The Washington Times Commits To Lead The Way

As the Editorial Board of The Washington Times - the publishers, editors and writers responsible for the daily Commentary section - we see our role as upholding the principles of America's founding. A key part of that duty is to hear the voice of the American people as well. We aim to inform, to listen and to influence.

While the principles that we advocate - individual liberty and limited government - do not change with the winds of public opinion, the focus of our work should be determined by the concerns of the people. And we hear Americans speaking. And we hear that most are not happy. And you have told us why.

It is because the size and scope of government have grown in recent years and, in the past year, have grown at a pace that is horrifying to most Americans. Government is growing so quickly it threatens the quality of your life and threatens to take control of your life. The Washington leviathan threatens to eclipse the light of freedom.

Most Washington leaders have forgotten that the greatness of America is in the hearts and minds of her people. The successful government is one that fosters an environment in which the people can pursue their own vision of happiness. Mostly, that means staying out of the way.

Life in the Washington cocoon - marble-floored and walnut-paneled - makes it easy for too many to forget that they were sent here to serve and, most important, to preserve the American liberty and greatness that already exist. The perquisites and trappings of personal power,too often exercised behind closed doors, allow leaders to forget and begin to think that America is something they need to fix, not an ideal they need to defend.

We have concluded that such a serious problem requires a focused and determined response. The Washington Times Editorial Board therefore commits to you that each day over the next 365 days, we will work tirelessly to refocus Washington on how to shrink government and solve problems by giving responsibility and resources back to the individuals and families and businesses where they belong.

More here..