As Americans debate amongst themselves the problems we face today, most people, no matter what their political preference, refer to the biggest problem as being the kind of people we have in government. That they are not the sort of people that belong in government. That they just don't care about anything but re-election, money, power, or themselves, and this is the root of our problems. "We need term limits", "we need to replace 'em all." etc. etc......Well,.....how do you think they got that way?
As for me, I blame the people.
We allow, and promote their behavior through our own actions, lack of principles, lack of self education, and lack of involvement.
We are not a moral, virtuous, or educated people ourselves are we? Just look around you. Do the people today live within their means, and only buy what they can afford, or must we have the latest, greatest, biggest, and best thing- and pay for it later? Do we actually believe in "liberty for all" or do we simply pay lip service to the idea, while hoping to see our beliefs, or ideas imposed on others through the force of law? Do we think theft is wrong or do we think that it's OK as long as we steal, via government, from those who have, and give it to those who don't. Do we refuse to participate in that theft, or do we make excuses for why it's OK when we participate? Do we conduct ourselves in a respectful manner, or do we act disrespectful, better, or smarter than others, without consideration for the other persons situation or experience? Do we speak gently, with careful words, or are we foul mouthed, rude, abrasive, and proud? Do we endeavour to educate ourselves, or would we rather catch the next episode of Jersey shore, the big game, or whatever other mindless activity that sounds like more fun and keeps us too busy to pay attention? Need I go on? How then, can we expect our leaders to be moral or virtuous in their positions? After all, aren't our representatives in Government elected from our own populous?
If we want truly want to make this Union better, and see a return to good government we must first look in the mirror. Why would those in government change for the better, unless they knew that the people they represent would accept nothing less? How can we elect virtuous people to government without a virtuous population from which to choose them from?
The founders understood this.
John Adams said in 1818:
"The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution
was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious
sentiments of their duties and obligations ...
This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and
affections of the people, was the real American Revolution."
Samuel Adams said this about the matter:
"No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders."
And this:
"A general dissolution of the principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.... While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but once they lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.... If virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security."
George Washington had this to say:
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest prop of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them."
Patrick Henry:
"...Virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone that renders us invincible. These are the tactics we should study. If we lose these, we are conquered, fallen indeed...so long as our manners and principles remain sound, there is no danger."
George mason:
"No free government, or the blessings of liberty,
can be preserved to any people,
but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation,
temperance, frugality and virtue, and
by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles."
The list goes on, and on.
A true revolution for liberty, and a government that protects it, must begin in the hearts and minds of the people. Without a virtuous, moral, and educated people we cannot keep liberty, justice, or good government. We have over time, lost an adherence to these principles. This has truly been our downfall more than anything else.
Our revolution could never have happened had it not been for a people who were, in number, more virtuous than not. This is how we were able to retain our liberties, and keep the government in check for so long after that revolution. As the people have moved away from those principles, not coincidentally, we have lost many of those liberties to a growing, almost unchecked government.
The fight for liberty cannot be won through the election process……it must be the main object in the hearts and minds of the people. Liberty cannot be in our hearts and minds without morality. Nor morality without Virtue. and none of these without the religious principles from where they come.
"Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles." -George Washington.
In conclusion, Unless we have a moral people we will continue to have an immoral government. As we look ahead in our quest for liberty, we must first remember to change our own lives and behaviors for the better, if we ever expect to change the government. There is no other avenue to accomplish this. The Government is truly a reflection of ourselves. In light of this.....I would say......we get the government we deserve.....and always will.
Brent Lawler Sept. 3, 2011
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