Who knew there were so many types of cactus in the world? I didn’t, but I found that out in Phoenix, Arizona when I had a few minutes to explore the grounds of the hotel that was host to the May 2015 Republican National Committee Spring Meeting. I spotted a “Cactus Garden” which peaked my southern interest.
My limited knowledge of the cactus family is what I recall seeing on the “Coyote and Roadrunner” cartoons as a child – tall, prickly green two-armed plants that seemed to serve no useful purpose in the world. We live in the home of magnolias, pine trees and azaleas, with no cactus to observe.
I was amazed when I saw dozens of types of cactus that I never knew existed. If it couldn’t get any more interesting, a little roadrunner ran by on the pathway later in the day. (Note: No coyote or falling Acme anvil spotted nor did the roadrunner say “Beep! Beep!” The biggest letdown was that he was not 6 feet tall, which was a total conflict with my childhood cartoon memories.)
But it was a lone sign along the cactus garden pathway that really caught my attention when the paths split in two. It simply said “Lower Pathway Easier”. Honestly, my brain immediately said, “Take the easier route!”, but the curious part of me said, “Take the more challenging path and see why it’s more difficult – must be some good things there or it wouldn’t be worth the extra trouble.”
I chose the more difficult path. Yes, the hill was steeper. Yes, it took me longer to walk. Yes, I spent more time in their desert sun. But I didn’t miss out on an opportunity to learn and experience something new.
In the political world, it’s way too easy to take the less traveled path. “Not my problem.” “Let someone else do it.” “I don’t’ understand all of that stuff.” “They’re all alike.” “No one listens to me.” “I’m not giving them any money.” “They don’t’ need my help.” “I just want to be left alone.” “I’m too busy!”
What if our fine men and women in the military thought that way and didn’t sign up to defend our nation? What if good caring citizens didn’t step up to run for office to help direct our nation, state and cities? The “not my problem” syndrome can be contagious if we aren’t cautious and become complacent.
That simple sign in the cactus garden reminded me of the Founding Fathers. What if they used the excuses that many people do now to stay out of our political system? They were willing to have long and loud conversations to form the greatest nation the world has ever witnessed despite having every excuse not to: they traveled by horses, wagons and foot; they hid their families from harm; they were considered traitors to the King of England and would have been jailed or killed if found. It was truly a difficult path to take but they knew liberty and freedom were worth the journey.
Was their process of forming America frustrating? Absolutely. Did they fuss and fight, lose their tempers, storm out of meetings and have major difference of opinions? Sure did. Note the excerpt from the Wall Street Journal called “The Feuding Fathers” by Ron Chernow, June 26, 2010.
Despite their erudition, integrity, and philosophical genius, the founders were fiery men who expressed their beliefs with unusual vehemence. They inhabited a combative world in which the rabble-rousing Thomas Paine, an early admirer of George Washington, could denounce the first president in an open letter as “treacherous in private friendship…and a hypocrite in public life.” Paine even wondered aloud whether Washington was “an apostate or an imposter; whether you have abandoned good principles, or whether you ever had any.”
Such highly charged language shouldn’t surprise us. People who spearhead revolutions tend to be outspoken and courageous, spurred on by a keen taste for combat. After sharpening their verbal skills hurling polemics against the British Crown, the founding generation then directed those energies against each other during the tumultuous first decade of the federal government. The passions of a revolution cannot simply be turned off like a spigot.
George Washington an ‘imposter’? a ‘hypocrite’? ‘treacherous’? Yes, they had their differences but they plowed through them for the betterment of their new country, America.
These brave men took the more challenging paths regardless of the conflicts because the mission was bigger than themselves. They compromised by walking a path of give and take, yet didn’t abandon their core principles or their heart reminders. Along their journey, they formed our nation. We need to remember their trials and challenges as we still struggle to guard, protect and grow America. It’s the least we can do now for what they built for us and generations to come.
In our quest to be examples of good conservative Republicans and to stay engaged in our system of government today, may we always be willing to rise to the occasion of taking the more challenging roads to address our issues and responsibilities. That road is worth the trip even when it’s harder, louder and at times frustrating. We need to travel those roads together by staying involved, sharing our opinions and fighting for what we believe is right. It’s worth the view.
By Terry Lathan, Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party
