First Principles: Coconuts
Introduction: I made the decision to register Republican in 1979 and as a Young Republican at University I worked to help elect Ronald Reagan as President. While at University I read the works of Hume, Locke, Montesquieu, Hobbs, Plato, Cicero, and others. I made the personal decision that I wanted to live under a Republican form of government, because I believe it is the most humane. Now that I am running for 2nd Vice Chair of Georgia's 7th District, Republican Party, I want to share a series of articles that clearly define my understanding of republicanism and the principles of the Republican Party.
The easiest way to explain my understanding of Republican government is to offer it to you in a story to include coconuts.
Imagine that all the citizens of Georgia's 7th District (Gwinnett and Forsyth) decided to move to an uninhabited island in the Caribbean replete with white sandy beaches, blue water coves, and coconut trees. We decide to form a government in order to protect our lives and property. We form a government that protects us from foreign invaders and to make laws that prevent others from stealing our coconuts. What will be the form of this government we decided to create?
Do we appoint one person to make all these laws and decisions? That would be a King, Dictator, or Monarch? Probably not, that has been tried in the past and it always leads to tyranny.
Do we want democracy whereby 50.1 percent of the population can vote away the coconuts of 49.9 percent of the people? Probably not, that has been tried before and it leads to a collapse of the civil society and tyranny.
Do we want to segment the island into equally populated districts, whereby we elect a neighbor to represent our interests in a legislature? This form of government is republicanism and has been tried in the past and works rather well; especially if it is a Constitutional Republic.
Now we must decide whether we want to give the legislature the power to do whatever they please? Probably not a good idea. The citizens select neighbors to gather together and write a Constitution. This document will empower the legislature to do certain things and restrain them from doing other things. We give the power of taxation and spending directly to the legislature, because this is the most dangerous power impacting our financial freedom. This form of government allows us to hold accountable the representatives elected by the people in the districts.
To protect our individual liberties we determine what we don't want the legislature to be involved with; 1. Speech, 2. Religion, 3. Due Process, 4. Guns, 5. Habeas Corpus, etc. We will call this portion our Bill of Rights. This document is presented to the citizens of the island to determine whether this Constitution should be made law. If the people agree with this Constitution, it is ratified and becomes the law of the island.
The Constitution protects all the islanders from those that would try to take your coconuts. If the Constitution is not adhered to, we find that the legislature takes more-an-more of the coconuts from those on the east side, and gives them to those on the west side. The coconut farms on the east side are much more prosperous due to climate and environment. This was not authorized in the Constitution, but more islanders are moving to the west side where they get coconuts for free. The balance of political power is shifting to take from the prosperous and give to the those who have fewer coconuts. The neighbors elected to serve in the legislature reject their first principles.
The legislature regulates the means of transportation, telling us it is for our safety, making it more expensive for the east producers to transport and sell their coconuts to islanders in the North and South. Unfortunately this puts several coconut farmers out of business and they move to the west for free coconuts. With more islanders demanding free coconuts, the legislature must raise taxes and take more coconuts from the producers in the east for re distribution to those in the west. It turns out to be a never-ending process until one or two big coconut farmers remain and they in turn give coconuts to members of the legislature for favors.
Eventually the majority of the island's population is dependent on coconut handouts and an oligarchy results with the same neighbors returning to the legislature over-and-over again. Eventually the neighbors elected to the legislature become rich and the majority of the islanders become poorer.
Does this sound familiar? This is exactly where we are as a nation. We have not held our legislators accountable to the Constitution at the state and federal level. The only way to fix this is a return to first principles. These first principles are incorporated into the Republican Party Platform; financial freedom and individual liberty. I would like to address these first principles in my next article.
Bill Evelyn is running for 7th District, 2nd Vice Chair for the Republican Party.
Editor's Note: Patch is not affiliated with nor endorses any political party, organization or candidate running for public office.
Tammy Osier
5:01 pm on Sunday, January 27, 2013
I like examples that are easily understood (except to those who don't obey the rules and want coconuts that aren't theirs-lol). This is a good one. I used to teach students that concept using the principal, AP's and teacher classrooms, and students in them to help them understand how government works. Thanks for sharing this. I will certainly share it with others.
I could say more concerning the feedback you'll get for being so sensible (not all are), but I will wait until the feedback begins. :))
John Owens
5:56 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
Great way of breaking down, what happening right now, Mr. Evelyn! This is why, of late, I've become more and more anti-incumbent.When our Representatives start enacting policies reflecting the positions they ran on, rather than what a special interest group(s) fills their coffers, I might reconsider that position. I think this will only come if term limits are in place, and there is no incentive for that to happen.
