The Federalist Project: Modern Federalist #1

To the People of the United States of America:

Our country is in a crisis. Everyday more of our freedoms disappear. Watching the news is appalling and depressing. Political parties mean little as politicians on all sides abuse power. The people are apathetic towards politics and government. It is time to decide if we will accept the Constitution or if we will sacrifice the American dream for personal comfort. 

The biggest question that most American’s face in contemplating the Constitution is whether or not it applies to our time. The answer is a resounding yes. The Constitution was built upon principles; principles that never change. It was structured to work with and combat human nature with many different tools. The most famous protection is the check and balance system established between the federal, legislative, and judicial branches. By dividing the power between these three branches and making it difficult for each to work without the others the founders established a system to hold the government accountable for their actions. The most powerful protection is the power of the people. The founders gave the majority of the power to the people so that the people can hold the government accountable. That is our duty. If our country falls we are to blame. 

The decision to accept the Constitution is a choice that will change the future. Our choice will bring misfortune or blessing depending on what we choose. It may not be an easy choice. It may not be one we want to make, but is it necessary? Think of your families. Think of your future generations. Not the nation’s. Yours. Do you want to hand them a broken, apathetic, dreamless country, or do you want to teach them what it means to be a patriot; to fight; to honor your duty? What world is stronger and which people more resilient than those with patriotism coursing through them? 

We face the problem of power hungry leaders. As we have neglected to choose wise leaders, so have they neglected to keep our freedoms. Often, it is not a conscious decision, but a pride in opinion and status that leads to this neglect. The number of opinions in America is high. This number is not balanced by a determination for compromise but instead fed by a lust for power. This is, as most times are, a time to look to the founders for their wisdom. During the Constitutional Convention they needed to make a decision regarding congress. How many senators and representatives would each state have? Passionate debates rang around the room for weeks before a decision was reached. A simple compromise between population and exact number solved the problem. Passionate debates ring around the room in Congress today, but it has not been a few weeks. It has been years on end of the same discussions; the same issues. No one will compromise. No one wants to relinquish their pride. Therefore we do not move forward. 

Our politicians are also fearful of their position. They do not wish to do what is best for the nation; only what is best for their career. They choose sides and stay faithful to those sides if that side will keep them in power. Politicians are not leaders. They cower in fear of those who they pretend to represent. Every oppressive leader encourages the people they govern to step aside; to trust them. In America, the politicians have won this battle as we stand on the side lines; apathetic towards the power gains of government. When does this stop? When do we hold the politicians accountable?

In the days of the founding, the people often debated. Their debates were held everywhere. They were held in homes and in the streets; between rich and poor. Opinions were discussed openly. We are afraid of opinion in our America. The term political correctness haunts the back of our minds and we do not speak for fear of offending. When did the American people become so guarded? When did we choose to be afraid of speaking our minds? Being politically correct is an idea invented by politicians to silence the masses. If we are so afraid of offending others we will never speak against government or their decisions. It is a subtle violation of the first amendment. We should be appalled that this idea was introduced to stifle the power of debate. We should not take offense at a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukah”. Instead, we should choose to respect all religions, colors, backgrounds, and walks of life. This obsession with being politically correct does not celebrate diversity. It destroys it. 

We as Americans have a duty to our country. We have a duty to not be afraid to defend it at all costs. We must be willing to pass on the freedom of generations and teach our children that freedom is not free. In fact, it often comes at a heavy price. Are we willing to pay that price? Are we as Americans willing to defend the principles the founders fought so valiantly for or are we going to sit on the sidelines and watch our country slowly dissolve the principles that make us who we are; citizens of the greatest country in the world! The Constitution of the United States needs to be the focal point of reestablishing the freedoms of America. It is the document that changed the world’s view of government; of political power; of human rights. We must stand behind it as it has stood by us. We must be patriots, patriots for the cause of the Constitution, for the cause of human choice. We must defend America. 

A Patriot 

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