kootchman
There was an assumptive proposition when the republic was founded.. that the gift was so unique, so precious, so rare, where the state was held to subordinate to the individual… that the general population would do their part…. and preserve and protect … in the words of ….
As the delegates left the building, a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia asked Benjamin Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got?”
With no hesitation, Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
I daresay Mr. Franklin would have never thought such a gift or treasure would not be guarded with zeal … fervor… the constitutional guarantees would be so squandered by a populace determined not to be active defenders of the constitutional provisions bestowed upon them. Will we keep it? The prognosis is not good. But as you so eloquently state, times change and maybe participatory citizenship should have qualifications. A thoughtful people instead of dog biscuit treat motivated people,.