Have Faith in America
By Michael P. Ramirez
MichaelRamirez.com
I think it's time to clear the air. For those of
you who still don't seem to understand my job, let
me make it perfectly clear... I do not work for a
political party. I work for America, it's ideals and
our constitution. It's not my job to be the
cheerleader for a party, or an individual. It's my
job to protect America and defend its principles.
And frankly, I don't care if you agree with me or
not.
As an editorial cartoonist, I have a consistent
record for over thirty years as a constitutional
conservative, a free market capitalist and defender
of America and its ideals.
America is great. America is an exceptional nation
and a beacon for liberty. I believe, absolutely, in
this grand Republic. It is the greatest country in
the world. But the strength of America and the
solutions for America, lie in its people, in our
foundation of liberty and freedom, and not in one
individual or the government.
America has lost its way because we have abandoned
our values and principles. We elect those who
believe in nothing, who routinely compromise their
principles for political expedience and negotiate
away our ideals. I refuse to do that.
We have lost our way because we have allowed
progressive re-engineering of our values and the
re-writing of our history by allowing progressive
institutions to brainwash generations through
education, popular culture and the media.
America has lost its way because there are far too
many who believe government is the solution rather
than the problem, far too many who have traded their
liberty for subsistence. As de Tocqueville once
said, "The American Republic will endure, until
politicians realize they can bribe the people with
their own money."
America has lost its way because there are far too
many that believe government creates jobs.
Government does not create real jobs. Liberty
creates jobs. I was in Berlin before the wall came
down and I was there a year later when freedom
rebuilt that city and allowed it to flourish.
We have lost our way because far too often, we
compromise and adhere to the current of populism and
conventional thinking because navigating through the
flood of accommodations and going with the flow is
often easier than doing the right thing.
We have lost our way because there are too many who
are too willing to accept a half loaf because it is
free, when with some hard work and faith, you can
feed thousands from a few loafs.
Someone has to stand up for the truth.
The depth of these problems will not be easily
resolved by a superficial emotional reaction or
hollow promises, no matter how great the uproar. It
requires a far more substantive solution, a return
to what our founding fathers believed in, the
uniquely American ideals and values.
For a Republic to survive, it must be built on a
bedrock of virtue. Our country is exceptional
because these liberties handed down from God are
protected by constitutional principles.
So if you're looking for a party lackey or media
bootlicker, there are plenty of those around. Please
take your pick. You will not find him here. I
support America and its values, I have criticized
both Republican and Democratic administrations in
the past when the media refused to do its job. I
have criticized both foe and friend, when it was
needed.
While friends may disagree from time to time, don't
ask me to compromise my values or beliefs to
accommodate your lack of faith and fortitude. I
believe in America. I believe in its people. America
is a great country and it will find its way.
I may be wrong. I have certainly been wrong in the
past. I am humbled by it, try to learn from my
mistakes and I am willing to freely admit it. But I
work hard to substantiate my point of view and to
insure my instincts are validated first, rather than
emotionally react to events. Life and thought is an
evolutionary process, but morals, ethics and
integrity are principles that should not be
malleable.
I will continue to do my job, to do what I think is
in America's best interests and I will stand alone
if I have to.
Best wishes,
-m