Enemies are entrenched on either side of a divide. They are seeking cover behind their wooden fortifications, and once the attacks from the enemy have ceased, they peak over, take aim, and fire. The two sides have been at a standstill for days now. Both armies are waiting for the opportune moment to make their final push. At one point, they were brothers, neighbors, and friends. This is not an account of a WW1 or Civil War battle; it is the state of political parties in America.
I oftentimes quote the founding fathers in my letters. I do this because of the spectacular foresight they possessed 250 years ago. During his Farewell Address on September 17, 1796, George Washington warned the American people, "However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
Our first President was reluctant to become the Commander in Chief; he had serious doubts if he was suitable for the unprecedented task, although he was the only President to be unanimously elected by members of the Electoral College. Contrast this with modern politicians, ones who will scratch and claw their way into positions. They have made careers out of pandering to the people. Some of our “representatives” have spent decades in office, with nothing more to show for than a handful of menial legislations. Change will never come when politicians are more focused on opposing statesmen and reelections than the well-being of their people. They have abused their political power for private gain. Our lawmakers hold higher loyalties to their parties than to the US Constitution and the American people.
The latter half of “By the people, for the people” has lost its significance in our current political climate.
Sincerely,
Silence Dogood