Friday, May 22, 2009

Dangers of the Political Parties

I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.

This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.

It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.

There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

George Washington - 1796

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Sordid Lives - Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You!

That is... if you live in Austin, Round Rock, or surrounding areas. Rehearsals are well under way, and for the most part going very well. The set is nearing completion, the props are making their way into the actors' hands, and the costumes are appearing on the hangers in the greenroom. I am excited to see it all coming together, and it looks like we will have some really good houses. As of this morning, we have 146 reservations. Since the theatre only seats 50, and we have 14 performances, simple math tells us that we are 20% sold with two weeks to go to opening. Simple logic says... get your reservation now at http://www.sambasstheatre.org!

This has pretty much consumed my free time for the last few week, thus the absence of posts. But I have managed to teach myself some string tricks (ie - Jacob's Ladder, teepee, et al), find jeans that can be removed on stage over my boots, and acquire some removable facial hair. If you need a good laugh, and enjoy silly humour, come on out. I look forward to seeing you!