Can we “keep” our republic?
Our Founders sought to create a government only large enough to preserve those rights endowed by our Creator — namely life, liberty and the pursuit, not the guarantee, of happiness. Today across Greece and throughout Europe we witness the fruits of misguided socialism amid riots and turmoil borne of a governmental trail of broken promises. Hands outstretched for public largesse betray the bitter failure of dependency, a poignant metaphor for overweight, failed bureaucracy.
Centuries ago Lord Acton warned future generations that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Understandably, the Framers addressed this aspect of human nature with the genius of the American experiment, crafted to thwart tyranny and despotism.
Franklin told the anxious crowds assembled in Philadelphia that they had been given a republic and challenged them to “keep it.” He reminds us that ultimate power resides in the people, as long as we remain vigilant by holding elected officials accountable to their solemn oath of office.
In the end, the responsibility to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States falls to every American citizen without regard to station, title or resume.
Today’s occupiers become tomorrow’s anarchists and malcontents burning Athens to the ground in an organized temper tantrum. Franklin’s admonition serves to question yet again: can we “keep” this Republic purchased with the lives, fortunes and sacred honor of those who have gone before?
William G. Parrot
McHenry