Government and liberty

As we are celebrating our nation's independence amid the heated discourse we find today, I am reminded of quotes from two past presidents who seem to have wisdom we have forgotten.

On the meaning of government by Ronald Reagan a reminder that "government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted by the people."

It seems today that those in government want to tell us what to do and think and control every aspect of our daily life. The government is usurping the power of the people.

On the meaning of liberty by John F. Kennedy: "Let us translate our actions into deeds by the rejection of arbitrary limitations on liberty based on race, religion or color; the determination to respect the individuality of others; the conviction that free discussion by free men affords the best guarantee of human progress."

We are losing our liberties today by people shouting down others' ideas, censorship, free speech zones only and a general inability to have free discussion.

Two wise quotes by presidents from different parties that I believe we would be wise to consider.

Unfortunately, our current president and his potential competition who want to run it back one more time don't understand either of the above.

Kenneth Maltas

Prospect Heights