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"...it seems to have
been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to
decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or
not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they
are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident
and force."
This seems extremely relevant today. Indeed, it exposes
several vitally important questions:
- Are the people of this country deciding the important
questions of our government? Or is it a small group of leaders?
- Do the people decide by their conduct and example, or
simply by their vote?
- Do we decide by reflection and choice, or by accident?
In Foreign Affairs, William Pfaff called
America's global military deployment "An Accidental Empire," for example.
Hamilton's general tone suggests a nation of wise, involved,
thinking citizens who deeply reflect, consider and choose the best direction,
leaders and policies of a free nation.
And that in fact it is by their conduct
and example as private citizens that they most impact policy and governance.
Are we this kind of citizen? If not, why not? And how can
we become such citizen-leaders?
Most importantly: if we don't, can freedom
survive?
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Social Leader Daily by Oliver DeMille
