The Robe

Here are some thoughts from the book The Robe by Lloyd Douglas.  This is an excellent book, and a relatively easy book to finish.  The book is about the Roman soldier who gambled for Christ's robe at his Crucifixion, and won.

*"A brave soldier does not inevitably make a wise monarch."

I love this statement simply because of what it means.  It means that just because someone is an excellent general it does not make them a great choice for a ruler.  I don't think generals should become a ruler.  They already rule an army, why do most of them feel the need to control not only an army but also an entire country? 

I thought of George Washington when I read this.  He probably understood this statement.  He had no desire to be known as George the first.  He knew that a monarchy was not a good form of government.  Even though many of the leaders at the time wanted him to come and overthrow the government under the incredibly inept Articles of Confederation. 

*"No make can be asked to think highly of a man who has robbed him of his freedom."

In the story, this statement comes in a conversation between two slaves. The one who says this, Demetrius, is offered his freedom several times by his masters. But he refuses because he believes he can still be a help to his master, Marcellus.

I might also add the government.  America was founded on the principle of freedom.  That EVERYONE has unalienable rights: Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  This statement is a summary of everything Americans hold dear. 

But unfortunately as time goes by, people grow complacent.  "There is an awful danger when the people become accustomed to tyranny.  If the people learn to accept small abuses, then larger ones will follow.  It is like a disease, crippling slowly, until the body is beyond repair."  I believe this to be happening with America.  It is very unfortunate, but it is happening, and people need to understand this.  We are paying much higher taxes than the people of the 1760.  But nobody does anything about it.  We have grown complacent.

Now, I do love the United States of America.  I just have little respect of the government that runs it.  My respect is hard to win.  I don't respect many of the highly regarded sports heroes of our time.  I do not admire Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ben Roethlisberger, or Mark Cuban.  I don't think any of these people are moral, good people.  They are doing things they love; great!  I just don't respect them at all.

But I do respect people who have good, moral judgements.  I love Lloyd Douglas, the author of some of my favorite books.  I respect my dad and grandpa.  I respect George Washington.  These are the type of people that I believe our respect.

*The Jews hated the Romans, but what did they want?  Did they want to rule themselves, or were they just angry at the thought that someone made their decisions for them?  Did they really want their freedom?  What would they do with their freedom?

These series of questions were asked at the start of the book.  So I really wondered, What they did they really want?  They wanted the Romans gone.  Everyone knows that.  So what type of government did they want to replace the Romans with?  Did they want a monarchy?  Or a revert back to their earlier system of judges?  Israel's most celebrated figures at the time of Christ were King David and King Solomon.  So I would assume that they didn't want to go back to a system of judges.

If Israel had happened to get rid of the Romans they must replace it with something.  If they wanted to get rid of the Romans and replace them with a king, who would that be?  Would the people elected their leader, or would a Pharisee or member of the Sanhedrin take over?  All of these were questions I thought of when I read these questions.

Because, truly, we must have a government.  I don't think anarchy is a good idea because I know and understand human nature.  Humans are not capable of governing themselves in relation to others.  That much has been clear to anyone who understands history. 

These questions made me think of more recent events.  The Occupy Wall Street Movement.  Here we have good people, who are protesting what they believe is not right.  I'm glad we live in a country where protesting like that is possible.  From what I understand they are protesting corporate greed and government corruption.  I think they have a valid point.  But what are they offering in replacement? 

They obviously want the greed and corruption to stop, but what are they really doing?  They are just freezing their hind ends off.  They don't have a plan of action, other than just sitting there and protesting.  They aren't organizing into political groups, raising money for TV ads, or anything like that.  They want things to change for the better.  I do as well, but I know there are more effective ways to change our leaders, the public attitude, and policy. 

I think they best way to stop the corporate greed and government corruption is to elect good, honest men and women, who will not change suddenly once they are in office.  I believe many good people go into politics wanting to make a difference, but don't because they soon become exactly what they pledged not to be.

Also, part of my reason for starting this blog was to have people read my posts, and start thinking for themselves.  I don't believe people should necessarily agree with all of my ideas.  But I'm not trying to persuade people.  I am just trying to get people thinking, about possible solutions, about the right candidates for office.