“An informed citizenry can be trusted with its government.”
Thomas Jefferson
“A republic. If you can keep it.”
Benjamin Franklin
The American golden age of the latter 20th Century was a fortuitous mix of abundant resources, honest labor, geographic location, can-do spirit, industrial might and innovative science. The economic miracle which resulted produced a national GDP equivalent to the rest of the world combined. It was an achievement unparalled in history, surpassing even the relative dominance of the Roman, British and Spanish Empires.
America, land of opportunity, now enjoyed a standard of living hailed as the envy of the world. Never before had so much economic clout been wielded by so few. But with the trappings of success came responsibilities of leadership.
How quickly times have changed.
The lure of over-easy extravagance has proven impossible to resist. Decades of mismanagement, corruption and plain old greed have rendered a once proud nation wallowing in a cesspool of debt.
A general sense of malaise has settled over the country. A culture of disenlightenment disdains history, public education and common sense. The voices of the Founders, calling to us in moderation, seem quaint, outmoded and downright childish.
Our country is headed in the wrong direction. That much is certain. But a plethora of pointed fingers has only resulted in a dearth of responsibility. Many rant from soapboxes about moral values, political will or innate intelligence while others promote arcane notions of reform. The majority shrug their shoulders and wander aimlessly through a haze of indifference.
And yet, here we go again through another election cycle. Another replay of the same old same old. Rewarding those who excel at fundraising events and television propaganda while we stagger through a morass of empty slogans and hackneyed platitudes.
We’re perpertuating the definition of insanity. Repeating the same action and expecting a different result.
We need to re-evaluate the process by which we elect our officials. We need to re-examine our nation’s history and re-learn key lessons. Enough of this pathetic pandering and whining cynicism. We need to adopt the steely mind-set attitude of hard truths and harder principals.
The Founders have stated time and again that the citizenry must remain vigilant against the abuses of power. Yet many remain ignorant of our civil rights and liberties guaranteed under the Constitution. This lack of vigilance has enabled corruption and left us vulnerable to the ravages of tyranny.
It is time. Time for members of the informed citizenry to work together to restore our republic.
Deadly Angel author Andrew Cofrin
