Letters to the editor

Obituary Magna Carta

I agree with Gary Murphy in his comments about his discussion with Joni Ernst. Why do politicians give us mini reports about their activities and not provide explanations about their true beliefs and direction? Does identity politics eliminate our ability to have truthful discussions? Are people fearful to talk honesty to each other?

Using identity politics to make decisions is not a new decision-making process. It is the child of a medieval concept of the divine right of kings. Kings were preordained to rule and could not be held accountable for their actions by any earthly authority. Identity politics similarly concludes that certain groups should not be held responsible for their actions and should be given additional privileges. The belief that a person is not untouchable by civil or criminal authority allows groups to inflict harm based upon their religious beliefs, greed, political beliefs, educational background, and social standing.

After William the Conqueror, the Norman king of England, achieved victory over the Anglo-Saxons in 1066. The Plantagenet royal line ruled the UK for over 300 years. In 1215 King John faced the threat of civil war and sought soldiers from the local Barons. By signing the Magna Carta, John compromised his authority.

Signed under duress, the Magna Carta promised to provide basic liberties, rule of law, right of inheritance, habeas corpus and due process to the common man. Prior to the document, the King had the power to throw people into dungeons and impose severe penalties whenever he wished. King John and his barons entered into the agreement in June 1215.

Article 29 of the Article of Barons promises, “The body of a free man is not to be arrested, or imprisoned, or disseised, or outlawed or exiled, or in any way ruined, nor is the king to go against him or send forcibly against him, except by judgment of his peers or by the law of the land.”

My ancestors immigrated from Belfast, Ireland to South Carolina in the eighteenth century. Prior to their residence in Ireland, they lived in Glasgow, Scotland. They were covenanters or reformed Presbyterians. To escape persecution and death for their religious beliefs they immigrated to Ireland and participated in the plantation concept of farming on land confiscated from the Catholic Church. Dissatisfied with that they immigrated to South Carolina where they witnessed slavery and further injustices against others. Their beliefs influenced the founders of our country to include ideals of basic liberties and equal treatment under the law in our founding constitutional documents.

Using identify politics and other simple decision-making methods, we are venturing back to the Middle Ages, away from concepts of justice, fairness, liberty, and concern for others.

The concepts from the Magna Carta were ideals. Our politicians give us empty promises and then we nitpick when they don’t use the same platitudes promised by others. We should look toward the ideals and not be enticed and motivated to follow destructive promises.

Christal Arthur

Washington