Tammy Osier
7:13 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
I wonder where everyone is on this one? I know. There's no way to refute such perfect logic!
John Owens
5:33 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Ms Osier, I wonder in the title threw people, as it wasn't until I saw your comment on the front page, I went back and read Mr. Evelyn's article. Too bad, if that's the case, as they missed a real jewel.
John Owens
7:05 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
"Coconuts: A lesson in Republican governance"
I fault myself for not seeing it first, Mr. Evelyn and agree with Ms. Osier too, as the subtle title may have tapped down the liberal posts. So maybe you were spot on from the onset.
Good Grief Y'all
7:58 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
But John, Mrs. Osier was looking for those liberal posts. If you all are so confident in your opinions, why would you be afraid of mere liberals taking notice and responding?
Tammy Osier
6:35 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
When you post something and it is in the forefront, the blurb (small statement telling what its about) doesn't appear until it falls in the blog category. It was then that I saw where it said, "understanding republicanism". You may be right, but I think there are other reasons. I'll be proved right when a liberal posts something that has to do with understanding liberalism. They won't reply to these types but start their own in order to draw people into an argument. With the great logic in this one, there is no argument. I've seen it too many times on Patch. There was one like this one about 6 months ago, beautifully written. Only two replies. Then, one appeared with the opposite view and became a tabloid argument for the next 3 weeks. I'd rather stay away from the Enquirer type posts. No one wins - no logic or common sense involved. Maybe if he reposts it under a different title?
Kim Roberto
9:18 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
I just read this on my break as I was aimlessly looking for something I hadn't read yet. I skipped over it the first time due to the title. Didn't interest me. But now that I read it - I think it is a wonderful explantion of Republicans, one that I will reference from now on! As for a new title, how about "Do Republicans share Coconuts?" or "Republicans, a deserted island, and coconuts" or "Coconuts make good Republicans" or something to the effect of mentioning Republicans and coconuts in the same title. That might make people sit up and take notice. Of course, you then may get "Yes, Republicans are nuts!" or something more insulting. But at least the back-and-forth may start. Good luck. I enjoyed the article and look forward to your next ones.
Michael k
9:37 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
WOW. Life is just like a magical coconut island!!!!
Its fortunate the magical island doesn't rely solely on an (outdated) document rather than the reasoned consideration of its elected legislators when a coconut plague and pestilence breaks out on the eastern side of the island, wiping out the coconut crop and potentially forcing its inhabitants into cannibalism.
It is also fortunate that the westerners (let's call them lefties) have invested in education and have harvested alternative crops for sustenance.
Just think of the consequences if the inhabitants of the magical coconut island were beholden to a document that couldn't have possibly anticipated all of the complicated circumstances associated with managing an ever-changing society. Fortunately the framers of that document left some wiggle room for the elected representatives of the people to actually represent. It is also fortunate that the representatives made sure the easterners (lets call them righties) were provided with the basics of food, clothing,and shelter by society as a whole in spite of the fact that their forefathers didn't plan ahead for the coconut plague.
Michael k
12:13 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Uh oh, Bill. A tropical storm came through and devastated the magical coconut island. Fallen trees have blocked all the roads that allow access from the progressive left(y) side to the land of the independent libertarian bootstrappers on the right. Also, the new crop the right had tried to cultivate due to the onset of the coconut plague has been wiped out before harvest.
Because the uneducated right didn't understand the meaning of the word plague, they used the poisonous coconuts to make cream and flakes, which is now their only source of food. Also, the transportation infrastructure is devastated so they're cut off from educated lefties who might have warned them of the danger of food poisoning.
While the left is able to recover from the storm quickly due to historical investment in public infrastructure and contribution to the common good, the right breaks down into an apocalyptic wasteland.
Lack of food and proliferation of guns encourage lawlessness. Stand your ground laws allow the ever more paranoid righties to shoot first, at times with weapons stolen from lawful citizens.
The lefties try to help but the someone takes a comment about public infrastructure made by the leader of the left out of context, something about "you didn't build that" and the right tells them to pound sand.
Michael k
7:29 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Bill, Did the coconut growers to the East just birth those chainsaws? Probably not, so the removal of the trees was due to the collective effort and cooperation of all the inhabitants. You might say "it takes a village".
Also, while it is true a righty shot the lefties it wasn't because they were there to steal the coconuts. They'd only pulled into the wrong driveway because of a mistake reading their GPS. Unfortunately the paranoid righty didn't like the fact that too many of those people were moving into the neighborhood and decided to come out guns-a-blazin'.
