|
Legend has it that at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, as Benjamin Franklin was leaving, a spectator called out, Mr. Franklin; "What have you wrought" (in other words what type of government have you given us?) Mr. Franklin answered simply: "A Republic, if you can keep it." In today's political climate Mr. Franklin's words are haunting, However, that has been the task before "We the People" since the Constitution became effective on June 21, 1788. A look at Amendments 16, 17, 22, and the numerous other congressional actions taken daily in direct violation of the Constitution clearly shows that we all should be concerned with how the government routinely usurps the Constitution. It's amazing that "We the People" allow this to happen. With the frequency that it occurs, you would expect that one of the two major parties, a "conservative think tank", or third party would express some qualms about a particular usurpation of the Constitution which has prevailed. Some dissent is rare and none of the so-called congressional watchdogs have uttered a word. Today's experts and specifically our congressional representatives will tell you that America faces problems like no other time in our history, except maybe the Civil War. We suffer economic crises, wars, rumors of wars, global issues, energy dependence, terrorism at home, and political and judicial malfeasance. I will argue that the routine usurpation of the Constitution is the greatest threat to our Republic notwithstanding the Civil War. As a nation, we have reached the pinnacle of: "if it feels good ... do it." Over the years, "We the People" have allowed this to happen because of our increasing lack of character and common sense. Adherence to the Constitution and the oath to preserve, protect, and defend the same is taken so lightly that one of the nation's newspapers has described this provision as "an obscure clause in the Constitution." Before it is too late, "We the People" must heed the words of President Thomas Jefferson: "Let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution."
|
