237 years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress of what was to become the United States of America, adopted the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 226 years ago, on the 17th of September 1787 our Constitution was adopeted.
The United States is now the longest running democratic republic in the history of mankind. When after the Constitution Convention Ben Franklin was asked by a woman “what kind of government have you given us?”
“A repuiblic, Madam, if you can keep it.” The priceof liberty is eternal vigilance.
George Washington charged us to “beware of entangling a
lliances.” We have not listened. President Eisenhower warned us of the “Military-industrial complex.” That, too has been ignored. So, our government orders airplanes and tanks the services do NOT want….BECAUSE there is a plant in some Representative’s district that employs many people. To lose it would cause un-employment; which likely would cause him to lose his seat.
There is a battle going on in the government over the amount of taxes and where revenues should be spent.
It is my belief that we should do as much as we can for ourselves, but that as a great national family, our taxes should fund good roads, good schools, nice parks, great universities, a safety net for the poor and infirm, a mighty military, safety inspectors for our food and drugs. And, it is my belief that taxes should be progressive and without loopholes for some parties to escape paying their fair share.
No doubt, many see things differently than I do. I hope all our citizens will read the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE and the Constitution every year; that we should participate in government by voting and writing letters.
Traditionally, the press has been the watchdog of government, exposing crimes and shenanigans. As so many of our greatest newspapers have been taken over by powerful interests who may want to government to be corrupt in their favor, it appears that our newspapers are losing the heft and clout they once had. If so, we are all the losers. We should always be prepared to cry out for justice for ALL people, and disinterested fair play from our governments.
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