The three most abused words in American history are “We the People.” That introduction has
become a catalyst for entitlement programs that are bankrupting this
country. Liberals don’t care about the
financial wellbeing of this country or about Article One, Section Eight as long
as they get their goodies. Sooner or
later this bill will come due and the free ride will plunge over the cliff.
Patrick Henry, one of the greatest orators and
patriots in American history, questioned the use of those three words in one of
his speeches at the Virginia ratification convention in 1788:
And here I would make
this inquiry of those worthy characters who composed a part of the late federal
Convention. I am sure they were fully impressed with the necessity of forming a
great consolidated government, instead of a confederation. That this is a consolidated
government is demonstrably clear; and the danger of such a government is, to my
mind, very striking. I have the highest veneration for those gentlemen; but,
sir, give me leave to demand, What right had they to say, We, the people? My political curiosity, exclusive of my anxious
solicitude for the public welfare, leads me to ask, Who authorized them to
speak the language of, We,
the people, instead of, We, the states? States are the characteristics and the soul of a
confederation. If the states be not the agents of this compact, it must be one
great, consolidated, national government, of the people of all the states. I
have the highest respect for those gentlemen who formed the Convention, and,
were some of them not here, I would express some testimonial of esteem for
them. America had, on a former occasion, put the utmost confidence in them--a
confidence which was well placed; and I am sure, sir, I would give up any thing
to them; I would cheerfully confide in them as my representatives. But, sir, on
this great occasion, I would demand the cause of their conduct. Even from that
illustrious man who saved us by his valor, I would have a reason for his
conduct: that liberty which he has given us by his valor, tells me to ask this
reason; and sure I am, were he here, he would give us that reason. But there
are other gentlemen here, who can give us this information. The people gave
them no power to use their name. That they exceeded their power is perfectly
clear. It is not mere curiosity that actuates me: I wish to hear the real,
actual, existing danger, which should lead us to take those steps, so dangerous
in my conception. Disorders have arisen in other parts of America; but here,
sir, no dangers, no insurrection or tumult have happened; everything has been
calm and tranquil. But, notwithstanding this, we are wandering on the great
ocean of human affairs. I see no landmark to guide us. We are running we know
not whither. Difference of opinion has gone to a degree of inflammatory
resentment in different parts of the country, which has been occasioned by this
perilous innovation. The federal Convention ought to have amended the old
system; for this purpose they were solely delegated; the object of their
mission extended to no other consideration. You must therefore, forgive the
solicitation of one unworthy member to know what danger could have arisen under
the present Confederation, and what are the causes of this proposal to change
our government.
Had the preamble been correctly worded, “ The States,” liberals couldn’t use the introduction of the
Constitution as a cudgel to raid taxpayers’ pockets and bankrupt the country.
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