Patriotism: Second Principle

The second principle discusses why the Founding Fathers knew virture and moral strength were vital to the existence of a Republic and it's Constitution: without them the republic would crumble. Why would it crumble? Benjamin Franklin answers this question: "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom." (Smyth, Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 9:569. See also TFYL p. 49.) Our American predecessors looked to virture in the people as especially unique and wonderful because those who possessed it were of solid integrity. They didn't just believe in "do unto others as you would have them do unto you", they lived it. But they also understood why they should live this principle. George Washington was clear about how vital moral strength was to the safety of our Constitution and government and I think he felt that it's protection would be guaranteed "so long as there [should] remain any virtue in the body of the people." (Saul K. Padover, ed., The Washington Papers [New York: Harper & Brothers, 1955], p. 244. See also TFYL p. 50)

Samuel Adams advised us well when he said, "I thank God that I have lived to see my country independent and free. She may long enjoy her independence and freedom if she will. It depends on her virtue. (Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, 3:175. See also TFYL p. 56) Our inheritance from our predecessors can be learned and passed on to our children, reinstating the virtue of our people. A virtuous people are committed to peace and exercise the ability to maintain it through their strength. Our country's strength is decreased by immorality whether physical, financial, emotional, acts of commission or by omission. Our strength is therefore increased by the level of morality our populace chooses to live. Creating moral plans, implementing them, and reviewing them according to changing circumstances will bring our country's economy, safety and emotional well-being back to where it was. Samuel Adams: "It is the business of America to take care if herself; her situation; as you justly observe, depends upon her own virtue." (Ibid., 1:376, see also TFYL p. 265.)

This leads to another point that Samuel Adams made: "But neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt. He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man." (Ibid., p. 22, see also TFYL p. 59.) Virtuous, experienced leaders are the obvious choice--how can they be found from within a people that has degraded it's society? We are experiencing a disheartening trend as those who are virtuous and experienced in politics succumb to the immoral practices of politicians today. Doing our public duty can be fulfilling, rewarding and miraculous...it can also be heart-wrenching, frustrating and full of disappointment. If that were your job description, you may think twice about committing to it...but if you were virtuous enough to stand up for the truth when it was unpopular or "unproductive" (ie: bending the rule got it done faster) or even not as "profitable" (money is important, so is the general welfare of our people) as what others would push for, you could be trusted with the ability to ..."guard the sacred deposit of the rights and liberties of [your] fellow citizens;...." (Ibid., 2:221; see also TFYL p. 62.)

Lastly we address the question: How can we regain these qualities in our people so we can raise up leaders of the strength and caliber of those who came before us?

The answer is in the question: Study the lives of our leaders who came before us and learn of their strengths, education and virtues.

Believe in the truth they believed in.