The tales of irony that have proceeded out of the not-so-hallowed halls of the Augusta legislature are enough to bring even the most stalwart of Mainers to tears.  The only semblance of bi-partisan agreement in Augusta is that Justin Alfond will go down in the annals of Maine history as the most inept and incompetent Senate President that has ever tripped through the corridors of the Maine State legislative chambers.  The complete and unabashed abdication of common sense by the Alfond Democrats is shocking even for the subterranean standards normally accommodated by the liberal left.

The Republican Party brought forward a bill, which would have required minors to inform their parents if they intend to get an abortion.  Democrats killed the bill, contending that a minor is capable of making such decisions in life on their own without parental input.  In the very same legislative day, the Democrats passed a bill that will require minors to have parental consent before purchasing an energy drink…  Did I mention irony, sad irony?   But this shows the perception and value that those in Augusta place on life.  Yes, to our legislators, a beverage product has more value than the question of life.

The Curve of Knowledge has three layers for the purpose of this article.  There is the top layer of fact and proven science.  The next layer is public perception, which is effected to varying degrees by the first.  The final layer is the Puppets of Perception: politicians who are completely governed by perception.

The science on the abortion issue, day by day, is steadily and continually proving that life begins at conception.  Slowly, public perception is turning to align itself with proven science.  Many of the public polls are beginning to prove that out, even as polls are usually slow to pick up the change in public feeling.

Politicians will always stay behind the Curve of Knowledge because they base their decisions on public perception rather than fact and proven science.  Therefore it is easy to see why these puppets can still remain in the dark ages of the 60’s and 70’s, believing nothing is sacred and parental control is dysfunctional.  This explains the ludicrous distinction between a beverage and human life.  Liberals are floundering because they have no mooring.  Public perception is changing and they are not sure where it is going.  They refuse to acknowledge fact and proven science because it now, with new advances, refutes their agenda.  So, they are left with only the ragged hope that public perception will swing back their way.  Old propaganda is dusted off and tired mantras are once again invoked.

This is why our Founding Fathers so wisely advocated for a small limited government as indicated by this quote.  “ The truth is, that, even with the most secure tenure of office, during good behavior, the danger is not, that the judges will be too firm in resisting public opinion, and in defense of private rights or public liberties; but, that they will be ready to yield themselves to the passions, and politics, and prejudices of the day.” –Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833.

The historical and contemporary evidence is staggering.  Government is inherently incompetent.  That is why its influence must be limited.