, we've allowed the world to become too dependent on us for leadership.
Our loyalty to other nations must be predicated on productive, ethical behavior that serves our national interest. We really don't need cute terms like, plausible deniability or situational ethics mucking up the White House.
We must have the courage to take inventory of our past dysfunctional international relationships, accept responsibility and take steps to improve future relationships based on higher standards. This is the first step to breaking the codependent patterns that cause us to repeat past mistakes.
Demand and practice good character at all levels of government. That part might sound hokey or corny, but I think thats exactly what we need. "Honesty is the first chapter in the Book of wisdom. Let it be our endeavor to merit the character of a just nation." --Thomas Jefferson And this one from Teddy Roosevelt, "We can afford to differ on the currency, the tariff, and foreign policy; but we cannot afford to differ on the question of honesty if we expect our republic permanently to endure."
(This next one really wasn't a codependent behavior, but I thought I would toss it in anyway. On War....Either we fight to win and completely support our troops or we don't go to war. That means once we are committed to action, we don't tolerate back stabbing by politicians pushing their own agenda. We fight to win in the shortest time possible and fight on our terms, utililizing our technology. We don't surgically engage the enemy, as in house to house fighting, instead we blow up the block, if the block is resisting we blow up the neighborhood, and so on ... this is how we win, absolutely and completely)
We (individuals) must assume more accountability for what our government does, that means we have to be more pro-active and better informed and then make a personal committment to take all this to the ballot box. (Our current voter turnout is pretty shameful, exceeded in shame by what our voters don't know, then again 50% of our college freshman can't find Japan on a world map! lol So we really can't set our sights too high to start, can we? Still, there is tremendous room to improve and reach only up to mediocrity...so lets strive for that as our immediate goal. We can work on being "good" later, afterall, we've been lowering the bar for so long, it's going to take years to put the bar back where it belongs!
Posted by Post Scripts at June 7, 2006 04:44 PM
Jack,
Whew, this is a big subject! If I'm hearing you right the immediate focus of our attention is "the people'. We cannot expect great things from those who serve in government if we have failed in the private sector to achieve a moral, well educated and informed citizenry. We "get what we pay for" isn't just about money and things. It applies equally well to the effort that individuals make for themselves and within their families and communities. It seems to me there has been a press for changes in this direction for quite some time now. A generaion that needs to repair the damage we have done, perhaps? Progress is slow but is also building in momentum. It's incredible what can come about when committed human beings align behind a noble cause and share. Making a difference is about affecting those in one's immediate sphere of influence, nibbling away at problems and offering tidbits of truth.
As one who feels compelled to participate in some way, may I take this opportunty to thank you for the chance to add to the "cause" on these pages.
Posted by: Tina at June 8, 2006 09:31 AM
There is no short cuts to getting good government is there? Ultimately, it really falls back on us, as you said, we get what we deserve.
Posted by: Jack Lee at June 8, 2006 09:51 AM
I enjoyed your article extremely. I have been working on a e-book entitled "Co-dependency of the United States government" for quite awhile, and feel your article is very good.
Posted by: Nancy at June 23, 2006 07:50 AM
Thanks Nancy, appreciate the kinds words.
Posted by: Jack Lee at June 23, 2006 10:45 PM
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