Those words capture the sentiment of a cautious Ben Franklin when asked about the type of government that had just been created. His “a Republic if you can keep it” could now be a bit prophetic when considering the empty platitudes and aimless performances of the career politician. Sadly, their re-election results when these attitudes infect the voter.
Franklin’s quisical remark stemmed from his realization that the one societal binder which gift wraps peace, harmony, and tempers our many temptations is the ever-present need for instilling the quality of virtue into each succeeding generation. A quick glance at today’s political line-up, with one notable exception, validates Franklin’s pessimism. Many ‘at-home hand-me-downs,’ with virtue topping the list, are no longer as this fast-paced computerized world gathers little moss. In other words, today’s travel is modernized and lightning fast compared to yesterday’s gallop, or so goes the story. A by-product of this fast pace has been the inescapable media with its nightly garbage of situational “what ifs” and nonsensical theories. Just the mere volume of this talk “cheapens” while also tending to alter our perspectives and even our actions!
The difference when comparing the job performance of a career politician to that of the loyal “public servant” is the motivation factor; the former is personally driven, while the latter’s love of country and devoted service prevail. Since the Presidency is a singular office, the caliber of its occupier is more pronounced since it’s constantly in public view, versus the flocks that give each other cover in the chambers of Congress!
One would think that, given this lonely position, each party would select its best so that political control could be more assured. So, how is it that one party seems to field the most inept while its opponent operates with a “no vacancy” attitude against the possible candidacy from a motivated citizen? America today is led by a selection process in which party priorities come before Country. The one party deals with dunces for control ,while the other only backs a candidate holding a particular resume. This then elevates the need for a more knowing and energized electorate, if only from a defensive need!
In addition, our communist enemy is never content or idle. This adversary is deeply organized, well-disciplined, and richly financed. Since the lawless 60’s, their numbers expand every June when college graduations flood the rank and file of their “useful idiot” base. Over time, these students of Lenin and Marx have progressed upward, matriculating into whichever profession they targeted. Today, their influence can be felt in today’s supportive corporations for every mindless indignity and insufferable “ism” that pops up!
A vital ingredient in our American Republic is that its people adhere to the virtues that their Christian faith instills. Accordingly, “we the people” have been charged with an obligation to pass on to each generation that which Thomas Jefferson cautioned us all with: that “Virtue is not hereditary.” This is part of the price that living free demands from us all. So, via Jefferson, this is our time, our place, and our American duty. There is no quarter to be expected or given, just a faithful performance of duty so that we “can keep” our Blessed Republic and faith alive.
