We the people… A phrase that is part of our national fabric. A phrase that has been quoted by school children, Presidents and politicians alike. A phrase that allegedly details the control that we have over our government. However, in this day and age, does “We the People” mean anything? We the People are supposed to control what direction our government takes. However, there are so many policy areas where we seem to have no input. Is this something that can be remedied?
Consider the following crucial issues and ask yourself, do “We the People” have any control?
1. Ongoing overseas commitment of troops who are fighting and dying, for what?
2. The use of drones against American citizens
3. campaign finance corruption
4. the shredding of the 4th amendment
There are others, but these issues, in and of themselves, is just the tip of the iceburg where it seems that our government is out of control with no way to stop its momentum. How did we get to this point? How can we change it?
I submit that this change in our nation didn’t occur overnight, but has been brewing for years and years. I submit it began with the Civil War. Surprised? Yes as far back as Abe Lincoln we started reshaping ourselves and our government. We went from a more limited government to a more activist growing government. Each subsequent administration has placed its mark on the government by expanding, redifining and revamping the meaning of “We the People.” Time and space limit me from addressing how we moved to this point and how we changed our view of the role of government. Now I’m not advocating resinstitution of the ills of what we have overcome since that time, but I am advocating an inward, national reflection of what we want our government to do. That will be the start for redefining who we, the people, actually are and what we, the people, actually want.
Until Next Time,
David A. Standridge
