When the United States, uniquely among historical national powers, established itself on the foundation of principles, our founders purposely intended to establish us as a beacon among nations. But they also created a high standard for national behavior that has proved a burden ever since.
The original Constitution explicitly set out the authority of the three branches of government but equally explicitly established the boundaries of that power and set each of the branches to watch over the others, especially requiring the legislative branch to oversee the conduct of the executive branch. But its amendments very soon focused on the rights of citizens -- to speak, to organize, to write and print, to worship, to be equal, and most importantly to be be secure in our homes and property.
Those of us privileged to travel the world know the degree to which people around the world judge our adherence to the principles we proclaim. Many Americans think we can say one thing and do another as a nation. It is not true. We are daily held to the high standard our founders set for the United States. And, too often, we do not measure up either at home or abroad.
Most disquieting has been the tendency of our government to sacrifice our individual rights to the perceived need for security. Threats, real or imagined, are almost immediately seen as grounds for suspending the Constitutional rights of the individual. Nowhere is this more evident than the use of electronic surveillance in the age of terrorism. And the current administration seems content to perpetuate some of the worst excesses of its predecessor.
No one said that principled democracy would be easy. And of course Thomas Jefferson didn't contemplate today's technologies. But he did know human nature. And he and his colleagues knew that it would be up to us to keep political power within its Constitutional boundaries and, even more, to insist that America live up to the principles it proclaims.
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Actually, this IS more evident in one area: gun control.
Even more amazing is how the issue of personal liberty has been divided. I for one take the position of an old school liberal. (I refuse to allow Rush Limbaugh or Pat Buchanan redefine it for their ultra-conservative Tory agenda.) The only way to achieve a free and just society is by guarding the rights of the individual against the forces for "the greater good" that would seek to "temporarily suspend" them. A true liberal stands up for freedom of speech, religion, gun ownership, rights of the accused and against cruel and unusual punishment.
America is a liberal nation founded on liberal philosophies. Liberals wrote the Declaration of Independence, conservatives called it treason. Liberals fought against the King of England, conservatives gave his troops food and shelter. Liberals are the real American Patriots!
At issue: Separation of Church and State! At that time the Christian Churches of Europe placed strict controls on what was permissible in the creation of wealth. Capitalism was frowned upon by the Church leaders. It was seen to be bereft of principles and societal responsibility. There was no separation of Church and State in Europe! Charging interest in money lending was prohibited! This is why the Jews were the money lenders of Europe. It was also the reason that they were despised because they were seen to profit from the needs and desperation of others.
Colonial landholders and merchants saw lucrative financial benefits to this "Separation of Church and State". There was no intent to protect the settlers from religious persecution: the mormons were hunted and slaughtered; witches and warlocks were drowned or burned at the stake. The history of the US reflect a total lack of principles. It is replete with brutality, injustice, genocide, extortion, land confiscation, slavery and terror all for the amassing of wealth by the few! The US Constitution was not written for the settlers. Today, 65% of our Federal taxes are spent on the expansion of business opportunities for US corporations! This is what the Constitution sought to facilitate.
The crafters this framework Constitution did succeed in developing rules and procedures for a mechanism to balance the power between the Branches of Government and defined the relationship of the States to Federal Government, the governed to the government. Brilliant!
The Constitution sets forth a foundation for UNRESTRAINED government. The Constitution provides the Structure and the Corridors for the movement of power. Compare the Constitution to a building. The building's function will always be defined by it's occupants and how they purpose it. However the constitution does not define the principles or ethics by which the activity within this structure should be governed. This leaves the people of the land at the mercy of the agenda of those who are elected to govern. Our Constitution provides for a balance of power but it does not protect against the exploitation of power by the economically powerful. Nor does it protect the the majority from the abuses of power by a minority. Our campaign finance laws permit the financially powerful to indenture our elected officials into serving their agenda. This is brought us to today: 65 % of our Federal tax dollars supporting corporate interests and needs at home and abroad. Our Constitution does not prohibit this. We need to stop mythologizing our Constitution and ennobling the men who drafted.
Rescinding the Patriot Act and the AUMFs of 2001 and 2002 and defunding the Department of Homeland Security would reset the overt encroachment and oversteps that at some time in our future threatens each and every American citizen.
Careful reading of your piece reveals not a hint of this corrective action. Why??
Happy 4th to all of you and God Bless America!
Peace and Love \ /
Happy 4th to you too, Fit. (enjoy!)
This is where we are today.
Syrians
Lybians
North Koreans
Myanamarians
Fijians
Iranians
Tibetans
ETC
ETC
ETC
We have some flaws. We many even over react from time to time. But the USA is still the country with the most freedoms and opportunities.
Ray McGovern's article cited above is worth reading today, the 4th of July. Our country's values as an international leader and basis for such require serious thought and some soul searching. As the Beatles put it, (Yes, definitely out of context) "..get back, get back, get back to where we once belonged.."
The question is can we ever go back?
I think the way for America is to wisely go forward. Hopefully there are still some wise people who know the way. The sooner they come into the public view the better for our country.
While government has become more secretive and less concerned about removing civil rights.
This sounds like America before the Revolutionary war. Maybe it's a sign !
Isn't it odd, that Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul is campaigning on protecting individual rights, and Democratic President Obama has a record of violating those rights.
In the end, neither Obama nor Paul are to be the solution to the country's problems, each in their own way, bound to make things notably worse.
And the remedy depends on whether you feel that people would more likely come to their senses over time or in response to a short, sharp shock.
On the other and, the decision may be out of our hands. Most Europeans seem to be bracing for a second, more disastrous global economic meltdown.
I agree, safety and security are most often excuses to restrict Freedom and Privacy !
Big Government is a threat in and of itself !