Posted on 11/22/2014 4:56:00 AM PST by Jacquerie
As our once republic swirls down the drain of despotism, a common call at FR to restore freedom is to just enforce the constitution we have. In a perfect world of cuddly puppies and chocolate rivers, we could live in unspoiled freedom and happiness if we only enforced the written constitution.
The problem is that no nation ever was, nor will ever be, composed of saints. If men were saints, government wouldnt be necessary. If that sounds familiar, it should. After years of study on the nature of government in general, and republics in particular, James Madison and other framers rediscovered a maxim that was largely forgotten by 1913, and is sadly forgotten today by most at FreeRepublic.
That is, the structure of government is all important. Insofar as supporting or hindering freedom and happiness, governmental structure trumps the significance of virtue or licentiousness of the people.
Does the constitution of 1787 reflect unbridled confidence in virtue? Of course not. If the framers supposed only moral men would go into government, then a simple republican structure like that of the ancient city states, consisting of a popularly elected, single house legislature would be all that was needed. This fantasy legislature composed of upright men would issue laws that a moral populace would readily agree to and support.
Rather than assume a nation of angels, the constitution assumed a nation of public rogues.
This isnt to be confused with private behavior, for even the worst monsters in history often had stable and loving families. Dont doubt that Nancy Pelosi or even the loathsome Van Jones are not devoted parents and spouses. Domestically, they may be model spouses and parents. As holders of any public trust, they are demons.
Far from embracing simplicity or counting on public virtue, the constitution set up a complex system designed to prevent the accumulation of legislative, executive, judicial powers in one, few, or many men. That should sound familiar as well, and if a little time in rational thought is spent on it, it should be clear that is not the system we live under today.
Our government is in rapid transition for the worse. Power increasingly concentrates in the executive branch. Obamas practical authority is limited only by what he thinks he can politically get away with.
As if distant history was not proof enough, our recent electoral experience should suffice. For years we sent dozens of Tea Party conservatives to congress. How many went wobbly or full rino? This isnt to say we shouldnt seek out the best among us. It means the careful selection of reps is insufficient to save our sinking republic.
Fortunately, the framers provided an out, a constitutional and almost extra-congressional route to restore the all-important structure of government necessary to maintain a FreeRepublic.
Repeal the 17th. Restore federalism. Article V. NOW!
Also helps to remember and appropriate the attitude Mr.Marcus Luttrell expresses so well—the only way to take us out of the fight—is to kill us. Unless we posses this attitude we are sheep.
which is neither news nor activism..... it is in fact something to chat about
Bugger off.
Isn’t it ironic how “conservatives” are running away from the very Constitution that 0bama is violating?
That’s the truth. Article V was designed precisely for the situation we find ourselves in.
How are you? It seems like a long time since the daily Federal Convention posts.
way to keep things classy
Way to keep things off topic!
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