Monarchy or Republic?

There's no question that a democratic Republic can be tyrannical, corrupt, and ultimately self-destructive. It is subject to all the effects of original sin. However, in a republic there is always a remedy for abuse short of regicide. Yes, huge governments are unwieldy and inherently unjust. That's why I am passionate about states' rights an an agrarian culture. The fundamental unit of government is the county, and as far as possible things should be run from there, with recourse to state or federal governments only when a task is too great for the county. And that's precisely the system our Founders established. In much of America, that's still how it works. Most of the faults in our Republic stem from the usurpation of local powers solidified after the Civil War. Can there be injustice in a local government? Certainly. We're still dealing with fallen human nature. But it seems to me that governance, overall, is bound to be fairer if the governor has to face the governed daily, to sit by them in church or see them in Walmart. Some young idealists yearn for a return to monarchy. Taken as a whole, though, I believe the average citizen in a democratic republic is better served, freer, and more prosperous than in a monarchy. I think this has been true throughout history, with the possible exception of the monastic system in the Middle Ages. Then the abbots ruled large swaths of farmland, and the farmers who worked there were fairly, even kindly, treated and could avoid contact with the secular government for the most part. The worst injustice they faced was taxation by greedy monarchs to finance wars and lavish homes. Now, many feel that our democratic system isn't working any longer. Elections are riddled with fraud, candidates are limited by lack of money, and tyrannical political correctness, and the courts have arrogated rights never envisioned by the Founders. But at least we can *change* this system to reflect the common will. Through elections, Constitutional amendments, litigation, as well as simply speaking out, we *do* have the power to alter the polity.

When yarn says "I love you"

Afghans. We still have afghans crocheted by my grandmother, who lived to be 103. She continued crocheting long after she was unable to walk and her eyesight was failing. If someone would start her on a color, she could proceed by touch.

I've only made a few afghans in my life. Crafts R not us.  But each one I made was a special labor of love. When I was separated from my son for the first time, I did an oversized "Indian blanket" Afghan in brilliant hues, which I sent with the note: "A big, colorful afghan for my big, colorful kid." I think it made both of us happy.

Today, it needs a little repair--some loose ends--but it pleases me that, of all his possessions that have come and gone over the past 25 years, he still has this one.  ❤