All mankind are endowed with certain inalienable rights, bestowed upon them by their creator which, regardless of anarchy or tyranny, grants unto them the power to choose. With this power, mankind is capable to act for themselves. An option which is so sadly accepted by many is the option, not to choose. To have their opinions and actions dictated by others. Rooted in this perspective is a perversion of a natural requirement that society must of a necessity be directed by "government".
“Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to vest it with requisite powers.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #2.”
They unfortunately take this to an extreme and sate their fears or feed their ambitions by requesting ever increasing regulation and governance. One of the great benefits that should arise from a government consisting of multiple "parties" and "houses" is the ability to temper their emotions and find the correct course of action which is "prudent and advisable". Action which is not a compromise of principle or justice.
“That they were individually interested in the public liberty and prosperity, and therefore that it was not less their inclination than their duty to recommend only such measures as, after the most mature deliberation, they really thought prudent and advisable.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #2.”
These papers address the premise that a single unified federal government is better for peace and prosperity than 3-4 separate confederacies. Among the supporting arguments are the ideas that separate governments, each wielding sovereign control over military and economic interests, could threaten national security dependent on the whims of governing forces of these separate confederacies. This seemed to be understood by the general public at large during the time of this argument.
“That consideration naturally tends to create great respect for the high opinion which the people of America have so long and uniformly entertained of the importance of their continuing firmly united under one federal government, vested with sufficient powers for all general and national purposes.”
“At present I mean only to consider it as it respects security for the preservation of peace and tranquillity, as well as against dangers from FOREIGN ARMS AND INFLUENCE, as from dangers of the LIKE KIND arising from domestic causes. As the former of these comes first in order, it is proper it should be the first discussed. Let us therefore proceed to examine whether the people are not right in their opinion that a cordial Union, under an efficient national government, affords them the best security that can be devised against HOSTILITIES from abroad.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #3.”
They knew that a unified government could secure their rights and privileges provided they organize and regulate the government with checks, balances, and appropriate limits on authority. One of these balances lies in the federal government being comprised of various political parties, elected out of each state. This divides the governing body into different ideologies and demographics. When working correctly, convergence of these diversities of opinion and circumstance are intended to provide the aforementioned prudence.
“Because the prospect of present loss or advantage may often tempt the governing party in one or two States to swerve from good faith and justice; but those temptations, not reaching the other States, and consequently having little or no influence on the national government, the temptation will be fruitless, and good faith and justice be preserved.”
“But the national government, not being affected by those local circumstances, will neither be induced to commit the wrong themselves, nor want power or inclination to prevent or punish its commission by others.”
“... national government, whose wisdom and prudence will not be diminished by the passions which actuate the parties immediately interested.”
“The pride of states, as well as of men, naturally disposes them to justify all their actions, and opposes their acknowledging, correcting, or repairing their errors and offenses. The national government, in such cases, will not be affected by this pride, but will proceed with moderation and candor to consider and decide on the means most proper to extricate them from the difficulties which threaten them.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #3.”
Unfortunately, these checks and balances have been poisoned by the extreme polarization of the parties which is only fed by fear, pride and ambition. These quarreling parties, blinded by a narcissistic perception of their own perspective, each feel it is their elected directive to adamantly oppose the other's agenda. They have abandoned the principles they can find common ground on and moved to establish their position in application. Each knowing the other to be in error and themselves just. These members of government should return to the table and meet where it matters, on principle.
“One government can collect and avail itself of the talents and experience of the ablest men, in whatever part of the Union they may be found. It can move on uniform principles of policy. It can harmonize, assimilate, and protect the several parts and members, and extend the benefit of its foresight and precautions to each.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #4.”
People of Principle are required to get our federal government back on track and working as intended. People of Principle are required to renew our nation's position of respect on the world stage. The manner by which we governed ourselves and by which we assisted our allies was the only foreign policy we needed. Our integrity and Constitution have been a beacon for other nations. To regain this position, we must return to the basics.
“foreign nations will know and view it exactly as it is; and they will act toward us accordingly. If they see that our national government is efficient and well administered, our trade prudently regulated, our militia properly organized and disciplined, our resources and finances discreetly managed, our credit re-established, our people free, contented, and united, they will be much more disposed to cultivate our friendship than provoke our resentment.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #4.”
If we do not improve upon our situations and quit bickering amongst ourselves ...
“weakness and divisions at home would invite dangers from abroad; and that nothing would tend more to secure us from them than union, strength, and good government within ourselves.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #5.”
Envy and jealousy have extinguished confidence and affection, and the partial interests of each political party, instead of the general interest of all America, are the only objects of their policy and pursuits (modified from text below)
“envy and jealousy would soon extinguish confidence and affection, and the partial interests of each confederacy, instead of the general interests of all America, would be the only objects of their policy and pursuits.”
“Distrust naturally creates distrust, and by nothing is good-will and kind conduct more speedily changed than by invidious jealousies and uncandid imputations, whether expressed or implied.”
Excerpt From: “The Federalist Papers; #5.”
As with any relationship, it must be built upon trust and faith. Our government needs to regain our trust, the trust within our government and the rest of the world. They must leave the agendas behind and focus on the real issues facing our nation: unbridled and wholly irresponsible government spending, excessive and repeated abuses of power, self-declared authority, self-righteous despotic impositions on states, communities, families and nations, destructive economic policies, biased taxation and the intentional polarization of the masses (to name a few). Unless these issues are addressed candidly, almost all other legislation is inherently broken and flawed as it is defended using the same ruthless tactics used to secure their positions.
People of Principle are required. It is left to the public to require this of our elected officials. It is left to me and to you, to turn the attention from "what will benefit me and mine" to "what is just and true".
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