Friday, February 17, 2012

Herd Mentality

Dan A. Mefford, D.C.

We have all read about the classic “herd mentality” exhibited by the buffalo on the plains. The Indians would surround the herd and stampede them over a cliff. Raising sheep and hogs I have observed the same phenomenon.

It is also a well documented response in people. There is just something way down deep in our souls that just has a hard time breaking loose from the herd and going our own independent way. When the herd begins to move, there is that tendency to ‘assume’ that someone up ahead must know “the way” that we need to go, after all, everyone is going “that way.”

Thinking, speaking, and acting on your own against the herd is hard, like swimming upstream. It leads to criticism, from friends and family however finally when major needed improvements come about the herd gradually starts turning ‘that way” but, not until some independent thinker begins to turn first.

My question, how long will it take officials to see that their loyalty cannot be to “the law” but to a Constitution which they are sworn to uphold against all  enemies foreign and domestic. The laws frequently are without constitutional merit. They are overturned all the time.

Many candidates have stated they will swear an oath to uphold the “laws” of the state of Illinois and to the constitution. I would recommend that the candidates review the oath and think about this.

Article 13, Section 3. “I do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of . . . to the best of my ability.”

Years ago it was not uncommon in some states to have blacks sit at the back of the bus, drink from their own fountain, use their own restroom. Those were laws. They were laws that caused pain for many years against people who could not afford fancy pants lawyers.

Will our newest crop of candidates for important legal positions in Illinois uphold and prosecute a law like that until the Supreme Court says “that is unconstitutional?” Or, will they have the courage to break from the herd and say for instance, “The right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed” on my watch!

Contact me: pike912.blogspot.com.

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