The John Adams Society
John C. Povejsil |
G. Larry Colson, Jr. |
Mark Sanquist |
Peder Mewis |
| Chairman | Secretary | Chief Whip |
Chancellor |
February 2009
What power has law where only money rules.
- Gaius Petronius (~66 AD)
Throughout history, men with money have sought to advance their interests by using their money to influence those in power, usually to great success. The same holds true today, except that the stakes are dramatically higher. The size and scope of influence of government over our lives and the economy dwarfs anything that could have even been conceived in all but the most recent past.
The main role of government today is to collect money from one group of citizens for the benefit of another, a task at which it is terribly efficient. With untold billions at stake, our politicians, and by extension, the political parties that support them, concentrate on delivering the most money to those who will help keep them in power, effectively making an investment in their own future with our money. The ideological differences between the parties serve only to determine who will benefit when the party in power has their turn distributing the collective largess.
On the other hand, our elected representatives are only doing what we want them to do – is that not the sign of a healthy, functioning democracy? We complain, of course, but like the old adage that “no one ever got fired for buying IBM”, no politician loses votes because he returns too much of someone else’s money to his constituents. There are stark contrasts between the parties on key principles, and the redeployment of government funds is one significant way that politicians can help advance the causes that they were elected to serve.
THE CHAIRMAN, whose search for the almighty dollar is eclipsed only by his search for his next single malt scotch, has called a debate to settle the question:
Resolved: America has but one party – the Money Party.
The Debate will be held on Wednesday February 18, 2009 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651) 294-4800 or the Secretary at (612) 384-6776.