"Momentary Discouragement"A people may prefer a free government, but if...they are unequal to the exertions necessary for preserving it; if they will not fight for it when it is directly attacked; ...if by momentary discouragement, or temporary panic, or a fit of enthusiasm for an individual, they can be induced to lay their liberties at the feet even of a great man, or trust him with powers which enable him to subvert their institutions, in all these cases they are more or less unfit for liberty....and [are] unlikely long to enjoy it.
John Stuart Mill. Considerations of Representative Government. 1861.
I wonder about the "momentary discouragement" and "temporary panic" gripping our country. The discouragement is real. Real families are facing real problems. But now, when it is most difficult, this is when it is crucial to stand up for our liberties and defend our freedoms.
Freedom which sometimes hurt.
Why does freedom hurt? It hurts because with it comes responsibility and consequences. Each of us can use our agency to make decisions which eventually lead to the betterment of our selves and our families. We can live within our means. Avoid debt. Prepare for the future. Raise our children to love and honor God.
Each of us might also use this agency to make decisions which jeopardize our families. Jeopardize our financial security and our physical and emotional and spiritual health. Sometimes maybe it wasn't even our choices, but we are suffering the repercussions of another poor decisions. It hurts. And maybe for some, that is a euphemism.
Do not be induced to lay your liberties at anyone's feet. However tempting the salve may be. Let me choose for myself. I can make the decisions for myself and my family. If we as citizens turn to God, and the principles and practices on which He founded this great nation, we won't need "bailouts" anymore.
Live worthy and fight for the freedoms blood was spilled to give us. Take an active role. Vote.
1 comment:
I couldn't agree with you more!
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