Not from government!

Mark Caserta: Free State Patriot Editor

“We’re approaching the end of a bloody century plagued by a terrible political invention – totalitarianism. Optimism comes less easily today, not because democracy is less vigorous, but because democracy’s enemies have refined their instruments of repression. Yet optimism is in order, because day by day democracy is proving itself to be a not-at-all-fragile flower.”

It’s been 32 years since President Ronald Reagan spoke these words in his enduring “Westminster Speech” to the members of the British Parliament. But there is undeniable wisdom for today in the speech, which laid the foundation for bursts of democracy throughout the world.

Watch this enduring speech from President Ronald Reagan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7tpKDQH9nE

In a manner feared by some, yet revered by all, the Great Communicator poised America for decades of a prodigious heightening of America’s strength and resolve. Reagan was quick to recognize and fearless to expose any internal threat of government overreach and lack of steadfastness in principle. In his speech, he spoke directly to these dangers.

“At the same time there is a threat posed to human freedom by the enormous power of the modern state. History teaches the dangers of government that overreaches – political control taking precedence over free economic growth, secret police, mindless bureaucracy, all combining to stifle individual excellence and personal freedom.”

Noble words from the father of conservatism, yet we live in a day in which “individual excellence” is losing ground to the Marxist notion, “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.”

President Reagan understood the ultimate determinant in America’s struggles with those who would challenge democracy would “involve a test of wills and ideas, a trial of spiritual resolve, the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish” and the “ideals to which we are dedicated.”

But around the globe, America’s enemies are emboldened, and our allies dispirited. Nations once inspired by the stoutheartedness of the United States are now disheartened by its disquieted purpose.

But democracy has always had its price. In our nation’s nearly 240 years of sovereignty, we’ve endured plenty. But the American spirit has always persevered and emerged from the challenge stronger than before.

But America has never faced an enemy with such a tailwind as the progressive movement. The liberal assault on our nation over the last six years has been cataclysmic and relentless. We’ve witnessed America’s decline in nearly every measurable area.

But the blame no longer rests solely on the liberal movement. The current GOP party leaders have become complicit in this war on America. They’ve failed their constituents time and again by offering false hope and empty promises.

But I choose to believe that optimism is still in order. We are still a republic where the people are empowered to pursue change.

It’s incumbent upon each of us to study our choices carefully, regardless of political affiliation. Has your candidate demonstrated a commitment to integrity? Have they represented your values, beliefs and ideals? Will they govern by principle versus what’s popular? These characteristics must be non-negotiable in America’s next leader.

Fundamental change must not come from government, but from the people.

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

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