By definition, a
principle is “a fundamental or general truth upon which others are founded” or
“a natural law by which something operates.”
Using those
definitions, it is of no minor significance that the Founding Fathers believed
they were dealing in “principles” when they created the Declaration of
Independence and the Constitution.
Principles are
important because they provide a solid and stable foundation. They can be relied upon to be the same today
as they were yesterday and will be the same tomorrow!
At the time of the
founding of the United States, such stability was an important
consideration. The colonies had survived
the Revolutionary War and had struggled through the era of the Articles of
Confederation. Throughout there had been
a good deal of turmoil and conflict despite having pulled together when
fighting the British. Inflation was
rampant as a consequence of the colonies issuing paper (printed) money to
attempt to finance the war’s cost.
Perhaps the concept
and impact of a principle can best be appreciated if one reflects on the fact
that “gravity” is a natural principle.
It makes no difference what man or beast attempts, gravity remains in
force. Oh, yes, man has been able to
“get beyond the reach of gravity” to send a man to the moon, but that does not
negate the fact that gravity remains as an operating principle.
In their efforts to
establish a sound government, the Founding Fathers worked diligently to put in
place a number of basic points which they believed would serve as the
foundation for the present and future. This
included such “principles” as “freedom of speech” which is not license
to slander or defame anyone. Add to that
the principle of “freedom of worship”.
Nothing in that principle prohibits the display of religious symbols
whether in public buildings or private homes.
Nor does it prohibit the teaching of religious subjects or the study of
theology; quite the contrary, when the freedom of speech and worship are
combined.
Another principle
was “freedom of the press”. Again, the
printed word should not be slanderous nor defamatory. To protect against such distortions by
anyone, Congress passed laws specifically addressing such destructive behavior.
“Freedom of
assembly” has been abused by the “occupiers” who have seen fit to desecrate the
property where they assembled. That is
not freedom. It is criminal for it makes no difference whether the property is
public or private, no one is granted a right to destroy or damage property.
Too often, we do not
think of these as “principles” and yet the importance of their being the same
day-in and day-out cannot be gainsaid.
The Founding Fathers
obviously had a strong and unshakeable belief in the Golden Rule. Even a cursory examination of the specifics
delineated in the Constitution show an approach of consistent fairness and
equitable distribution of power and authority.
They were more concerned with being sure that all citizens, not just
themselves, be treated fairly, honestly and with understanding.
Thus, we can see the
importance of the “principles” which they believed were founded on “natural
law”. As noted in the Declaration of
Independence, “natural law” stated that “all men are created equal and endowed
by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; among these are life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness.”
Too often
misconstrued today, the “pursuit of happiness” was intended to mean each
individual being free to achieve his or her maximum potential whether it be in
the arts, sciences, manufacturing, philosophy or any labor. It carried with it the principle of
“entitlement to the fruits of their labors”, regardless of what their labors
might be, property often being the result of such individual effort. The entire fabric of the Constitution is
structured to ensure the protection of the rights so recognized.
That’s my view. What’s yours?
Reach me at constitutionviews@gmail.com
©Copyright 2012 Hillard W. Welch
