I find myself questioning the motives and driving forces that motivate our elected leaders in Washington D.C. I honestly feel most statesmen, when first elected, proceed to the seat of government with morals and an innocent drive to work in the best interests and good of our nation. However once they have been exposed to the power, money and celebrity of life with the ruling elites, they change. The lust for power and money overtake the convictions once held concerning the good of our country.

One unique feature of the United States of America is the right to self-government we sought and won beginning with the Declaration of Independence. We, the colonists, found ourselves being limited and controlled by a government far away and one in which we had no voice or vote. Laws and edicts were passed and handed down that severely limited our ability for success and a life in pursuit of an attainable Pursuit of Happiness.

The older I become I find I have time to look more closely at things I have superficially known but oft ignored. One such phrase comes from the Declaration of Independence, second paragraph. The middle of the second sentence states “that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government,.”

Has our current governing body become destructive for the ends in which it was created? These ends were stated as “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.” Is it possible to and enjoy liberty when we have semi-open borders that allow all manner of rabble rouser entry into our country? Can we truly pursue happiness when we know each moment our possessions, rewards and life itself can be taken from us? All too often we the victim suffer while legislating liberal judges allow the perpetrators to go free, in the name of compassion. Can we enjoy life when we are being overrun by illegal immigrants and miscreants and congress looks the other way and drowns us in a sea of debt?

The way I read the Declaration of Independence I am forced to question myself, have we reached the point where our government has become irreparably abusive and needs to be altered or replaced. I do not advocate physical overthrow of the government but I do consider what is necessary to alter it and get back on course as was originally intended. We must take corrective action at the ballot box or through actions of a Convention of States.

I do not advocate the abolishment and replacement of the Constitution of the United States in any form or manner. Approaching two hundred and fifty years ago this document was created and has proven itself to be the best foundation for government ever created by man. The situation has evolved that it is apparent a great number of our legislators have not read or studied the Constitution and certainly have no understanding of it. There simply must be a way to enforce a rule or law dictating every person that seeks a place in government pass a test on the rule of law and powers set forth in this document.

To survive, we must unite as one body with the support of government, and execute all methods to defend our nation from all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

You may think I’m wrong but you know I’m still right.

Old will not be old when I get there, keep thinking young.

The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley and http://www.justplaintalkwithjack.com We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too. My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all, when presented the opportunity, please vote.