Democracy can lead to strength but it is also fragile. It must be defended by all of its citizens. The President of the United States in his Constitution provided oath of office solemnly swears that he will “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” This is the obligation not only of the President but also of all citizens.
President Obama stated in his farewell address on January 11, 2017, “Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted. All of us, regardless of party, should be throwing ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions.”
Mr. Obama in his address quoted the first President in this regard. Washington wrote in his 32 page handwritten farewell document, Mr. Obama notes, that self government is the underpinning of America’s safety, prosperity and liberty however, Washington said “from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken… to weaken in your minds the conviction of this Truth” and so Americans, says Mr. Obama, have to preserve this truth, as Washington described it, with “jealous anxiety” and therefore should reject every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties” that make them one.
Other comments from President Washington and his successor to consider at this time:
“There is a danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with the power to endanger the public safety.” – John Adams
“But if the laws are to be trampled upon with impunity, and a ministry to dictate to this majority, there is an end put at one stroke to republican government, and nothing but anarchy and confusion is to be expected thereafter.” – George Washington
“A Constituion of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost, is lost forever.” – John Adams
“Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. It is vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious or less avaricious than aristocracy or monarchy. It is not true in fact and nowhere appears in history. Those passions are the same in all men, under all forms of simple government, and when unchecked, produce the same effects of fraud, violence and cruelty.” – John Adams
Signed,
Abigail Adams
John Jay
Commentary on current events