Our Representatives vs. The Founding Fathers

Published 1:07 am Wednesday, February 29, 2012

How do today’s representatives compare to our founding fathers? I have heard several people discuss this issue recently and have been amazed at how little we know of our the founding fathers or of our current leaders. One such discussion started off with a restatement of a part of the Declaration of Independence.

“…And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

This one line in the Declaration of Independence should set the standard for our legislators in Washington or Montgomery.  Today they refuse to be influenced by this declaration.  A study of the actual framers of the declaration reveals a greater commitment to honor and the sanctity of their pledge.  Would any of today’s legislators risk death to sign the Declaration of Independence?  Many of the framers lost their fortunes as a direct result of signing this declaration. Do you know any one legislator that you believe posses the quality defines as sacred honor?  

Significant issues of the day were resolved with duels! Their “sacred honor” was self-protective. It was a form of life insurance.  Life did not come with safety nets.  No medical insurance or wonder drugs.  Forget emergency rooms, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and a plethora of government giveaway programs.  Think about life without a safety net.

Self-reliance began early in life for most of the signers. They established themselves as noteworthy, successful individuals early in life. Life during the 1700’s required discipline and an early start. Call these individuals a product of their environment if you wish, but they approached life with a much different attitude than we do today.

The framers are defined by more than just the willingness to make a commitment to country, fellow man and their honor. They were open to those they represented. They had to saddle their own horse or hitch the critters to their own buggy to get to work.  No dark glass or squad of bodyguards, they had to face their constituents. Remember how they resolved those awkward disagreements, a second, and a few witnesses to ensure a fair duel!

Their constituents held them accountable. The legislators of the day had a very effective defense to prevent them from having to stand and deliver. They understood the necessity to serve honorably. An armed society is a polite society that is encouraged effective communication.

 We have allowed our representatives to live a life without fear. Fear of being run out of office, of being held accountable, fear of being jailed. The mess we are in is a mess of our own making. It is the American voter that is grossly different from our founding fathers. We allow and encourage the behavior of our legislators with our behavior.