Do You Know Your Presidents?

In Federalist Paper No. 10, John Adams emphasized the importance of a virtuous citizenry for the success and stability of a republican government. He argued that the federal government must encourage virtue in the people, but also relied on the people themselves being virtuous. Today, it is evident that the United States federal government has strayed from this ideal, with the cause rooted in the decline of virtue among its citizens.

The founding fathers envisioned a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. They understood that a virtuous citizenry was essential for the proper functioning of a representative system. However, the current state of our federal government reflects a departure from this vision, as it struggles to uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and morality. We need look no further than the current administration.

Joe Biden and his son Hunter face a myriad of accusations including engaging in unethical and potentially corrupt business dealings, particularly in connection with his role on the board of a Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings.  The decline of virtue in our society has contributed to the erosion of trust in our institutions and the weakening of the Republic. As citizens become more self-interested and less concerned with the common good, they elect representatives who mirror these values. This leads to a government that is focused on short-term gains and personal agendas, rather than long-term stability and the well-being of the nation.

If our Federal government is to be one that knows there are only two sexes, recognizes life begins at conception, and marriage is between one man and one woman for life, we need to be confident of this as a people. It seems improbable to expect a virtuous government to come out of a lost and confused people.  "Let it simply be asked where is the security for prosperity, for reputation, for life, if the sense of RELIGIOUS obligations desert the OATHS, which are the instruments of investigation in the Courts of Justice?" - George Washington.