Harmony is a sound far greater than dissonance and unison. If one of us is bound, none of us is free. If one rejoices, we all rejoice together. All have gifts that contribute to the greater national whole. Importantly, unity does not mean uniformity. We should reflect on this again and again. George Washington in his farewell address taught us this critical lesson for a new republic: “Your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty and … the love of the one ought to endear you to the preservation of the other.” Unity is interconnected with, and leads to, the advancement of liberty therefore, Washington revealed, unity leads to individual and collective happiness. Too few hold inviolate the Bill of Rights and sustain laws that are just, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.īut we must also understand the unspoken fundamental principles from our American heritage. Too few respect separation of powers and refrain from the seductive tendency to venture into the field of a coordinate branch to which they were neither elected nor appointed. Too few understand the covenant of federalism between the people and their government, by which the people chartered government in exchange for the promise that government would safeguard and defend the people’s liberty and civil rights. Too few remember that the people are the only lawful source of governmental power. Too few of our national leaders today understand the significance of these wise Constitution principles. We can begin by studying the fundamental constitutional principles of popular sovereignty, federalism, separation of powers, the bill of rights, and the rule of law. Constitution-hangs in the balance based on the choices we make right now … whether we act or are acted upon. We must dust off our constitutional instincts and forge new habits of unity and civic charity in America. Yet now it feels as though the future of America-this great experiment in self-government as well as our U.S. We have had several wakeup calls to “come to ourselves” thanks to COVID-19. We are living in the most profound and perilous days of our lifetimes. Here, all are invited to join in the eternal cause of freedom. Here in America, we must all be engaged in the great and noble work of forming a more perfect union and securing the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. Thomas Jefferson taught us during his days of great political division that we must “unite with one heart and one mind restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty, and even life itself, are but dreary things.” He referred to this as “social love.” George Washington, in his capacity as president of the Constitutional Convention, called it the “spirit of amity.” It is civic charity. It is time again to bind up the nation’s wounds. As Lincoln reminded us, “We are not enemies, but friends.” Let us not now break our bonds of civic affection. Here, we build bridges of understanding for liberty, not walls of segregation by tyranny. It’s the greatest hope of freedom to the world. We cannot, we must not, descend into political tribalism. It is the call of this generation for the wise and honest to repair the constitutional standard that protects the rights and freedom of all people throughout the world. During the Constitutional Convention and immediately thereafter, these virtues were manifest by the Founders’ actions and genuine desire for national amity and mutual respect despite their extraordinary political differences. Among these are indispensable, unspoken principles, seemingly forgotten by our nation collectively: Unity and Civic Charity. It is time for a recurrence to these principles. We must understand, teach, and defend our Constitution and its foundational principles. We the People, as judges, lawyers, and engaged citizens, are the guardians of the U.S.
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