Government and Oppression

Over this 4th of July weekend, observing our nation's celebration of independence and the overthrow of Morsi and the constitution of Egypt,  I have thought deeply about the relationship between government and oppression.

Does oppression occur when government engages in actions that diminish citizen participation? Last year the majority party in the Michigan legislature arguably sought to diminish free and full debate by proposing and passing legislation without going through the usual committee hearing process. During this time, despite a Governor who previously said the issue was not a priority for him, turned Michigan into a "right-to-work" state. Regardless of whether one supports unions or not, passing this legislation without holding hearings open to the public seems to this blogger oppressive.

Similarly, recognizing public opposition to other issues, the majority party proposed and passed legislation that would prevent referendums to change certain hunting/environmental practices. There is great irony when legislators elected to represent the public decide that the public should not have a say.

Sadly, rather than expressing outrage, citizens sit back and say, "that's politics."

On this day celebrating independence . . .

On this 4th of July we say happy birthday to independence for the USA. As we consider the freedom from tyranny that so many good people fought for and continue to fight for, let us be vigilant in opposing those elected and appointed officials who support through action or inaction taking away freedom. What may seem like an innocent or inconsequential action to erode freedom may come back to haunt us.