There are few plot lines in any good book or movie that don't evince man's age-old struggle against tyranny. These tales nearly always depict their heroes championing whatever battle needs fighting for freedom to prevail. Why does this theme permeate all cultures of every generation since storytelling began? I think it is because this timeless struggle against tyranny is, at its core, man's struggle against original sin - man's innate need to dominate all things, most especially his own kind.
History reveals a long and brutal record of tyranny, no matter how evolved or civilized we claimed to be. History also testifies to the terrible suffering and sacrifice that freed us each time. Loyal Americans deeply honor this legacy and aspire to the courage and commitment it took from every participant whose victory over such tyranny provided the inextinguishable hope for future generations' struggles. History has proven there is always a next time.
So exactly what makes you think you are immune to this ageless struggle? Why are you exempt from tyranny's dominion over you? What convinced you that your rights and freedoms are impervious to any or all threats? As an American, when did you get a pass on being vigilant and a protector of your sovereignty? Why would you believe that you did not have a share in preserving the liberty that defines America? And where did you ever get the idea that should we lose our liberty, you will not be accountable, too?
Whatever your political-party persuasion, one can no longer deny that our government is rapidly moving away from America's founding principles of government restraint, individual rights, and governance by the people as a republic under the rule of law. Regardless of your party affiliation, these principles existed as a much larger force intended to guide the political system in electing representatives to protect and enforce the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
These governing documents are so profoundly just, and closely mirror nearly every religious/spiritual doctrine by respecting each life as precious and endowed with inalienable rights. By so protecting each individual through equal rights under the rule of law, the protection of an entire nation is guaranteed.
It is only when lawmakers corrupt the rule of law by granting variances, inequitable allowances, disparate privileges to special interests, unjust proclamations, and unconstitutional violations, whether for personal or political gain, that a republic has the potential to fail. But it is only when its people allow such corruption to persist, even thrive, that a republic does fail, as America is doing now.
Too many people are stubbornly refusing to acknowledge, let alone accept, that the legislature is no longer representative, that it serves only itself, and that the only change that occurred is ever more destructive spending, unsustainable debt, and unprecedented growth of government at the people's expense and personal peril.
All of these violations of our Constitution occurred with the complicity of the legislature on both sides of the aisle. Both major parties are culpable. While it is true that silence is consent, it has been proven many times that even when the input from we the people is overwhelmingly against unconstitutional laws such as the USA PATRIOT Act and the TARP bailouts, our government ignores the people's will.
Don't give up the fight, however! Keep the calls and e-mails coming to your legislators. The record must continue to be established, as there will be a reckoning for unconstitutional acts. Citizens' grand juries are forming all across America, and presentments are forthcoming so elected officials may be held to their oaths of office. And one of the Constitution's most stalwart defenders, Bob Schulz, and the We The People Foundation, are planning a Continental Congress in November that will see 150 delegates elected by the people meet for two weeks to bear witness to the violations, document the Petitions of Redress & Grievance that all three branches have refused to acknowledge, and establish action steps we Americans can take to restore our republic.
Silence from the people is consent to the governed, yes. But the people have not been silent, and our government's refusal to participate in the legitimate and constitutional due process guaranteed by our First Amendment right for a redress of these grievances is nothing more than an admission of guilt.
To learn more about the Continental Congress 2009 visit GiveMeLiberty.org. And please visit the updated Reader Web page on "How to Contact Your Legislator" at RiverCitiesReader.com/mylegislators.
