Miss Constitution Analyzes. . . Day 20 of the Presidential Election Crisis
Thanksgiving. . . Tyranny. . . COVID-19. . . Election Fraud
Miss Constitution has noticed that BJ’s, Sam’s Club, and Costco are all packed with shoppers buying for the holidays in anticipation of being with their families. Parking places are at a premium, but people are unusually polite this year. Some States through their Governors have issued strict instructions regarding gathering for Thanksgiving, and just to discourage travel, have imposed re-entry rapid tests and quarantine restrictions that make it a nightmare to try and comply. Miss Constitution thinks perhaps a Civics 101 reminder is needed for those in authority who have drunk the Kool-Aid of tyranny.
- The most important value in the American system is LIBERTY. It is not equality; it is not justice; it is not life; it is not freedom; it is not opportunity– it is LIBERTY. Those who fought in the American Revolution, 1776-1783, fought against Great Britain for the freedom to have LIBERTY. It is our primary God-given right, and its extension is the right to pursue happiness.
- In the context of COVID-19, LIBERTY means understanding the seriousness of the virus and following guidelines developed by public health professionals. The virtue we require in our citizens asks that when reasonable rules for public safety are in place, citizens follow them voluntarily. This request is not an order it is a strong request. Each adult has the LIBERTY to decide for him or herself the extent to which the guidelines apply to the family. The concern for the elderly and those particularly vulnerable to the virus is first discussed with them. There is no need to patronize and condescend to this group. They, too, have LIBERTY. The argument is that those who are not behaving responsibly pose a threat to others and must be forced to do the right thing. Wrong. Government forcing what the Government thinks is the right thing is called tyranny. This is where leadership comes into play. An excellent leader will be able to communicate the importance of things so that people want to follow the guidelines. You may recall from your history classes that during WWII it was suggested that “loose lips sink ships.” Everyone bought in. If your Grandmother would rather see you in person and understands the risk, she has the right to request to see you. No government entity has the right to shut down private businesses but may make reasonable rules and regulations that require compliance. Bankrupting private businesses is not “reasonable.”
- The American system includes unalienable, civil, and political rights. These rights are found in our Declaration of Independence and our United States Constitution, especially in the Preamble to the Constitution and in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. They are supported in case after case by our Supreme Court. No executive authority in the federal or state governments can supersede these rights. It is better that LIBERTY go too far than tyranny go too far. This principle is unique in America and unique to the world. Perhaps a refresher civics course for all public servants, whether elected or appointed, would be in order. Note our rights are not attached to things that cost money. One does not have a right to something that costs others money. One might have a temporary entitlement to such a thing, as long as there is money, but not a right. This is an extremely important distinction.
- Many commentators have announced that the challenges that are being put up by the President regarding the current election are disconnected to reality. One called announcements from the President’s lawyers “pathetic”, “from outer space”, “embarrassing.” Alan Dershowitz, Harvard Constitutional Law Professor Emeritus, does not view the allegations as pathetic, but does conclude that there is not enough time to travel the slow legal process all the way up to the Supreme Court of the United States. Evidence of fraud must be presented to a Court and cross-examined for relevance and veracity.
Miss Constitution continues her strong sense that this Presidential election must be examined carefully. Her fervor in this regard is because she feels the existence of the Constitution itself is at stake. She has conceded that if the citizens of America wish to change their form of government they are entitled to do so. She thinks, however, if this change was mandated by other than the express Will of the People, it should be stopped in its tracks. This is not an election that involves variations of policy differences with one political party somewhat right and the other somewhat left. This is a complete change in the American system of governance and commits the Constitution of the United States to its place in history but does not preserve its place as the protector of LIBERTY and the Supreme governing document of our land.
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