by Larry Keogh, Hamilton
Thomas Jefferson – “The good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army. They may be led astray for a moment, but will soon correct themselves.”
Our “more perfect Union” of justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, promotion of the general welfare, securing of the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity is in peril. Let me share questions of concern.
Justice indicates all are treated equally. 6th century Roman law defines justice as “the constant and perpetual will to render to each his due.” Justice is the result of using laws to fairly judge cases, redress wrongs, and punish crimes. Are we a just and fair people?
Domestic tranquility. Tranquility, the noun, means a peaceful, calm state, without noise, violence, worry, etc. Is our nation tranquil?
Are we providing for the common defense? Common emphasizes a collective nature, encompassing all states and citizens. Defense means resistance against attack, protection. When do we become united enough for inclusion in common defense? How did common defense mutate into assaulting our citizenry?
Promoting the general welfare. Doesn’t this signal concern for the well-being of the entire nation as opposed to individual or state-specific interests?
Recognize that in a democracy, ALL voices must be heard. That makes things pretty messy. It’s slow, it’s messy, and it’s democratic. Are we equal in our nation? Not if deference to or adherence to any one ideal is true. That’s the abandonment of democracy.
The “soon correct” moment is nigh.
We have a bounty of political candidates adhering to a single ideal. Choose wisely Ravalli County. Beware that the dominant political party has been hijacked by those whose single ideal is not in the best interests of our “more perfect union.” Our collective “good sense” army is needed now to correct the path we are embarked on. Has your vote (voice) been hijacked? We get to choose our representatives. We don’t get to choose how they vote on the issues. Choose representatives that vote YOUR voice.
Stanley Eckel says
Our forefathers gave states’ great autonomy in our constitution for creating their own laws knowing that government is best served when from the bottom up, not top down. Patrick Henry famously feared the executive branch could evolve into an absolute monarchy.