A Virtuous and Morally Strong People
by Don Powers, Esq.
January 1, 2021
Originally published here - reposted with permission of the author
A Virtuous and Morally Strong People: What does that have to do with governance of a free Republic? Everything! In light of the recent corruption uncovered in Washington, D.C. (activities of the swamp or shadow government, i.e. impeachment, Russia Gate, etc.) and the corrupt elections managed in several states, what does that say about us as a people? Unfortunately for the American Republic and “We the People,” it speaks volumes and announces a funeral dirge for Freedom and Liberty unless this corruption is eliminated....
The necessity for a virtuous and moral people for our Republic has been explained by the Founders and is important in our history. Prior to the American Revolution, the Colonies experienced a period of religious awakening. Preachers, such as Jonathan Mayhew, preached that resistance to tyranny was a Christian duty, that civil and religious liberties were ordained of God, and that the coming revolution of the people against the crown was justified. Along with this preaching and the gospel, there were great debates in the colonies over the issue of morality. The debate was centered on whether or not the American Colonial people were sufficiently virtuous and moral to govern themselves. Self-governance was referred to as "republicanism.” During 1775 and 1776, the Colonial people knew from experience with the British Crown that a corrupt and selfish people could never make the principles of republicanism operate. Dr. Benjamin Franklin wrote: "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters" (Writings of Benjamin Franklin, by Smyth).
As England accelerated its stranglehold on the Colonies, the views of the men who admired virtue were listened to more earnestly. A rising tide of virtue turned the people toward the establishment of a republic as the war for independence was fought and, afterward, through acceptance of the Constitution. James Madison, debating for adoption of the Constitution, said, "Is there not virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimerical idea" (Quoted in Jonathan Elliot, ed., The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution). This describes perfectly where we are today.
by Don Powers, Esq.
January 1, 2021
Originally published here - reposted with permission of the author
A Virtuous and Morally Strong People: What does that have to do with governance of a free Republic? Everything! In light of the recent corruption uncovered in Washington, D.C. (activities of the swamp or shadow government, i.e. impeachment, Russia Gate, etc.) and the corrupt elections managed in several states, what does that say about us as a people? Unfortunately for the American Republic and “We the People,” it speaks volumes and announces a funeral dirge for Freedom and Liberty unless this corruption is eliminated....
The necessity for a virtuous and moral people for our Republic has been explained by the Founders and is important in our history. Prior to the American Revolution, the Colonies experienced a period of religious awakening. Preachers, such as Jonathan Mayhew, preached that resistance to tyranny was a Christian duty, that civil and religious liberties were ordained of God, and that the coming revolution of the people against the crown was justified. Along with this preaching and the gospel, there were great debates in the colonies over the issue of morality. The debate was centered on whether or not the American Colonial people were sufficiently virtuous and moral to govern themselves. Self-governance was referred to as "republicanism.” During 1775 and 1776, the Colonial people knew from experience with the British Crown that a corrupt and selfish people could never make the principles of republicanism operate. Dr. Benjamin Franklin wrote: "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters" (Writings of Benjamin Franklin, by Smyth).
As England accelerated its stranglehold on the Colonies, the views of the men who admired virtue were listened to more earnestly. A rising tide of virtue turned the people toward the establishment of a republic as the war for independence was fought and, afterward, through acceptance of the Constitution. James Madison, debating for adoption of the Constitution, said, "Is there not virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimerical idea" (Quoted in Jonathan Elliot, ed., The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution). This describes perfectly where we are today.
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The Founders, aware that virtue has to be both earned and learned, provided through the Constitution an environment where virtue and morality could be exercised in homes, schools, and churches. George Washington in his farewell address said, "Of all the disposition and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens"(The Washington Papers, Padover). Dr. Franklin said it this way: "I think...that nothing is of more importance for the public weal, than to form and train up youth in wisdom and virtue. Wise and good men are, in my opinion, the strength of the state; more so than riches or arms..." (Adrienne Koch, ed., The American Enlightenment).
John Adams put the final nail in the argument on virtue and morality: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any others" (John R. Howe, The Changing Political Thought of John Adams). The Founders declared that, among those governed and those governing, character counts. |
Independence Facts:
Since the signing of the Constitution, Americans have continually fought to preserve our way of life and have done so against enemies, internally and externally. Abraham Lincoln said our government can only be destroyed from within. Unfortunately we have not been diligent enough to eradicate that internal threat. Here is how General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Pacific during WWII, identified the Republic’s situation in 1951: “In this day of gathering storms, as moral deterioration of political power spreads its growing infection, it is essential that every spiritual force be mobilized to defend and preserve the religious base upon which this nation is founded; for it has been that base which has been the motivating impulse to our moral and national growth. History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline. There has been either a spiritual reawakening to over-come the moral lapse or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster.” Which road is the American Republic going to choose, spiritual reawakening or national disaster? |
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Don Powers is an attorney and award-winning Constitution instructor in Oklahoma. He received the George Washington Honor Medal from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge in 2012. Complete bio here.
© Don M. Powers
Edmond, OK 2020
Don Powers is an attorney and award-winning Constitution instructor in Oklahoma. He received the George Washington Honor Medal from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge in 2012. Complete bio here.
© Don M. Powers
Edmond, OK 2020