Jack Gleason
2:42 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
"First-Principal" and Coconuts: Constitutional Republicanism Defined"
Tammy Osier
7:32 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Naw. Constitutional Republicanism defined: First principles: Coconuts. Got to have republicanism in the first two words.
Tammy Osier
7:40 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The reason I said that was that you have to have a word that catches the attention of your audience. It's not about the allegory, it's about what being a republican was founded on. The concept is the description. It appears that the principles will be broken down at some point, so that should come second.
MK - (tongue in cheek font on) no I don't think the founding fathers had any unforseen circumstances, No sir....only wars, slavery (which didn't fit within the document by the way, so had to be dealt with), and I guess storms and fires that devastated the crops they grew for the food that kept them alive weren't around back then either.
Seems their troubles were much worse than ours. These are "first principles" - a foundation. No country or republic ever lasted when it veered away from its foundation. If the foundation crumbles, so does everything that it holds up.
Tammy Osier
6:25 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
BE - you are fine. I stand by my original premise that your piece was so good, and made so much sense that no one could refute it nor will engage in debate to unravel it. Mark my words, you will soon see one that explains liberalism and all the liberals will come out in droves. They saw it. But at least we have this one to reference. Are you going to continue? I've already reposted this and so have many others. Do please continue.
Good Grief Y'all
11:28 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
This is a cartoonish oversimplification of the human condition, civil society and government. In comparing complicated, varied human needs and interactions to the availability and distribution of coconuts, you're talking down to people. But, I give you credit for explaining stark Republican ideology - you did leave personal freedoms and the right to the pursuit of happiness out of your list of "individual liberties". This is a good example of one reason Rs lost the WH and (not enough) Congressional seats. But, I'm good with that :)
The coconut lobby on the fantasy island would see to it that corporate welfare (subsidies) gets about twice as much as human welfare, as is the case now with corporate welfare being approximately 5% of the federal budget and human welfare receiving approximately 3% of the federal budget.
This post is dedicated to any commenters who have been begging for attention to this blog. Your chiding comes off as just wanting validation, not opposing discussion.
Good Grief Y'all
4:34 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Uhhhh, Bill, humanity is complicated. Your side "explains" complicated, multi-dimensional issues to the info-challenged in simple terms. Leave everything to the "goodness" of certain individuals and corporations, let them make the rules for all, so then all the goods go to them. I doubt you believe in laws and regulations against monopolies. Then, some of you believe in no rules. Mankind has advanced way beyond the simplicity of the 1700s.
Good Grief Y'all
7:40 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
I know, "Corporations are people, too." Not everything is supposed to be left to individuals. Without shared sacrifice and dedication, the USA would not have become the leader of the free world in just a few hundred years or ever. Mr. Evelyn, if government is so bad, why did the FFs bother to fight their mother country to create their own? They realized the necessity of constraint and common law over people who needed the structure. Lots of people now. So you think mankind has not advanced. All that we've learned in the medical field, space flights, satellites for communication and security - all that and more are not advanced mankind? That's messed up, sorry, I don't share that world view. Republicanism wants to cherry pick the parts of the Constitution to abide by, and to interpret to its slant.
Good Grief Y'all
9:11 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Mr. Evelyn, mankind has evolved, has changed, physically, mentally, culturally. If you don't believe in science, you have a lot more problems than worrying about politics and government.
Without shared sacrifice and sharing of expenses by all Americans, those ideas by individuals would not have seen reality. Without government funding help everything would be more expensive and limited to the very wealthy. America was created on shared sacrifice.
I bet the Chinese people struggling to breathe would love them some EPA-style government advocate. But they can buy canned air at 80 cents a pop, so guess they'll be okay.
Thank you, though, for making me realize even more how grateful I am not to be so cynical about America and government's role in keeping it moving forward.
Good Grief Y'all
11:54 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
It's Mrs. Y'all.
I think we'll just have to agree to disagree on the rest.
Tammy Osier
6:10 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Well, Bill, you've been mocked. Know that you've hit a nerve. Well, Jesus used analogies and metaphors to help his listeners understand simple principles of the kingdom of heaven. I doubt anyone would consider Him talking down to his listeners. To the contrary. Everything has a basic foundation - everything. No matter what problems you can come up with, the solution will always be traced back to the foundation. Math is built on a basic foundation; so is our language. OUr constitution is full of basic principles that will translate elsewhere. Take slavery for instance. We ended up back at the beginning that if all men are created equal, then one man cannot own another. 1700's or 2000's - there's not a lot new under the sun except that it's been modernized, renamed or skewed in some sort of way. Look again at the allegory - the comparisons to other forms of government (on the smaller scale of an island) should make us want to protect our way at any cost.
