From the Editor

 Given the fast pace of our political season, it is very hard to write an editorial for a quarterly magazine that remains relevant. Every day seems to bring new “surprises” that affect the polls one way or the other in this very contentious election. By the time this issue hits the newsstands the election will most likely be decided… or perhaps not. It seems at times that the most unlikely political scenario is the one we find ourselves in.

A common drumbeat that both camps are indulging in, is that we are at a crossroads – politically – and once we chose a path, it is all or nothing for the American way of life. What that “way of life” looks like is completely dependent on your views and interpretation of the Constitution. Politicians love to tell us what the Constitution and Bill of Rights “really” mean, but the beauty of this document is that it was written to be completely understandable by the common man. “Shall not be infringed” is a readily understood phrase and one that many politicians find very inconvenient to their self-serving endeavors.

We are not in an unanticipated political event. The Framers knew all too well that times like these would surface periodically and crafted their document to provide a timeless roadmap for following the correct path. Whether we choose to follow that roadmap or blunder blindly along is really the choice we are faced with.

Lately, it has become fashionable amongst largely self-appointed social standouts to declare that they will leave this country if their politicians of choice are not elected. I guess this is done to make a publicity statement, provide support for their political candidate of the moment or simply to appease a childish ego. Personally, I wish that those who make such statements would follow up on their threats and leave the country that they think is so disgusting. Regarding this sort of behavior, I’m reminded of Samuel Adams’ famous quote:

“But if you love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude more than the animating contest of freedom – go home from us in peace. Go! We ask not your counsels or arms! Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you! May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”  

Our Founding Fathers had very little regard for those who put personal gain ahead of dedication to the cause, especially since so many of them literally had their life on the line in support of the Revolution. We would do well to remember that dedication today and take from it a healthy example of how to stand up for proper principals and ideals, rather than indulging in self-centered entitlement.

Regardless of which candidates win office this political season, I intend to remain engaged in the political process. Doing so is the duty of every responsible citizen. Giving up on our great country, as long as the Constitution is the ultimate law of the land, is unthinkable. Our Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and Constitution make us unique amongst all the countries of the world and as such, America warrants our participation in the political process. The real enemies of freedom are indifference, entitlement and laziness. The engaged, responsible citizen is the keystone of our country and as long as we have a population that thinks that the American way of life is worth fighting for, we will always tread the correct path.

– Gut Ziel