Bend But Not Break

A well-known radio personality recently made a speech which aired on television. He spoke about and for members of the political right. The message that he wanted to get across was this: The Constitution does not need to change and neither does the Republican party. I have no problem with conservative thinking in general. What disturbs me is that others might genuinely agree with the above sentiment.

For too long many Republicans have desired to return this country back to "the good 'ole days." This is a fantasy. Our history as a nation is filled with good, bad and many other types of days. The only place that simpler times exist are on black and white television re-runs.

The Republicans stand for a strong foundation of morality and ethical behavior. I appreciate and respect this. What they do not understand is that morals and ethics are not written in stone. Over time and within various cultures the meanings of right and wrong have changed. What was once socially acceptable behavior is no longer and vice versa.

It is a fine thing to act from a place of strong morals within one's own life. Moral superiority as evidenced by many Republicans is an entirely different matter. One must be willing to see things as they are. They must acknowledge the changes that occur as people and countries grow. Morals and ethics must evolve as a society does.

Granted most Republicans do not see positive growth. They deny Darwinian evolution while decrying what they perceive as man's devolution into chaos. What I hope most will agree with is that change is neither good nor bad. It simply is a fact of life. Why so many on the right are afraid of this is beyond my comprehension.

This rigid and inflexible thinking is the cause of the disaffected and splintered party the Republicans have become. I do not suggest that they bend to change to the point of breaking. I suggest that they, and their good intentions, must keep up with society. This was what the founding fathers intended when they created the Constitution.

Despite the broadcaster's position I mentioned earlier, the paper our country was founded upon was meant to be a living, breathing document. The fathers knew that the infant land that they helped to form would go through growing pains. They knew that our nation would grow and change over time. They purposely crafted the Constitution to allow for changes and additions as dictated by the will of the people.

All change, by its very nature, moves forward in time. We cannot move backward no matter how badly one might wish. All people must understand this basic truth. If one remains so inflexible in their stance the world will simply pass them by. The Republicans have done this as a group. They, as a result, have become out-of-touch with America. Maybe when they realize that they can be strong and flexible at the same time will they once again be embraced by the masses.