Good Grief Y'all
7:54 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
I didn't mock Mr. Evelyn. I stated my opinion of his story. Isn't that what you yourself have been asking for: ". . . that your piece was so good, and made so much sense that no one could refute it nor will engage in debate to unravel it." ? (That was just one example of your plea to others to pay attention.) Instead of expecting a debate or discussion, weren't you really just challenging anyone to differ? Well, you got it. I particularly like Michael k's responses! Now, those I get :)
And so, you've taken to comparing a blogger, whose views you favor, with Jesus Christ. I think that's some kind of of stretch, not to mention a big no-no to His followers, including myself.
All that foundation stuff is just a convoluted explanation for your glee over this simpleton train of "thought". I don't understand why you're so excited over this piece, but you are the one calling attention to it so you shouldn't be dismissive of opposing opinions.
You said: "there's not a lot new under the sun except that it's been modernized, renamed or skewed in some sort of way." - all those centuries of advancement reduced to a poo-poo.
Tammy Osier
6:35 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
GGY - examples on a smaller scale are a great example, and that is exactly what the bible does. It's full of metaphors. Sounds like good company to me if someone is trying to explain a concept. I wanted people to see this as the media has skewed what republicanism is all about so much, that the average person could not tell you what our form of government is about. Ask any teenager. Unless they have a good teacher that can break it down, and teach them how to research, all they know is what their parents tell them or what they hear on television. Too many believe that government has all the answers. Go back to the example and look at the other forms of government- you end up there if you veer from the foundations.
I did want conversation for both sides. But I have seen in the past that pieces like this get glossed over and have no opposing views. But if the other side posts something, conservatives are brave enough to take a look and reply. Look at it again. Don't mind that you differ, but not to the point that you can't agree with anything at all. Beleive it or not, I really would like for us all to find the common ground as to what our government is truly about and be able to identify what went wrong and be able to fix it. Wouldn't that be novel? Those who refuse to take a look at histoyr and learn from it, deserve what they get when it repeats itself. The wise examine history and learn from it.
Convoluted train of thought? "simpleton?" "poo poo? OKaaaay.
Good Grief Y'all
7:28 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Americans do know what Republicanism is all about - it's why we voted against one being in the WH - twice. We remember history - Reagan economic theory and practice has stagnated the middle class income. He also said govt. is not the solution, but the problem, then proceeded to grow govt., as did GWB - majorly. It would be great to see someone from your side on these threads admit that, and that the debt expanded from surplus to 10 trillion under GWB - 2 unfunded wars, unfunded Medicare Part D, unfunded tax cuts in time of war (invasion), that a big part of the debt expansion under the present administration is the result of interest on the debt and the cost of those continuing unfunded wars, rebuilding a country, etc. The Iraq invasion was the first time this country went to war without a tax increase to pay for it. That's the history we're remembering.
You said, "Don't mind that you differ, but not to the point that you can't agree with anything at all." So, I must agree with something you say? Then say something I can agree with :)
Good Grief Y'all
8:37 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Get the money out of elections and campaigning, reduce lobbying and special interests to a mere whimper, and we'll all see a better government and life in America. If you want to make a real difference - start there.
Tammy Osier
6:44 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Oh btw...so that we're clear, I didn't compare a blogger to the Lord, I compared his "style of teaching". Let's not change my words to be something they aren't. When I teach, I do the same thing. Best example of good teaching I can think of. The people I teach tell me that it helps them to understand better, and I believe that that is the whole point of teaching.
Good Grief Y'all
7:30 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
You did compare Evelyn with Jesus to elevate and validate his opinion and your admiration of his theory. I don't think that is appropriate. Also, it seemed a bit desperate to reach that high. It seemed strange to me as well, because I don't believe He would be a Republican. He said we're not to question the needy but just help them.
STEVE RAMEY
7:52 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Good morning Bill & Tammy. As you can tell, no good deed or theory goes unpunished or without assault. Intelligent thought and its author are ridiculed, mocked and slandered to make others doubt your credibility and your ideas.You must be compromised. It happened with J. Edgar and Joe McCarthy and we are paying dearly for it now. There WAS a communist behind every bush. Consider the source and know these people are not patriots to the original concept of a Constitutional Republic. I would favor placing these people onto a coconut island and allow them to work out their plans as they have stated and soon their population would evaporate. Can you say anarchy? As the last took their few remaining breaths he/she still would not understand what happened.
