One of the reasons our system of government has lost its way is legislators fail to stand on principle and instead give into compromise. Many lobby groups also live by this same willingness to ignore the Bill of Rights.

The short comings in our legislative process have become evident but remain misunderstood. It is the notion perpetuated by legislators and lobbyists alike that “If you don’t compromise you will never get anything done”. There is nothing farthest from the truth.

Compromise is desired for physical things like where or what to eat, but do not let anyone fool you, compromise on principle always result in a loss of liberty. It is our duty to oppose any and all attempts to dilute the principles embodied in the Bill of Rights.

In the words of Larry Pratt, “When we politically compromise and allow anti-gun legislation to pass, no matter how insignificant it may appear to be, we have abdicated our responsibilities. Abdication is the work for surrendering our principles legislatively. Honor binds us to resist with all our might.”

Legislators regularly maneuver to escape accountability like by-passing a vote or by having an unrecorded voice vote. Even if a bill is not going to pass, it is in our best interest to get a clean uncompromised bill to the floor and force a vote. This is the only way you will have accountability and legislators that fail to see this are not friends of liberty.

If we elect representatives to uphold the Constitution and to protect our rights, why would we let them negotiate these same rights away in the name of compromise and democracy. In addition why do we support lobby groups that have joined in the charades?

In a perfect world you would ask your legislator to support your issue, they would tell you yes, later they would deliver and you would be happy. But the reality is win or lose, a recorded vote is the only way you can tell where a legislator stands on an issue, from there if they voted against you they can be voted out of office.

With all the compromise that takes place it can be hard to know for sure where a legislator stands, believe me they plan it this way. So when you hear the calls for pragmatism, bipartisan cooperation and dialogue with our opposition it only means as a legislator “I want to compromise - not stand on principle”.