Principles?

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