the greatness of we the people

or the lack of knowledge thereof

As the nation readies for a transition of power in January, I wonder, does anyone understand the words: WE THE PEOPLE. The significance, the power, the fragileness, the greatness. Because the current atmosphere and division of people into political parties says otherwise: Clearly, no one actually does. Conversely, when one joins the military: Do they understand, their oath is to the Constitution, not an individual or party? Or if one swears an oath to serve publicly to protect and defend the Constitution: Can one separate party from country? Can they serve the Constitution, or is it all party power today? Thus, outside of the nation’s framing document, what else best stands for country: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one Nation under God, indivisible …

Which beckons: There are moments in history when one should put aside their political compass, look around, and reflect on the climate facing the nation. Apropos today is the biblical verse – If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand (Matthew 3:24). And yes, party irrelevant, the country stands at a critical juncture, its future. Intentionally divided through politics, both parties being politically motivated to remake or construct a new order, the anthesis of the nation’s original design. Truth discarded by those who had no part in the nation’s building but have prevaricated their purpose to tear the system apart: A sad testament to the nation as a whole. A multi-faceted problem, worsened by those who’ve sworn to uphold and protect, while they denigrate and destroy.

Say the country is the longest running uninterrupted constitutional government in the history of the world. Wouldn’t that one point make the country great? Personally, I think so. Although, if I wavered, I’d ask those involved in British America becoming the United States of America. The ones who fought and gave us their lives. They stood against a tyrannical government and their own countrymen, those unwilling to stand against an oppressive king, those too cowardly and fought: Loyalist versus Patriot. Of one, think about Nathan Hale: “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” He was twenty-one when he supposedly spoke those immortal words on 22 September 1776 before hanging, sacrificing his life for our yet to be formed country. His freedom dream! Only, look around today and ask yourself: Did he and those he fought with die for nought, or in vain?

And while their deaths helped generate the Articles of Confederation, when they failed: Preserve, ratify the Constitution, or break the country into smaller confederacies became the battle cries. Then, two factions argued: Federalist/Anti-Federalist. But in those battles, which side was more right? Sadly, it’s impossible to answer unless one understands the premise of constitutional design. But understand: Their battles still rage today, only for different reasons.

Then the Civil War: North versus South, when the country again tried to tear itself apart. If it were possible, ask those who sacrificed their lives trying to hold the nation together how they felt. Yet, during hostilities, Lincoln, including hundreds of thousands of others, felt differently, and paid with their lives to keep the nation whole. My thought: If the nation wasn’t great, why not just split the country up?

Then, moving further into the future, I’d like to visit Winston Churchill. He pushed FDR to involve America in WW II because he believed the Allies could not win unless the greatness of America partook. I’d also ask any liberated country, or the survivors of the German concentration camps, those liberated by American servicemen, if they thought America was great. Or Korean War Vets: The forgotten war. If possible, I’d ask Grissom, Chaffee, and White if America is great. The three Apollo astronauts who burned alive from the inside out while sitting inside a capsule, unable to get out. They sacrificed their lives hoping to do what no other country has done: Put a man on the moon. Three men forgotten by a country desirous to change itself into a design it was never meant to be.

Plus, if one still wonders, ask any Vietnam vet who returned to shouts of baby killer, murderer, having been spit on, or shown the bird by fellow citizens if they feel their country is great. Most being drafted, the average age killed-in-action; twenty-two. In all, fifty-six thousand plus paid with their lives, although, those who survived suffered the indignities of hate their government provoked. Worse, the foreign government that believed America had their back, suffered the humiliation of our government’s abandonment. I’d also ask every Vietnam draft dodger given a free pass, who returned home to hugs and kisses, while their brothers in arms who didn’t get to come home, having gone to a war LBJ forced, or survived and live with nothing left emotionally, while those who ran, defying the government, if their country is great. And I wonder if they vote today for the party they ran from when it put the nation into a conflict it wasn’t willing to win. Or the thousands KIA in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the thirteen killed during the evacuation at the Kabul airport. In each of these forced conflicts: Were the lives lost in vain? Did the Constitution bear purpose?

I’d also ask any immigrant vying to get into the country, legally, or illegally, if they think America is great. If not, why come? Or those already here: Why stay? But I wouldn’t stop there? I’d even ask citizens who abhor country: Why? And if their answer isn’t clear, I’d suggest they read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, to understand America’s greatness. And if things were still obfuscated, read the Federalist papers, and study history, to see what makes America great. Because everyone needs to understand: Deception manifests when ignorance reigns. And finally, if answers are not blatantly obvious, look inside your heart.

After every avenue I’ve travelled, I know WE THE PEOPLE make the nation great. Those who give instead of take. See a problem and make the change. See needs and provide solutions. Produce instead of looking for the government to provide. And lastly, the ones who’ve sacrificed so others can live. Although, one question poses: Is America perfect? No, but not because of the Constitution, or its history, but man himself. His pride, his moral compass: Too much thereof, or the complete lacking thereof! I believe the Framers devised the greatest government ever. However, they, having not put heads and hearts together in action created disconnects. I was raised that America is great, a bastion of freedom, the flag, the symbol of that freedom. Except, it’s now become a symbol of oppression; my brain unable to put the pieces together.

So, today with the drumbeat of democracy being threatened, and all are blinded by party politics, one question begs: Can I be a Nathan Hale? Because before long, if the current trends continue, the nation may be full circle back to its beginning, especially if intent outweighs design. The Constitution today under full-fledged assault. Although, I do wonder how many have forgotten; with liberty and justice for all.