In 1776, the United States was born by denouncing the tyranny of a government that lost sight of, didn’t care for and ignored its people.
It took 11 years to get organized, but in 1787 the first Constitutional convention convened and a new democracy was born. But in spite of concentrated efforts, they still overlooked one important thing: their people.
So two years later in 1791, 10 amendments were ratified, becoming known as the “Bill of Rights.” The first was to secure the rights of citizens to voice their concerns in public. The next three were protection against the aggressive arrogance of the new nation’s military or “militia.”
The Second Amendment makes it clear that the situation had grown so grievous that to keep the militia “well regulated” it was considered essential to allow the citizenry to bear arms.
One of our most revered and knowledgeable presidents and revered military General Eisenhower, warned of the tendency for military arrogance to rise up like a monster from the deep.
But his warnings have been out shouted and lost in the cacophony of those clamoring for the need for greater and more powerful defense as if that were the only path to peace.
Over 100 years ago, Mark Twain wrote prophetically about it in “The Victory of the Loud Little Handful” who “thank God for the better sleep he (they) enjoys after this process of grotesque self-deception.”
During the Republican debates, candidate Ron Paul significantly said, “What if we just treated other nations like we would like to be treated?” Where did that idea come from? Think of the money we’d save and better economy we’d have.
In the spirit of our most cherished freedoms, Whidbey News-Times editorial staff wrote to defend a lady who voiced her feelings about increased noise at the Navy’s Outlying Field.
The editorial staff deserve our hearty applause and support. The validity of the alleged military quest for peace is justifiably questioned when it drives people from their homes.
Sure, the Navy has been here longer than most residents, but through their veterans and affiliates, they also support government that promotes population growth, commercial urbanization, and housing development (so long as theirs is tax free).
Our business community aggressively invites people to buy homes here. The vicious outcry against the citizen who exercised her right of free speech not only is an egregious violation of our nation’s Constitution, it is a despicably callous hypocrisy.
Like the events creating the need for the Second, Third and Fourth Constitutional amendments, some military enthusiasts have forgotten the need (and right) of the people to be secure in their homes.
Why not have a little more reason, thoughtfulness and effort to reach a rational understanding to the problems instead of thoughtlessly angry threats and retorts?
It’s been proposed that Sept. 17 be Constitution Day in honor of the day the original was signed in 1787. It’s a good time for us all to spend a few moments reading our nation’s Constitution beginning with its Preamble.
A little meeting of the minds where both sides listen more than shout can solve a lot more than wild hip-shot angry words: Proverbs 15:1 (the Bible).
Al and Barbara Williams
Oak Harbor
