Even in Their Errors, People Act As a Check to Government Abuse and Overreach

Coach is Right ^ | 10/27/15 | Bill Norton & Mark Herr

[Oldpuppymax]

Often in political conversation, one hears chastisement of the so-called “uninformed voter,” or laments about the ignorance of the people. Some might even be so arrogant as to prefer the “uninformed” not involve themselves in government at all. Of course, the label “uniformed” often means anyone who disagrees with the person casting the label.

But do we really want to limit involvement of the people in public affairs? The Architects of our Republic made it clear that the people are the only keepers of our unalienable rights and the only true protectors of the Constitution. It is through the involvement of the people, whether right or wrong, that government will be kept in its right place; that it will continue to secure rather than violate our rights.

In a letter to Edward Carrington, Thomas Jefferson discusses living in a society in which “nobody but [yourself] is always in the right.” (Benjamin Franklin, Constitutional Convention, 1787)

“The [involvement] of the people…on the side of government has had a great effect… I am persuaded myself that the good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army. They may be led astray for a moment, but will soon correct themselves. The people are the only censors of their governors: and even their errors will tend to keep these to the true principles of their institution.” (Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, Paris, January 16, 1787)

In the same letter, Jefferson explains the harm which can result from punishing errors.

“To punish these errors too severely would be to suppress the only safeguard of the public liberty. The way to prevent these irregular interpositions of the people is to give them full information of their affairs… The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people...

[stylin19a]

i wonder what kind of uniforms they wear ?

[Zippo44]

“But do we really want to limit involvement of the people in public affairs? The Architects of our Republic made it clear that the people are the only keepers of our unalienable rights and the only true protectors of the Constitution. It is through the involvement of the people, whether right or wrong, that government will be kept in its right place; that it will continue to secure rather than violate our rights.”

The Founders of this Republic had no intention of allowing the parasites to run things.

[Jacquerie]

<>The Founders of this Republic had no intention of allowing the parasites to run things.<>

As evidenced by state appointed senators and presidents.

[Rodamala]

It is through the involvement of the people, whether right or wrong, that government will be kept in its right place; that it will continue to secure rather than violate our rights.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.