Once upon a time, there was a country called the United States of America founded upon the basic principles of freedom, liberty and prosperity. Because of these principles, granted to each of us by our creator, the founders, George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin and others, met in Philadelphia in May 25 thru September 17, 1878, to revise the Articles of Confederation, however, after much debate they agreed rather than revising the Articles to abolish them and create a new frame of government.

On June 21, 1788, the Constitution along with the first 10 Amendments, known as “The Bill of Rights”, became the official framework of the government of the United States of America. Because of that document and the limited powers granted to the government, it unleashed the limitless powers of freedom, liberty and prosperity to the individual creating the most advanced, most benevolent society and most powerful nation on earth.

Within the 200 years since that historic day in 1788, the freedom of the individual was unleashed to advance from the horse and buggy age to the space age.

That is quite a feat from a document that some say is outdated and antiquated. Unfortunately, it has been misused and corrupted by selfish people that only seek power and control. We no longer call them statesmen or representatives, we now call them “leaders and/or lawmakers”.

We have become a lazy and apathetic society by not taking the time necessary to keep a close eye on what is happening. We need wake up and realize that much of the freedoms, liberties and right to own property we once had are no longer there. The power of the federal governments’ amendments to tax the people directly and create the IRS (16th) and eliminate the voice of the states at the federal level through our state legislatures (17th) severely damaged our Constitution and the freedoms we once enjoyed.

We turn to the government for solutions to problems they create. Our government legally steals nearly half of what is earned from those of us that actually produce something by working.

Non-essential government jobs that produce nothing cannot be included with the rest of us due to the fact that they are paid by the taxes taken from us. These un-elected bureaucrats write rules and regulations and enforce them as law not authorized under the Constitution.

Article 1, Section 1 states clearly, “all legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which consist of a Senate and House of Representatives”.

Take time to read and study the history of our founding document. Learn the principles upon which our founders based it and discover the power we have if only we would exercise that power.

We have to stop the destruction of our society. Elect honorable people with integrity. Become more involved in the process of choosing the people that will properly represent us.

We must stop saying “somebody should do something” and become that somebody that “peaceably” does something.

— Roger Baumann is a resident of Wabasso