Posted on 06/25/2019 4:44:18 AM PDT by Kaslin
On a warm September day in 1787, Benjamin Franklin emerged from Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Franklin was leaving what has come to be known as The Constitutional Convention. Originally it was simply the Philadelphia Convention, which was intended solely to improve upon the Articles of Confederation, the prevailing government of the time. As legend has it, a man approached him and demanded, “What have you wrought?” to which Franklin succinctly replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”
Franklin, known for so many famous quotes he could make Yogi Berra appear to be a mute, delivered that day what might well be his most insightful, important, and prescient statement of his 84-year life of achievement. Franklin’s proclamation that day was more of a challenge, or test, that we, as Americans, have been taking for nearly 232 years.
The fledgling United States of 1787 was comprised of 13 separate and distinct states that formed a union of common purpose. Regional differences, sectional differences, and philosophical differences existed. What might be called, in a non-pejorative sense, tribalism. Sound familiar? Yet the Founders, Franklin among them, devised a manner in which these 13 entities could form “a more perfect Union.”
Certain aspects of a national union were taken as universally accepted. Among them, provide for the common defense, ensure domestic tranquility, and, most importantly, “secure the Blessings of Liberty.”
Yet the Founders recognized the sectional differences that existed among the several states. Some, chief among them Thomas Jefferson, favored an agrarian society while others, a more industrial and financial based approach. Culture in one area of the country lay in stark contrast to that in another. The Founders recognized that, and devised a Constitution that allowed for it.
A strong Federal Republic, where each state would defend one another, without imposing its will upon the whole. Thanks to that concept we now have 50 states, all enjoying the liberties and protections afforded by the Constitution, yet with the capacity for individual sovereignty compromised of citizens better able to exercise control over their respective states, counties, cities, and communities.
Some national sins were so divisive, slavery to be blunt, that a Civil War was required to see if we could keep our Republic. Other issues, universal suffrage and equal protection et al., were resolved through a national amendment process. And the Republic endured.
Today we are faced with 21st century regional and sectional differences that divide us as much as any over the past two centuries. And yet, adherence to the principles set out in Philadelphia 200 years ago can guide us through them without dissolution.
Detroit, Chicago, and New York have serious crime rates that require serious solutions. Perhaps their limitations on certain gun rights are logical, perhaps not. But locally decided. More rural areas such as Arizona, Texas, and Colorado have justifiable reasons to ensure citizens have greater access to guns. Illegal border traffickers, a greater interest in hunting, and more. To each, the other’s position may seem outlandish and worthy of mockery. Isn’t it great that we have a system that allows for these different states and cities to make self-determination?
Many pro-life advocates were horrified by the sweeping and controversial new abortion laws in New York and other states. Many pro-choice advocates were horrified by the sweeping and controversial new abortion laws in Alabama and other states. Yet in all of these states, the laws were passed with strong local support.
This is what our Constitutional system has allowed for. More specifically, as the Tenth Amendment, the final of the Bill of Rights, states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
When people from New York tell people from Alabama what they can or cannot do, and vice versa, they act in direct violation of the very principles our Constitution was founded upon. They ignore the compromises made during that hot summer of 1787.
Most importantly, we must remind ourselves what Benjamin Franklin wisely replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”
Yet the Founders, Franklin among them, devised a manner in which these 13 entities could form “a more perfect Union.”
We are fortunate to have lived during peak civilization. The world has been a slaughterhouse throughout history.
I am of the opinion that one of the most damaging amendments past was the direct election of Senators. This moved us far closer to a Democracy and mob rule.
Interesting story.
The Republic was sorely tested during the Civil War, putting pro-slavery Democrats against newly founded anti-slavery Republicans.
I did not know that some of our Founding Fathers leaned towards an industrial based nation and others towards agriculture. And that this was a large part of their thinking while writing the early documents framing the Republic.
The fledgling United States of 1787 was comprised of 13 separate and distinct states that formed a union of common purpose.“The fledgling United States of 1787
You’re welcome.
The peak is only over if we choose it to be. For our children, grandchildren and for the entire good of the world, we should not choose to quit.
This is not hyperbole or colloquial speak.. it is truth.
This is not a war of bullets and overwhelming force. It is altogether more difficult than that.
The centralized manufacture and control of printed money starting in 1913 was the beginning of the end of the republic. Government has grown from 5% of GDP to over 50%. That’s a recipe for statism and tyranny
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever...”
—Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.
THOMAS JEFFERSON - 3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Very true.
This is why we must systematically reduce the size and reach of the federal government.
Yes, by all means let us get back to the Republic the Founding Fathers devised and which the Radical Republicans in the mid 19th century overthrew in favor of federal despotism. Let us start actually respecting the 10th Amendment again. Let’s drain the Swamp in Imperial Washington and return much of the power to the states which the federal government unconstitutionally usurped. Many of our most bitter arguments would go away since each state would be much more free to determine its own community standard based on its history and culture.
I know nobody ever talks about it anymore but I STILL WANT TO CUT FEDERAL SPENDING.
All those departments, energy, education, EPA, medical and many others should be disbanded and let the states handle things locally.
I’m sick of DC dictating things to my state, Texas.
It’s to bad over the last few decades the feds didn’t allow us to protect our own southern border. We are one of very few states with National Guard troops on the border. As a matter of fact Abbott just sent another 1000 troops added to the 1000 already there.
One thing I will say is this, we here have been invaded BIGLY. In the 1830s and 1840s Americans volunteered and joined us in fighting the Mexicans.
I think we might need you patriots again soon.
The bill of Rights was to protect the republic but the black robe wearing sobs are using it( specifically the 1st ) to take away states rights.
It’s almost quaint to think of a war with bullets,although it ends with them,but you’re right, a war is basically of ideas. One idea wants to destroy the other. Our country was partly founded to have freedom of opposing ideas but with peaceful interaction. With all of the modern technology it’s easier for ideas with nefarious intentions to destroy our government without a shot. The Constitution should have been fine tuned a little bit. But that ship has sailed and the side with evil ideas could win without firing a shot. Almost as if the country that started with the shot heard round the world may end in a deafening silence.
“Some national sins were so divisive, slavery to be blunt, that a Civil War was required to see if we could keep our Republic.”
We kept our Union, but began to lose our republic as the federal government began to grow and centralize power.
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
No, they are reserved for the federal bureaus and police state.
Such rubbish. This country has mostly abandoned the Constitution well over 100 years ago. As long as the federal bureaucracy and the police state reign supreme and above the law, we will have an ever hardening tyranny imposed on the people.
With Independence day just around the corner, will continue to see these pathetic pieces pretending that citizens are protected under the BOR and the federal government honors and respects the Constitution.
BUMP
Pick an issue. Any issue. The country is “at impasse”. We can’t stop them from importing illegals and they can get us to let the illegals vote. None of these impasses has a “political solution”. A nation like ours that can no longer be governed politically will come to violence. Which is why it is called “the final default”. It’s just a matter of time.
The federal government of today is more oppressive against the states and the people, than the King of England was in 1776. It is likely more corrupt. Federal judiciary is arbitrary (rule of law? Ha!), and "the number of the kings minions" increases, as does their arrogance.
“The federal government of today is more oppressive against the states and the people, than the King of England was in 1776.”
Agreed. Reading the Declaration of Independence in 2019 makes it sound like it was written yesterday!
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