A Republic If You Can Keep It!
Last week Jan 6 was the anniversary of the tragic event that shook our core values as a republic. On that infamous day, in a live coverage, we witnessed the debacle of our political system and the endangering of the American exceptionalism.
What we believe and were taught in the functioning of liberal democracy was at doubt. Christian white nationalists invaded the capital on the pretense to stop the steal of the election. This invasion resulted in loss of lives, both among civilians and the police force. Many of us, from center left to center right were and are still in shock even today.
A year later, we have lost our standing in the world as the champion of democracy. Political populism has taken hold and strong men and autocrats around the world are empowered. In our backyard, we doubt in the sanctity of own electoral system, gerrymandering and suppression of votes have become the weapon of choice. Our political tribes have become so toxic that there is no room for civility.
We now know that no credible indication of voter fraud has ever been covered. The election was legitimate, free, and fair. Since then, the Justice department pursues its course to adjudicate the insurrectionists and the Congressional commission is uncovering evidence.
For us, however, to recover as a country and be the America we want to be, the land of the free and home of the braves, I suggest that we take queue from our Founding Fathers.
There is a story about Benjamin Franklin, after exiting the Constitutional Convention, he was approached by a group of citizens asking what sort of government the delegates had created. His answer was: "A republic, if you can keep it." Not only those democratic republics are founded upon the consent of the people, but they also depend as well upon the active and informed involvement of the people for their continued good health.
We don’t have a republic without Democratic values of trust and checks and balances. Our Constitution is neither a self-actuating nor a self-correcting document. It requires the constant attention and devotion of all citizens.
I am concerned that White Christian Nationalists are gaining ground in our country. If we don’t curtail them by a democratic process, they will have their way next time around and propagate a belief in blood and extreme religious convictions to impose their understanding of God’s will in our government system. It will be the end of democratic republic in our country.
A republic can only survive if those who live in it have trust in its institutions. Guardrails from our justice system coupled with the enforcement of law and order, the will and commitment of all the political parties to play democratic rules are necessary to sauvegarde our republic.
I pray that you and I play our role and keep our republic, the beacon of hope for democratic values in so many nations around the world.
In His Name,
Pastor Will
