The Republic, if We Can Keep It (CW2)

American Thinker ^ | March 29, 2012 | Michael Applebaum, MD

[Travis McGee]

With its uninterrupted history of peaceful transition of power through elections, America has a multitude of citizens who justifiably feel pride in the strength of their democracy. But it cannot be denied that political tensions are rising, and it is not uncommon for occupants of both ends of the political spectrum to voice fears of (or hopes for) revolution. Is there any reason to believe that the republic is in danger of revolutionary activity?

[Smokin' Joe]

The original intent, the idea of conservative Republicanism, is over.

The idea isn't over, but it has been little used in practice for 170 years.

It has been increasingly marred by cronyism and corruption, and of late by the 'special interest group', a division created to fragment those who should all be concentrating on our mutual benefit as a nation instead.

A house divided against itself cannot stand, yet the enemies of this Republic have succeeded wildly in crafting those divisions, often from the offices which should eschew them, as their oaths bind them to so do.

[Smokin' Joe]

,I>I think we need to keep fighting the Cold Civil War. If it goes hot, we will all be losers.

I agree. I think they will push until they think they can't push any more, and if that isn't enough, things may go hot.

If that happens, it must be stomped, as hard, fast, and completely as possible. Keep in mind that media accounts may well be completely distorted, and limiting that might be a worthwhile objective.

[Smokin' Joe]

If you have any other freedom markers, I’d be happy to add them to my list.

The RKBA. Any new infringements should raise a flag.

[Smokin' Joe]

While I see the possibility of war, I am very, very concerned that it may turn out more like the French Revolution than the first American Revolution, simply because the hearts of so many of the people here in America have changed, not nearly as many love and fear the Lord.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees that. More like the terror than Cornwallis' Surrender...

[papertyger]

Keep in mind that media accounts may well be completely distorted, and limiting that might be a worthwhile objective.

Frankly, given the "contours of the battlespace," I'd call it a primary objective.

[OneWingedShark]

>Is it STILL a “cold” war just because we haven’t fought back?

No, it is a slaughter in that case.

[OneWingedShark]

>If you have any other freedom markers, I’d be happy to add them to my list.

The ability to wear your firearm as you serve on a jury.

(Reason: The police, and security officers, have no affirmative obligation to the safety of any [particular] private citizen [meaning you] as per USSC rulings; your absence in reporting for jury duty is punishable in itself; therefore, your disarmament is depriving you of your right to defend yourself in a coerced manner. Further, it assumes that you are a criminal, or otherwise ‘unworthy,’ before any such judgement is made.)

[Antoninus]

In truth, we haven't had a functioning republic since the late 1960s, perhaps before then. Historians will someday argue about when the American republic really collapsed. I reckon some will put it as early as 1932.

The fact is, we've been living on stored-up cultural capital for many years now. Once the last of the Depression-era children die off, that cultural capital will be almost completely used up. At that point---beware.

[OneWingedShark]

Good list, even if it is by turns angering and depressing.