Something new in the air
Posted by Richard on January 9, 2007
Sniff. Sniff. What’s that smell? Could it be from today’s National Western Stock Show parade, which features cattle and sheep being herded through downtown Denver? No, it seems to be coming from the State Capitol. Ah, I see — Bill Ritter’s just been sworn in as governor, and he’s outlined his ambitious plans for the state:
Bill Ritter embarked on his journey as Colorado’s 41st governor today, calling on Coloradans to live up to the state’s "ambitious and daring" pioneers by embracing a new "Colorado Promise" that pushes the frontiers of renewable energy, creates the nation’s best-educated work force and provides health care for all.
Standing atop the Capitol steps, backed by his sprawling family and facing the soaring Rocky Mountains, Ritter urged all Coloradans to set aside partisan differences and unite in "finding the common ground for the common good."
…Ritter underscored his belief that government involves a "social compact — the covenant that says government exists for the people, for all people… It exists to ensure we take care of seniors, and the disabled, and for those who struggle mightily — whatever the reason. Government has a responsibility to intersect with their struggle, looking always for ways to improve the quality of their lives."
…"To those who are cynical about the legitimate role of government and where it can intersect and improve people’s lives — I promise a reason to hope. We will govern well. We will govern to solve problems. We will govern responsibly."
Hmm — for some reason, that last part reminds me of Daniel Webster:
Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.
For me, one of the worrisome aspects of Ritter’s ascendancy is his record of hoplophobia and unrelenting antipathy toward gun owners’ rights. Gov. Bill Owens wasn’t exactly a great friend of gun owners — once, when told gun owners wouldn’t like his betrayal on some issue, Owens sneered something like "What are they going to do, vote Democratic?" But Owens was merely unprincipled and indifferent toward gun owners. Ritter, a former Denver district attorney, has always exhibited fear and loathing.
Since both houses of the legislature are also in Democratic hands, this promises to be a difficult time for firearms ownership and self-defense rights. If you’re a Colorado firearms owner, now would be a good time to contribute to Rocky Mountain Gun Owners. If you’re in some other state, remember that Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, and Chuck Schumer are running things now, and contribute to Gun Owners of America.
T F Stern said
“legitimate role of government ” I didn’t think you could use the word legitimate and government in the same sentence since most elected to office have no idea who their father is.
Anonymous said
OK, I clicked “help on wiki format” looking for how to insert a rimshot, but I’m not seeing that as an option. 😉
Jan said
I’m struggling mightily…where’s my stuff? I want government to help me in my stuggle. Oh, please. I agree with the caution to gun owners. I’m also reminded why I have been trying to avoid any local news coverage of Ritter. His own words are awful in what they imply we are in for and the reporting (?) of his ascent to office is so sweet it makes me sick.