Federalist No. 85 – Janine Turner
Federalist Paper No. 85! We did it!! Alexander Hamilton’s words express our endeavor best:
“Thus have I, fellow-citizens, executed the task I had assigned to myself; with what success, your conduct must determine. I trust at least you will admit that I have not failed in the assurance I gave you respecting the spirit with which my endeavors should be conducted.”
What a journey we have been on for the past four months!
I have learned so much from not only our United States Constitution and the Federalist Papers, but from our gracious and talented scholars, Cathy Gillespie, and YOU, our loyal bloggers.
Wisdom beyond words prevails from the Federalist Papers and their warnings beckon our most urgent involvement. A rekindled knowledge of Publius’ belief in the “genius of the people” reminds us of the necessity of our voice, our actions and our constant seeking of the truth.
Alexander Hamilton says it best:
“The unwarrantable concealments and misrepresentations which have been in various ways practiced to keep the truth from the public eye, have been of a nature to demand the reprobation of all honest men.”
It is our duty to get involved in the preservation of our Republic. Times heed not the lazy participant, leaving America to the few. Patriots must prohibit the silent slippery slope that always precedes tyranny.
The Federalist Papers, the issues they faced and the duties required of the people of the 18th century are as pertinent today as they were then. Alexander Hamilton states:
“This is a duty from which nothing can give him a dispensation. This is one that he is called upon, nay, constrained by all the obligations that form the bands of society, to discharge sincerely and honestly. No partial motive, no particular interest, no pride of opinion, no temporary passion or prejudice, will justify to himself, to his country, or to his posterity, an improper election of the part he is to act.”
At this potential crucial turning of our country and with the need to prevent such a turning, we must join in unity as our Revolutionary forefathers and Constitutional forefathers did. A country divided – falls. We must always remember that we are all Americans. A people who share one of the greatest countries on earth founded on Godly principles and a goodness of spirit that birthed a “majesty of the people.” Thus, we must be true to our principles, yet never wedge such a divide as to crater our country.
Alexander Hamilton, once again, brilliantly states the mission for his constituents and for his posterity:
“Let him beware of an obstinate adherence to party; let him reflect that the object upon which he is to decide is not a particular interest of the community, but the very existence of the nation.”
I love America. I love her goodness, even her failures – for it is through her failures that we have continued to grow and mature into the thoughtful, conscientious, and consistently creative people that we are. It is our United States Constitution that has given us the platform to both preserve and amend our laws of government. It is through our tribulations that we have triumphed. It is because of God and subsequently the “genius of the people,” that we have defined our own destiny.
As we walk through these challenges times, let us not forget the onslaught of troubles our ancestors both experienced and tackled. They excelled through storms, famine, persecution, indecision and war. At these times they called upon a higher power and He led them to a new level of human dignity and spiritual enlightenment.
We, too, are capable of these things. We need only our faith in God, our fellow citizens and knowledge of the United States Constitution to rise above the mire of mediocrity that we find ourselves today. By a willingness and a desire to preserve our country, our beautiful land and liberty, for ourselves and our prosperity, we will soar on eagles’ wings. We are no less the heroes our forefathers were. We need only to hear the call and heed its needs.
Knowledge is to power what actions are to results. We are the people. We are the roots that feed the branches of government. The tree will not survive without us. May we keep our rights alive. Our Constitution and our Bill of Rights are more relevant today than ever. They protect us from the tyranny that at any time may overtake us and succeed. The enemy is in the field and they may not use the traditional tactics. Sly are their methods of operation.
Let us put the lanterns in the North Church. Let us be the “alarm,” the Paul Revere, that sounds the warning: One if by laziness, Two if by ignorance. We must know our rights; our children must know their rights. Spread the word. We are borne of true grit and determination. In our genes lies the innate knowing of righteousness. We were founded on such callings, from the Mayflower to Bunker Hill to Independence Hall, from the Civil War to World War II to 9/11. Let us never forget. Let us always be grateful for the men and women who have sacrificed to keep our flame of independence alive and let us carry that torch today.
“The unwarrantable concealments and misrepresentations which have been in various ways practiced to keep the truth from the public eye, have been of a nature to demand the reprobation of all honest men.”
God Bless and I thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey, our “90 in 90 – History Holds the Key to the Future.”
Janine Turner
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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