“An astute and committed populace of different minds and a united spirit is a nation’s truest guardian and greatest treasure”
As a lifelong student of United States history, l cannot help but notice and remark on the conspicuous activities that are occurring throughout the Nation under the popular designation Tea Party. I would say the most impressive element of this phenomenon is the very thing that makes it phenomenal; the fact that people of all walks of life from all of the United States are participating, in many instances having absolutely nothing in common aside from the issue at hand. This is not only singular and unprecedented in our history, it is the very essence of Americanism.
Among all of the points of interest {and there are many} that stand out regarding this current high level of citizen activity, there is one in particular that I feel is exceptional and dramatically significant; although the various activities are political in substance and nature, the Tea Party Movement is not connected with a specific political party. Moreover, and on the contrary, this national juggernaut seems to be a direct result of nonrepresentative activities, which elected Democrats and Republicans are equally and unquestionably guilty of.
Although the term Tea is popularly thought of as an acronym of Taxed Enough Already, I maintain that since the basis of this fallacy is more precisely a reverse acronym, the term itself was borrowed from the Boston event of 1773. Furthermore, I get the impression that the actual mission of the current Tea Party Movement is more substantial than merely a national anti-tax protest.
I perceive the Tea Party collectively as a concentrated effort of rectification…A Grand Constitutional Remonstrance of sorts.
Although on occasion it seems that the Republican Party is attempting to appropriate this effort, the majority of Tea Party participants have nothing to do with individual political party associations. On the contrary {once again}, one of the primary incompatibilities the Tea Party Coalition has castigated severely is political party rivalry within the United States government; rivalry that generally leads to nonrepresentative activities. This in itself is quite a kettle of fish, as it is a circumstance that is extremely complex and disconcerting. The compounding point of fact here is; the Tea Party participants are committed to resolve their grievances within Constitutional boundaries. Hence the difficulty–there is no mention within the Constitution of the United States concerning the United States government maintaining integral political parties, or, for that matter, there are no references to political parties at all.
The lamentable oversight, or should I say remiss, within The Virginia Plan to lay out specific limitations and guidelines concerning political party activity within the United States Government has caused various unpleasant repercussions since its ratification nearly 230 years ago.
And so, we are witnessing what seems to be a tempest in our Tea pot slowly coming to a boil.
“There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.”
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Excerpt from George Washington’s Farewell Address
Since I cannot ease the current anguish let alone diminish the adversity that appears to be mounting, I would like to at least mitigate a portion of its potential wrath by striving to identify the root of the problem, or, perhaps glean a solution. Once either is achieved, I think the people of this Nation will have goals to work toward rather than issues to protest against. Remember the old adage; doing is much more wholesome and constructive than complaining about what is done.
Well, maybe it is not an old adage, but it certainly should be.
Since it is not possible for me to achieve success on my own, and, as I am committed to do my part, I am inaugurating The American Credo Society.
I am commencing the Society’s agenda with ten primary questions {with an added safeguard question} to work through. An endeavor which, when complete, should offer some degree of comprehension that will at least avail us a sound course to proceed on, rather than a theoretical path of conjecture that some may inadvertently choose. I do not feel that anything less than persistent scrutiny and sincere commitment will achieve the overall and necessary goals.
Primary Questions
1. What defines the United States of America?
2. Are the United States collectively and ultimately, a land mass that is subject to the greater manifestation of popular opinion?
3. Have the United States become an anomalistic sort of federation; a monolithic unit–The United State of America?
4. Are the United States an indivisible band of individual republics dedicated to the protection and continuance of the greater republic which they comprise, by adhering to a mutually beneficial written testament of right and justice?
5. What defines a citizen of the United States?
a. A person who lives within the geographical boundaries of the United States?
b. A person who has the correct papers identifying them as a citizen?
c. A person who is officially recognized as a citizen?
d. Something more? Please be specific.
6. What are the obligations of a citizen of the United States?
7. What are the requirements of the government of the United States?
8. Is the United States Bill of Rights a testament of right and justice that is absolutely irrefutable by the United States government, as well as State governments?
9. Was the United States Constitution expressly written and structured to limit the United States government and its activities; or to give license and right to it?
10. What authority over the people of the United States does the Constitution confer to their Government?
Safeguard Question: How may we determine whether the individual responses to the previous ten questions are perceptual, realistic, or merely hopeful?
No, this is not a term theme; I see it more as an unofficial citizen think tank where any person’s answer may lead to the desired result–What was, what is, what should not be, and what must be done to bring back what once was.
I am genuine in my intent and methods. I feel it is a plan that will render a worthwhile conclusion; one that may even assist this worthy Republic to achieve a Constitutional Renaissance. Please do not offer simple Yes or No responses, as we may only benefit through discursive correspondence, in-depth scrutiny, and genuine subjectivity.
We will isolate each question and consider the reality of its substance objectively. Above all, we must maintain our sense of proportion and not correlate one question with any of its nine companions; as such could influence and potentially flaw the remaining answers.
We will then proceed to scrutinize our findings, and compare our answers to the Safeguard Question.
The American Credo Society would like anyone interested to get involved and respond to any or all of the ten primary questions; give opinions as well as personal admissions.
Since genuine opinion may come from any mind, and wisdom may only be determined as fact in retrospect no matter how impressive the suggestion may sound; the only submission requirements for any contributor and their contributions are decency and sincerity.
This society is not affiliated with any political or religious party, institute, church, or sect. Therefore, views any and all with the respect they individually deserve and also acknowledges their right {if any} of existence.
Aside from broadening the scope of our primary questions, the Society’s future ambitions include gathering a reference and resource library list of relevant books & monographs, and documents & articles that offer history, fact, opinion, and theory on/of the following areas of distinction; if you have any in mind, please email me the specifics:
Areas of Distinction
1. Political science
a. Citizen obligation
b. Government obligation.
c. The achievement and maintenance of both.
3. Education.
4. History pertaining to the above listed areas of distinction.
We look forward to hearing from anyone who is willing to comment, offer a review, or add a written work to our reference and resource library list.
Finally, if you choose not to join the society’s public discussions, at least read the questions and define your answers privately; you might be surprised with your own responses. By the way, there are no registration requirements or formalities attached to this society. When you visit our page you are a member.
The society is still in its infancy, so please be patient, be consistent, and be in touch with us. Our ultimate hope is to enlighten and clarify the individual minds of the American people, while enkindling their united spirit.