The summer of 2012 will, no doubt, be a time of political discourse and critical decisions that will determine the direction and fate of our country. We are blessed with the opportunity to study issues and positions of candidates and express our beliefs through our vote during elections. This summer we will be looking at candidates for positions on all levels of government; local county, state and federal.
Most acknowledge that we are faced with diverging paths and philosophies of major consequence. Will we chose the direction that moves us away from financial ruin and fiscal irresponsibility? Will we demand less government and regulation, enforcement of the Constitution, protection of religious freedom and state's sovereignty?
Indeed, the responsibilities to exercise the "voice of the people" and choose the direction we move our country are grave and bear heavy consequences.
Many people in our community and country are suffering, struggling to survive job loss, the collapse of property values and crushing gas prices.
But we do have the opportunity to elect people who will restore the vision and principles of our founding fathers.
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." ~James Madison, speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788.
America shares many traits with other countries, but it also has characteristics that set it apart and give it a role to play and a national identity that no other country has. Most important are the founding ideas of classical liberty, political democracy and economic freedom. The battle of ideas going on in America today is not only ideological. It is historical. It is actually about the heart of the nation. It is about whether America will shed its distinction. And it ultimately is about whether America will give up what made it great in the first place.
William Perugino is active in local and regional politics and can be reached at william.perugino@jacobs.com.