Our issues today with immigration and Islamic terrorist are being treated with the same mentality. It is evidenced by the Fort Hood massacre, the Islamic terrorist attack, being labeled "workplace violence".
Bill and Tammy, you are launching a battle of wits with unarmed people. Remember, only expect a reasonable/rational argument from the sane. Take pride in your victory and allow these rabble rousers to vent because it is their 1st amendment right, but it doesn't make them right nor will it ever. Sadly, they don't appreciate the tremendous freedoms The Founders created to protect even the fool.
I would not justify their irrationality with further comments.
Good Grief Y'all
9:25 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Mr. Ramey, the one was practically begging for opposing opinions, daring even. The other put himself and his ideas out there for consideration and, yes, opposition. They get them and then proceed to dismiss, miss-characterize, insult and complain. Welcome, sir, to their group.
Thank you, too, for making me grateful for my world view. I would feel sorry for you guys, but you're very unsympathetic to anyone who disagrees with you, so you're not worthy.
Michael k
12:21 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Poor Joe McCarthy,
He was unfairly demagogued and subjected to unsubstantiated public ridicule.
No wait.... that's what he did to others.
I get confused all the time whether he was an American hero or a paranoid alcoholic that was condemned by his Republican Senate colleagues.
I'm just curious if there are still communists behind every bush, or illegal immigrants, or Islamic jihadists, or homosexuals, or union members, or .......
Good Grief Y'all
12:41 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
:D
Michael, it must be all of those.
Good Grief Y'all
12:43 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
From coconuts to just nuts :)
Tammy Osier
1:02 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Steve, I guess what I really wanted was for rational conservatives to come on and create some real debate. It's just too bad that conservatives are tired of all of the above that you mentioned and don't come on here anymore. I should have known better. Sorry, Bill, for offering the invite. I should have known better. Steve, I actually used to have a poster in my room, "Never enter a battle of wits unarmed". The beauty of the constitution is in its simplicity and basicness. Everything builds on a basic foundation where no matter how far you go or high you climb, going back to the basics will bring clarity back to it. The pharisees had a hard time understanding parables and were called out on it. I guess some things are timeless.
And ggy, if I wasn't agraid of liberals posting, I just wondered "WHY NOT" (since you guys usually swoop down on anything political as soon as it posts)". I then voiced my opinion that maybe it made too much sense. My point was kind of proven in the fact that it turned quickly into a circus once they did.
Bill, keep up the good work. OUr foundations are crumbling daily and it's because people want to crack it in order to create chaos. Our founding fathers didn't get their wisdom from a carnal source, that's for sure. That's why it has kept us throughout the years.
Good Grief Y'all
2:07 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
And you don't?
You call opposing views as a "circus", while claiming to want debate. That's judgmental arrogance. If you get a circus, could it be because of your own statements declaring all others to be wrong and then preaching to them?
Good Grief Y'all
2:23 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Your friend Steve lost me at Joe McCarthy, so I knew the rest of his post was radical right-wing drivel. Apparently you're good with it.
STEVE RAMEY
2:37 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Good Grief Y'all
How did you know you were lost when you didn't know where you were to begin with? Get a grip on reality. I did not see you at the Capitol on Monday defending Georgia citizens first amendment rights. Did you even know there was attempted legislation to censure your right to petition your representative?
Good Grief Y'all
3:44 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
You take many liberties with the unknown, as many of your like-minded folks do.
How do you know where I was Monday? How do I know where you were Monday?
dutchbaguel@majordebag.com
7:42 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
This story is good for defining the republican party because it is simple. Basic. Dumbed down. Too bad there isn't some kind of "knee jerk" in the story, or a dbag. For the republican party it's not going to get any better.
Some joking aside, but seriously this article does represent a lot of the mistakes in reasoning republicans tend to mistake. They confuse the local with the global, thinking that the most powerful nation in the would's economy will run just like a personal budget. Or it is just "so simple" to have a traditional family, and those who don't are sinners, undeserving of American recognition and inclusion. Also, the republican party will continue to decline because they think perspectives from much simpler times (taxes, gun control, the ever-so-tire moralisms) should be carried forward in our modern world.
Give it up, dude. The republican thing is over.
Alton Russell
6:44 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
good points and great explanation, we should be so luck to see it that simple. I wish our folks in DC would
Tammy Osier
8:28 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Well, Steve, one thing we know is that you put your money where your mouth is. thanks for serving! We know where you were Monday!