As he left the Constitutional Convention Dr. Franklin was asked what manner of government the founders had bestowed upon us. He answered, "A Republic, if you can keep it!"
"As we celebrate Constitution Week (Sept. 17-23), it would be wise to heed Franklin's challenge. A constitutional republic is not an easy form of government to maintain. It requires wise leaders more interested in the public good than in holding and using power. It requires an enlightened citizenry that understands and exercises its rights and duties and is willing to fight to preserve them. Moreover, both wise leaders and enlightened citizens must arise with each new generation, prepared and able to make the system work."
Thursday, September 21, 2006
San Franciso Chronicle
These guys have it right. We need to understand that our much loved Republic is fragile. It requires constant attention to its care and feeding. Patriots cannot assume that it will survive on its own with no effort on their part. The coming elections are just a battle in the war for the hearts and minds of generations to come. We must not let setbacks or poor showings blunt our zeal or our will. We will step up and see to it that this great experiment in government that our founders bequeathed us lives on and prospers, in spite of those who would subvert it. As an afterthought, make sure the schools in your area are actually teaching the Constitution as it is during this time. Offer to lecture or form discussion groups with students and young people. They are the future. They must carry the fight when we are no longer able or here to do it for them. They must be made to understand that this really is the greatest nation on God's earth and its survival is worth the fortune, the blood and the honor of each and every one of us.
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