The Declaration of Independence reads in part, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
Our Founding Fathers were brilliant in designing our system of government. A system which allows the citizens of this country to have a bloodless revolution when those given the privilege to serve fail in their duties to We The People. The midterm elections of 2010 were historic in that there has not been a transfer of power this massive in over 70 years.
To my fellow Washingtonians and Americans, well done, with this caveat: Washington state voter turnout was a mere 46.10 percent while national turnout was a pitiful 42 percent. I understand that turnout is normally low for midterm elections but with the stakes as high as they were in this election, I would have thought that more would do their civic, and yes, their patriotic duty by voting. I think that this will be my attitude henceforth when engaged by another in some discussion of a political nature. My first question will be “Did you vote?” If yes, I will gladly enter into a spirited debate; if the answer is no, I will tell that person politely and firmly “You have not earned the right to complain.”
The work on our part now begins and that work will be to monitor and communicate with our new representatives, making sure they remain true to our mission: smaller government, lower taxes and greater freedom. Every decision, every vote, needs to be viewed first and foremost through the filter of the U.S. Constitution.
In a post-election press conference, President Obama said that now is the time for Democrats and Republicans to come together in a bipartisan fashion to get things done. He said that Republicans should not try to “refight the last two years for the next two years.” Au contraire, Mr. President, that is exactly what Republicans should do –and is in fact what they were chosen to do.
A warning to the Republican leadership is in order here. You have been given a second chance. I hear that you have now been invited to meet and dine with the president (after his return from his $2 billion vacation junket to India, Malaysia and Indonesia). His wish is to discuss with you and the lame duck leadership of the Democrats on how to move forward. “Come into my parlor” said the spider to the fly. Gentlemen, hold your ground for the sake of your country and your personal honor. Do not sell us out again, because if you do, I believe it will be the last time you do.
The fundamental restoration of America has begun
Tim Personius
Buckley
