Jonathan Paine
Contrary to the belief of many, America was founded as a representative, Constitutional Republic and not a democracy. Since America is a republic, that means that we entrust the making of laws to our elected representatives. If you think about it, that’s actually quite a bit of power that we delegate to our representatives.
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, James Smith had this to say to the elected representatives of his day, “The powers you hold were not given to endanger the lives and liberties of your countrymen.”
The Constitution was written to give these elected representatives the parameters of their job – what they were allowed to do and not allowed to do. When we elect leaders who are willing to follow the parameters of the Constitution, they will only makes laws that protect the lives and liberties of their countrymen. However, when the overstep the boundaries of the Constitution, the laws they pass cannot help but endanger our lives and liberties.
It’s time for more leaders who understand this and are willing to sacrifice in order to ensure the rights and liberties of the American people are protected. Leaders who understand that the power they have is a sacred trust.
