Ben Franklin: Can We Keep It?

The story goes like this:

After the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government had been formed, and he replied "a Republic, if you can keep it".

Well, this coming Tuesday, Ben is likely to get his answer.  These are strange days indeed, as we wait to see if the final descent into one party rule is completed, or postponed (for now).  

Ben Franklin also said:

"In these sentiments, sir, 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, further, 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."

So, are we destined to end in despotism, or is this just another bump in the road, which we will eventually overcome?