I keep hearing that our democracy is on the verge of collapse. That's silly. It's like young people saying Social Security won't be around when they retire. Or like hunters saying the government wants to take their guns away so they won't be able to defend themselves when the government comes to take their guns away.
The American people are far too feisty to tolerate anyone dictating to them. Other peoples may have their czars and all powerful emperors. We just have our fantasies and ever changing foibles. We also have the example of the barons at Runnymeade forcing King John of England to sign the Magna Carta. The document was mostly to protect the rights of the barons and not those of the common people, but it was a precedent for future centuries to limit the damage of a power-drunk ruler.
George Washington, had he been addicted to power, could have been King of America after the Revolution. Instead, he resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army on this day in 1783 and went home. There's a gigantic painting of Washington's resignation in the Capitol rotunda. What would Washington have thought of the events of January 6, 2021? He would have rounded up a company of cavalry and sent the rabble packing.
Our democracy always seems to throw up an indispensable leader in times of crisis, Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt. Our history celebrates them but we forget the years and decades of bad behavior that led to the crisis. Democracy isn't perfect, but consider the alternatives, and be sure to vote.
My title today comes from a book of essays on democracy by E.M. Forster.
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| Washington resigns his commission at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. |
George would've sicced the Scots-Irish on them January 6th ...
ReplyDeleteBorn Fighting: How The Scots-Irish Shaped America
James Webb, author.
"Johnathan D. Sergeant, member of the Continental Congress from New Jersey, said that the Scot-Irish were the main pillar supporting the Revolution in Pennsylvania. A new Englander who opposed the rupture with England declared the Scot-Irish to be, with few exceptions, "the most God-provoking democrats on this side of Hell."
Estimates vary, but it is undeniable that the Scot-Irish comprised at least one-third and as many as one-half of the 'rebel' soldiers during the Revolutionary War. They became quickly known not only for their battlefield tenacity, but also for their loyalty during the brutal winter of 1777 at Valley Forge, where they remained steadfast while large numbers of soldiers deserted George Washington."
Never mind ...
ReplyDeleteI agree. Give us democracy and give us a persistent willingness to guard her mightily. I believe we have, are, and will. Thanks George for setting us an example of the use of power!
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