We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
The Preamble to the US Constitution (1787)
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Are these "words…just words"? Unless you have been under a rock (or watch Entertainment Tonight for your coverage of current events) you know that there has been a constant barrage of economic and political discourse. Terms like "economic crisis", "government bailout", "worst economy since the Great Depression", "foreclosures", "subprime mortgages", etc., can make you feel stress, distain, helpless, and uncertain about the world, the nation, and most importantly, your own family’s future. But, take a deep breath and read the words above slowly and quietly. Re-read them again and again and again.
When you hear someone suggest that you read the Declaration of Independence or the US Constitution, most people look at you as if you just passed gas or asked them to eat liver and brussel sprouts. I admit that unless you like to get into character by lighting a candle and putting a powdered wig, it is pretty boring stuff. However, if you take just the start of the 2nd paragraph of the Declaration of Independence (DOI) and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution (Pre-USC), you will find the basic ideals on this country’s founding. Beautiful. clear, straightforward, and simple.
Rights are given by our Creator with the most important being Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. People hold the rights and grant them to government, not the other way around.
When government becomes too powerful or incompetent that it puts these rights endowed by the Creator at risk, the people have the responsibility to either alter or abolish the government and re-form it to respect Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
The Federal government’s responsibilities are:
- Establish a justice (federal) system to handle federal law
- Insure domestic tranquility (mainly between states)
- Provide for the common defense (standing military instead of individual "National Guard" units for each state.)
- Promote general welfare (encourage trade, commerce, currency, treaties)
- Secure the blessings of liberty
That’s it! That’s all folks! All other responsibility was left up to the state and local government and most importantly YOU! YOU were granted rights by your Creator. Therefore, since YOU have the rights, YOU also have certain responsibilities. When we either ask Washington DC (or sometimes they just take) to assume responsibility for some aspect of our lives, we also give up our divinely endowed rights.
So, after watching the news or reading the paper, re-read the 2nd paragraph to the DOI and the Pre-USC and just say, "Nope, you’re not fooling me again Washington DC! They’re MINE and YOU can’t have them!"
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