Reason and natural law are the founding principles of this country. The great American experiment was founded on the untested idea that a representative government would survive if its citizens were engaged, educated and virtuous. It is not at all certain that our unique American system of government can or will survive. It is as they say, “in the hands of the people.”

Why has the quest for power within the government become the end game and to the exclusion of virtue? Why have our representative institutions become so inept and insular? Why do we have an endless stream of scandal and corruption with our public servants? Why do we see personal attacks between candidates and not alternative solutions to problems? Why do political parties look and act essentially the same?

Is it party above country? Is it greed or power, or both? Are our government officials pandering to our fears in an incessant quest for re-election and power? Are they dividing us to serve our interests or theirs? Are we merely slaves of the political elite?

Paraphrasing Madison, the father of our Constitution, have we produced representation of the most attractive merit and the most established character?

Under the Constitution, it is the franchise that guarantees our self-interests. If we fail to examine our representatives’ character, motives and positions, then we will ultimately give up our freedom to the selfish, corrupt, and ambitious.

Does our government reflect negligence and a lack of virtue among its citizens?

Given post-Sept. 11, does current government policy protect our interests? Are we driven by fear? Are we giving up our sacred freedoms to well-intentioned laws and decrees? Are there other ways to approach the problem of terror? What are these alternatives?

These questions and many more should engage us in a national debate on the issue of global terror, a rational debate.

Answers to difficult problems through rational debate requires that we be impartial and have a willingness to exchange ideas and not become entrenched in our own preconceived position; have intellectual courage by showing a willingness to conceive ideas that are alternatives to popular ideas; and remain unemotional.

To discover truth and solutions to difficult problems requires intellectual curiosity unburdened by our emotional instincts.

I ask The Citizen’s readership, when was the last time you directly questioned your representative on issues concerning you, your family and your country?

When was the last time you voted based on a reasoned position by a candidate?

When was the last time you reviewed your representative’s voting record?

Did the record reflect your interests? Can you say you are involved in your government? When was the last time you voted? Do you know the names of your representatives?

Are you a citizen of integrity that values and appreciates the legacy of your freedom? Do you have the intellectual courage to answer and act?

The guarantee of our freedoms is in your hands, citizen.

Without virtue “no form of government can render us secure” — Madison.

In response to Mr. Parker: If coherence is a manifestation of intellectual virtue, you, sir, have provided an excellent example in your most recent letter to The Citizen.

The character of current political dogma is based on fear. It is not new to the world and its ancestral tenets have led mankind into all sorts of tragic forays.

Your essay points to facts and assertions without reasoned alternatives to the problem. It is your proposed alternatives to the problem of terror that are the creative points of debate. I would certainly enjoy reading them. Perhaps we can all debate them?

“Audacibus annue coeptis” — Vticensis Cato, citizen

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