Topic: U.S. History
Our Founders Cry: Take Down Our Monuments Did you hear the latest from the most recent gathering of the founding fathers? They declare it is time to take down their monuments...by Gary Wood
(Libertarian)
Monday, January 14, 2008
Several of the founding fathers gathered during the 220th celebration of the signing of the United States Constitution. Their spirits had become restless while watching their nation struggle with a vision they felt was clearer in their days than 220 years later. They agreed to meet again in the early days of 2008 to consider what they should do in an effort to awaken U.S. citizens regarding the falling away from sound principle. Although many had been actively involved in the Continental Convention, which began in May of 1787, one missing founder determined his plan would be best if he could convince other founding spirits to go along with him.
Thomas Jefferson felt it was time to declare the experiment of the Federalist Republic officially dead. The modern state of the U.S. convinced him current citizens were unable or unwilling to embrace the challenges of personal liberty and responsibility for which the Constitution demanded as well as depended upon. On the way to the second meeting of the founding spirits he journeyed with an old friend who had been at the convention. James Madison, known as the father of the Constitution, listened intently to Jefferson's idea.
"We shall reach across space and time, my friend, and demand these people take down our monuments!" Jefferson declared.
Madison pondered this idea, "Really, it is a logical move for the monuments to many of us were due to our founding the United States based on Constitutionally mandated ideas for successful governing. Since these people no longer embrace the ideals of limited, carefully balanced Federal government in favor of strong local and State government our monuments no longer signify the birth of this' country."
"Precisely," Jefferson responded, "the very idea of my face on their dollars or a monument dedicated to me when they govern without memory causes me to be ill. I want it taken down; I want all my monuments taken down! Our vision has died, our monuments should be removed."
Floating into the Pennsylvania State House they saw many of their fellow founders were already involved in rousing conversations. Known as Independence Hall today George Washington asked, "How can they name this place Independence Hall when they have given up their Independence?" The question caused a stir among those gathered.
William Jackson, who had taken up his role as secretary once again, noted the question. He then wondered aloud, "Is it time for another revolution?" More commotion broke out as the patriotic spirit which all of these souls once had began to rise again. However, one old soul made a comment that created a time of silence.
"Their leaders are not wise enough nor are their hearts strong enough to dare revolt today." Franklin cleared his throat while contemplating his next remark, "In reality, their leaders cling to the powers they've usurped from the people and the people dare not, will not stand for they've allowed themselves to no longer be enlightened regarding our plans."
"Gentlemen, please!" Alexander Hamilton rose to address the spirits, "I see great things here in the United States today. Why, look at the power centralized at the national level as well it should be! It is time we lent these leaders our strength as they move further from federalism and embrace nationalism! As they move further from personal responsibility and begin to follow the wisdom of a two-party political machine their lives will be less complicated for it. They will be more secure while no longer having to carry the burden of liberty!"
Madison whispered to Jefferson, "Still, all these years past, and Alexander clings to his nationalistic, party politics. It is amazing Burr's round failed to blast that foolishness from him." Jefferson chuckled then rose.
"I was not here with you those days you debated and toiled while creating the greatest experiment for governing ever created, for that I am to this day sad. However, I fully supported the ideals of federalism, those of personal responsibility combined with local and State rights and powers. I fully supported a limited, check and balance system at the Federal level even though some did not," glancing Hamilton's way. "I fully supported non-intervention as a wise foreign policy. Today it has all faded beyond view, our experiment has died and the people have allowed its death. Gentlemen, it is time we demand these people no longer use neither our names nor our documents in vain. I say to each of you, it is time the citizens of this nation TAKE DOWN OUR MONUMENTS!" The gathering was hushed as the words reached deep into their souls.
"Thomas," Washington finally spoke, "as you wrote upon my death you know I long feared the people's ability to sustain their liberty within our guidance. Today they allow an oligarchy to rule from Washington D.C. and I believe you are right, it is time they take down our monuments!" More murmurings were heard as more thought on this and agreed.
"I tried to warn all of you," Luther Martin declared, "this would eventually happen. We did not fairly protect States or an individual, your document was not clear enough. You believed their wisdom would grow; I knew the experiment would fail. I am able to rest peacefully knowing my signature never graced your weak efforts." With this he floated from the hall.
William Jackson ignored the rants of Martin while penning quickly a declaration for those founders wanting to sign, "We, the founders of the United States Constitution and the men who sacrificed homes, lands, riches, and more during the American Revolution do this day declare our united desire for the current leadership and citizens of this foreign country, unknown to us by any manner except the name, to begin immediately to remove all monuments and statues erected in our honor for our honor has no place in it." He stood and read the words aloud and then readied a pen for all willing founders to sign this final declaration.
Perhaps it is not too late for the citizens to persuade these great men of our past to not place their names on the declaration. Perhaps this is the year we can show these gallant souls we still have their spirit in our hearts; we can still revolt against the tyranny and usurpation facing us today. Perhaps, this election year through our votes, we can begin to restore our nation to its roots and avoid failing as an independent, free nation founded on the Constitution. If we fail then we must honor their request, we must take down their monuments but only if we fail.
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2008 Gary Wood, all rights reserved.
Published: Monday, January 14, 2008
Last modified: Monday, January 14, 2008
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Gary, pay no attention to that statist comment; I love this article. To me, there is clearly a call to combine humor, history, irony, and bitter regret as we consider just how far we've fallen.
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2008 Gary Wood, all rights reserved.