Traditionally, because city officials are in such close proximity they respond to “we the people” and listen to us. There are many who represent us in Washington who do not even maintain a home in their district but spend 90% of their time in Washington, DC. When this occurs they lose touch with the very people who elected them and begin to represent the special interests and the party leadership rather than the citizens of their home district. Sadly, in recent years even city governments have not been responsive and have turned a deaf ear to their citizens in favor of personal agendas.
The Founders and Framers believed it best to give the most power to those who governed locally because they were closest to the people. The percentage of citizens who vote in city elections is anywhere between 3% and 10% which means that “we the people” are not speaking or paying attention. So it is possible for a candidate to get elected to city office with as little as 1500 votes depending on the size of the city. How sad is that! What this does is open the door for candidates who do not represent the values of the citizens to get elected and use that as a stepping stone for higher office. In other words, today city officials are being elected who are more interested in their personal agendas and advancement than what is best for the citizens of their city.
Because we live in a nation based on personal liberty and individual responsibility, it is our decision whether we pay attention to local, state or national politics and public policy. Politics is something that most people avoid because it is perceived to be dirty and mean-spirited. The founders warned against the dangers of partisanship (or factions as they called it) because of the division it would cause. They understood that with liberty comes responsibility and that as long as citizens remained moral and religious they would take their duties as citizens seriously.
When Ben Franklin was asked, upon completion of the Constitution, what kind of government we had he responded with, “A Republic if you can keep it!” He knew it would be hard to maintain especially if the citizens neglected their basic duty as citizens. It reminds me of when Jesus told Peter, James and John to watch and pray with Him for one hour in the garden and yet when he came back they were asleep. It seems that “we the people” have succumbed to slumber in our duties as citizens. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak! Sadly, today, I am not sure that our spirits are as willing as they used to be. We take for granted the liberty and rights we have had while never recognizing we are in danger of losing it all.
Our schools and universities have ceased to embrace the foundational institutions and values that have set America apart from the rest of the world. Therefore, the next generation are not learning our true foundational principles and history but instead are learning only the bad things regarding their country of birth. America is not perfect but America is great because of the foundation of life, liberty and the pursuit of our dreams with the promise of property ownership.
It was the civil environment created by the founders and framers that promoted free enterprise, sustainable prosperity, opportunity to move up and down the economic ladder, respect for the rule of law (because laws are more fair than man), limited government and personal responsibility that built a strong and vibrant American society.
The next generation is gravely lacking in these values except for those whose parents are diligently teaching and training them at home to love and value the idea that is America. That’s right America is more than just a place it is an idea that can work anywhere. We need an American Renewal spiritually and culturally.
When a small group of university students believe that the American flag will hurt someone’s feelings and it should not be flown at their student union we begin to understand just how far our American culture and values have been denied. But with a concerted effort and commitment we can rebuild the foundations so that future generations will be blessed. It starts in your backyard with your city government, school board and county officials. Is it not worth the sacrifice to fight for your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s futures? Will our grandchildren praise us or curse us? It is our duty and we will be the ones held accountable for the legacy we leave.
Next Week: Local Government Continued…
Dinner Table Discussion Question: What does it mean that America is more than a place but an idea?