Sentinels of Liberty: A Message to Conservatives

     The American Armed Forces are the guardians of American liberty. They bought it with their blood during the Revolution and have kept it ever since, continuing to offer their bodies as roadblocks to tyranny. Their sacrifice has given us the most free nation on the face of the earth. However, their efforts, their toil, and their blood are undermined if we fail to understand our role as sentinels of liberty.

     The preamble to the Constitution starts with, "WE THE PEOPLE of the United States." That would be you and me. The Constitution was set forth by the people. While it was drawn up by brilliant political thinkers, part of its ratification was through conventions of delegates elected by the people. It is the people's government. Americans pride themselves that they live under such an enlightened form of government.

     Today, we seem to think that life in the United States is all privilege and little responsibility, particularly with regard to politics. When we gather around the dinner tables of our homes, we lament about the direction of the nation. The actions of our representatives exasperate us. Loud are our cries against waste, corruption and disregard for the principles of government that we know will steer our nation on a favorable course. We listen to pundits on the radio and on TV, making ourselves aware of the latest antics of our misguided politicians. Our frustration grows and we wish government would just get it right.

     Ultimately, the blame rests on us. Remember "WE THE PEOPLE"? We are a part of the government of this country. We elected those folks whose votes are the source of our annoyance. "But," you say, "I did not vote for them! And there is never anyone good to vote for, anyway." I have felt that way myself. Recently, I realized the solution. We have to shoulder our share of the responsibility of government. It is not enough to listen to talk radio, enlightening though it may be. It is not enough to hold rock-solid conservative views.

     The responsibility of the populace is not only to vote, but to select good candidates to run, to support those candidates, to rally when government errs, and to stand up to good principles of government in the media, our communities and our families. In short, we must be politically active.

     This requires a sacrifice in time and energy, which is the reason many of us have let these responsibilities slide. I certainly understand this. There are never enough hours in the day to accomplish my regular tasks, let alone be politically active. Another reason people don't get involved is a lack of concern. Not everyone finds politics interesting. Both of these objections fall when we consider our responsibility as a part of the government of this nation and the consequences of allowing the nation to continue on its current path.

     As a teenager, I started to drive late. While my friends all rushed out and got their licenses as soon as they turned 16, I just kept calling for rides. I did not care. Eventually, I did care, but could never seem to focus on educating myself for the drive and written tests. At last the day came when the man from the DOL told me that my driving skills were competent and that I could become a licensed driver. I then entered into the responsibilities of being a good driver and later, vehicle owner. I would be considered strange if I remained apathetic towards driving and at 40 still could not drive.

     An adult in this country who does not drive is considered weird or ever irresponsible, but when it comes to taking part in guiding our nation, no one thinks it unusual to leave the politics to the politicians. Something of far greater significance than driving a car is at stake: the fate of our nation. Are you going to leave that to politicians? We need to take the time to educate ourselves about current issues and candidates and than apply that knowledge so that we can take back our portion of this nation's steering wheel.

     We are the sentinels of liberty. Liberty is a gift given to us through more than two centuries of bloodshed. Lincoln expressed our duty, as the people, in the Gettysburg Address when he so poignantly said, "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."