The American Creed motto and government operations
The concept of a limited government mentality seems to have been lost in recent years and maybe decades within government circles. Our ever increasing size of government not only at the federal level but sometimes at the state level either does not recognize the content of The American Creed or they choose to ignore it. I hope neither is the case but actions speak louder than words. The content of The American Creed is provided below:
“I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”
Another important event was the establishment of “In God we trust” signed into law as the National Motto by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.”
The philosophy of a government of the people, by the people and for the people whose powers are derived from the consent of the governed appears to have been lost within the culture of government operations at the federal level. We as voters have given our consent to those we elected to represent us in Congress and state legislatures. We must never forget that we have the power to remove elected officials when they are up for re-election if we are not satisfied with their performance in office. This opinion can be over the time they have been in office and the decisions they have made as our elected officials.
As individuals and voters we have certain opinions about legislation either passed by Congress or being proposed which affect us, our families and our friends. Recent events and the culture in Congress to be specific raises questions as to whether those we have elected are truly representing us, their political party and/or our country. In the American Creed motto it states we are a democracy in a republic created upon principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
Each time one of our elected officials at any level of government is in a position to make a decision on any legislation they need to remember this motto and that the authority is derived from those who elected them. The current favorable opinion of Congress is at an all-time low and the current financial state of our country seems to be at the heart of the public’s opinion of their actions. Granted there are many issues affecting the soundness of our financial situation but all elected officials need to come together to the issues facing our country.
The recent issues surrounding the government shutdown are still in place and may result in another come next year. The House of Representatives, the Senate and the President need to work together to resolve issues affecting our country. Given the recent battles this philosophy and concept may be hard to achieve each political party has some responsibility to communicate with the other party in addressing issues which have continuously been kicked down the road as the saying goes. It is time to face issues head on and if this does not occur those who will vote in the coming election in 2014 will show their displeasure. Individuals who are currently serving in Congress need to be worried if based on current public opinion they are not satisfied with actions they have taken either recently or in the past.
The statement in the last sentence above applies to both political parties. Some individuals have been a roadblock to progress while others are attempting to do the right thing for the citizens they represent. Actions by all individuals in Congress will be evaluated by voters and the decisions they have made as to whether our country is on the right path with their decisions. Some individuals based on news events are apprehensive about their coming re-election based on the decisions they have made. It is imperative that the right decisions are made by all individuals in Congress and in all the states at this critical juncture in our country and some states. Granted bad decisions will sometimes be made but it is how our elected officials react to their bad decisions will make the difference between being re-elected or replaced.
One last point to make involves current elected officials. There are many in Congress today that embrace the content of the American Creed motto but their numbers are not enough to make a difference or force a change in the culture of Congress. Above all else both political parties must be willing to discuss the issues not only in one house of Congress but between them. The 2014 elections will have a great impact on the future path of our country and the culture with now exists in Congress. Neither political party has all the answers to the problems facing our country but when individuals freely and openly communicate potential solutions to our problems they must be heard. The philosophy of the political parties in power should be followed if they are in agreement with public opinion, if not then public opinion should take precedent in making the hard decisions which must be made. It is time to consider what is best for our country not a political party.