With our government officials beating the drum again for more war, this time with Iran,  they might want to take a step back and heed the advice of our forefathers, principles that were consistently expressed through all of their writings. 

 

One, a free people will not survive unless they stay strong morally and militarily.  Two, “Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations – entangling alliances with none.”  And, three, the United States has a manifest destiny to be an example and a blessing to the entire human race. 

 

Our founders strongly felt that Providence would protect us only if we acted morally and used our military for only defensive purposes, not offensively.  Sam Adams summed it up this way, “If we would truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it.  While, on the one hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves.” 

 

Much of Washington’s farewell address dealt with foreign relations.  He advised us that we should enjoy and develop a wholesome trade with other nations, but that we should never develop such dependency upon such trade that we will ever use force to continue it.  He stated that we must always remain independent enough to allow for changes caused by the instability of foreign governments.  Jefferson even advised us to never entangle ourselves in the broils of foreign nations.  Our founders never advocated being isolationists; they just advocated minding our own business, to be strong militarily in case we are attacked and never to engage ourselves in the affairs of other nations. 

 

Our founders also stated that we have a manifest destiny to be the example of liberty for the entire world to see.  As John Adams said, “I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence for the illumination of the ignorant, and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth.” 

 

The following are some questions our founders would be asking our government officials as they talk louder each day of going to war: 1) Why do you make war with foreign countries without the people’s representatives declaring war as required by our Constitution?  2) Why do you feel you have to throw American money and lives into enforcing the United Nations resolutions knowing that most U.N. members do not respect you and such coalitions have meant nothing but misery in the past?  3) Who is providing the money to fight this war?  You are already borrowing money going deeper into debt just for your expenses at home?  4) Do you know that the spirit of freedom is stronger than any military force?  Why not let your light shine as a peacemaker rather than a policeman?  Think of how many families in your land will be spared grief, sorrow, and total disruption of happy family lives. 

 

Our government officials need to answer these questions truthfully and sincerely and listen to the advice of our founders.

 

On March 15, 2012 stop by The Main Squeeze at 251 S. Main Street, Yuma, Arizona from 6-9 pm for a Bill of Rights wine tasting.  Help celebrate the Bill of Rights and have an enjoyable evening visiting with friends.  You can even bid on your favorite Bill of Rights wine.  Raffle prizes will also be available.  All funds raised go to The Freedom Library Education and Scholarship Program.

 

Howard J. Blitz