Tuesday, Aug. 03, 2010

Elections honor our commitment to liberty

Matt Bartle, Guest Columnist

A few days ago, we marked the 234th anniversary of the signing of one of history’s most significant statements of human rights and one of the most enduring symbols of American freedom.

Although it was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally signed by the founders on Aug. 2. The signing of this important document heralded to all nations that the people of the New World had embraced a political philosophy, the core values of which were individual rights, liberty and personal responsibility.

With these words, the great American “experiment” began: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”

From its inception, our system of government has recognized that certain rights exist independent of a grant of government power.

They are intrinsic to all human beings and are not bestowed by a monarch, a court, a Congress or a president.

Our founders wisely recognized that government exists to provide a civil order where life is protected and rights are honored. This, in turn, creates an environment where liberty can flourish and the individual is free to pursue his or her own happiness.

Unfortunately, too many have come to view government as merely a mechanism to provide for ever-expanding social programs and corporate handouts, as is evidenced in the excessive increases in spending coming out of Washington, D.C.

Liberty is a fragile state of existence and is not the natural state of affairs in human history. Without personal responsibility and continuous effort, it is easily lost.

Thomas Jefferson, who drafted the Declaration of Independence, once wrote, “Yes, we did produce a near-perfect republic. But will they keep it? Or will they, in the enjoyment of plenty, lose the memory of freedom?”

Yesterday, Missourians went to the polls to select candidates for the November election and to vote on various ballot measures. Those who voted and those who submitted their names for election together participated in a solemn ritual demonstrating our respect for and our commitment to the tremendous system of government established by our founders.

Matt Bartle, District 8 senator and a Lee’s Summit resident, is a guest columnist for the Journal. To respond to today’s commentary, call 816-282-7001 or e-mail editor@bluespringsjournal.com.