Posted by Stewart in All posts.
Tags: government, state power
The state describes an organized political institution; an entity which exists by the power of government conferred to it. A power over territory and all activities occurring within its authority, limited only by the provisions granted to it in the Constitution. The state, therefore, is an institution of power by its nature. And one may postulate that like all institutions it is oriented toward self-preservation.
What awareness do we possess of the inner workings and activities of the state, both in East and West? Quite simply it seems, we know only as much as they choose to reveal. What then of what is not revealed? What then of what is concealed and shrouded in secrecy? What of the activity that occurs behind the curtain? And is it really benevolent to democracy for any activity to occur behind the curtain, out of the sight and scrutiny of We the People? Quite I simply, I wish to question whether it is in the best interest of We the People that our governments are permitted to operate in such a manner, and wish to call into question the potential dangers that could arise from this, namely the threat to authentic democracy.
Posted by Stewart in All posts.
Tags: Catholic Social Teaching, Catholicism, conscience, government, leadership, politics, service, social policy, society
While browsing through some articles on Catholic Online, I found this interesting one (http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=28193), titled Vatican: Catholic Social Teaching Should Inform Politics. A particularly interesting line from the article I have highlighted below:
“Cardinal Martino went on to recall that the Catholic social teaching supports the relations between the Church and state, along the line of reciprocal autonomy and factual collaboration, indicating four ways for the Christian leader’s political commitment: “political commitment in truth, according to justice, in solidarity and in liberty.
What does a “political commitment in truth, according to justice, in solidarity and in liberty” mean? My interpretation of this is that it means honest government for the people and by the people. Government which must seek to exercise its power only by the consent of the governed. Government that ensures that the voice of the people is heard, not silenced. Government which seeks to protect basic freedoms, such as freedom of expression, speech and thought, not erode them. Politics, therefore, must be informed by sound conscience and a sincere commitment to the people and service “in truth, according to justice, in solidarity and in liberty.”
