I have always found Franklin’s final comments at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 troubling.
“I agree to this Constitution, with all its Faults, if they are such; because I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no Form of Government but what may be a Blessing to the People if well administered; and I believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a Course of Years, and can only end in Despotism as other Forms have done before it, when the People shall become so corrupted as to need Despotic Government, being incapable of any other.”
There have been many times since when people could rightly point to current events and say Franklin’s day of reckoning has arrived. But we have not witnessed the depth of depravity currently on display for over 150 years. The last time we engaged in these atrocities under color of authority, the Civil War was still in our future.
Does that sound histrionic? How would you describe the fact that separating mothers from their infants when they present themselves at our borders seeking asylum is now the practice and policy of this administration?
I used to think the most shameful image of this administration was the image of people risking their lives to flee the United States seeking safety in Canada. That, too, recalled the dismal times of slavery. But that image pales in comparison to this latest abomination. Given Pelosi’s cowardly fence sitting when it comes to First Amendment protected speech, I have no faith the Democrats will stand up against this wickedness.
Jefferson, speaking about the abomination of slavery said this:
“Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever: that considering numbers, nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation, is among possible events: that it may become probable by supernatural interference! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in such a contest.”
Those are prophetic words that ring true today. Make no mistake. The damage being done will not be reversed for generations. Regardless of your privilege, we are all going to pay for this.