Remembering 250 years ago today

Just to clarify …

I am an American. Right now I am an angry, afraid American.

Did we intend for the government of the U.S. to become authoritarian, a government that favors or enforces strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom? A government which shows a lack of concern for the wishes or opinions of others, and is domineering and dictatorial?

Is this what “We the People” signed up for? “We” as in “We the People” in the opening words of the Preamble to the United States Constitution. These words are a declaration of the people’s power over the government.

Did we just give that away?

Do we recognize our country anymore?

The First Amendment to the Constitution reminds us of who we are meant to be:

A country where we have freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, the freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances.

Do we remember the 14th Amendment? That … no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Do we remember our Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. “with liberty and justice for all?"

Does our pledge still hold meaning?

What will it take America to not be angry and afraid?

Maybe all it takes is for us to remember.

JACQUELINE TAYLOR

Sandpoint