I’m A Student of History; Not A Historian by Robert Socha

I am a student of history, not necessarily a historian. Over time, I have learned that the freedoms and prosperity we enjoy in these United States is unique and unprecedented. These things are evident in the technological advances that deliver heretofore unknown comfort and pleasure. They are though more subtle in the inventive apparatus, that is the Constitution.

Consider the idea of separate-but-equal branches of government. It is a radical and idealistic concept to rein power, holding back the raging tide of the government’s natural tendency to grow. There have been many forces, from the beginning, continually attempting to subvert the pillars of the institutions which have fueled humanity’s rise to the stars. One of these forces is an unrestrained judiciary.

It is apparent to me the judicial branch has morphed into an oligarchy, cowing the legislature to bend to their unelected will. Jefferson warned that “the engine of consolidation will be the federal judiciary.” He rightfully feared the judiciary’s power would overwhelm the other two branches wherein they would inevitably submit to the court’s rulings. This body has no power to enforce its will on its subjects, yet we continually believe them to be the absolute arbiter of constitutional limits. I am pleased that our President appoints judges committed to interpreting the law through the Constitution’s lense.

On the other hand, the passing of the 17th Amendment in 1913 radically altered the legislative branch, bestowing the states’ senators’ appointment to the popular vote, annexing the states’ legislatures’ power in that area. I often wonder at the prospect of state government’s appointing their representative senators. Would many lifelong senators of the past 100 years have had their careers shortened by the changing-of-the-guard at the state level? Would they even have been appointed in the first place? How might that have impacted the bills passed that increasingly consume from the public trough? I don’t know, but I wonder why the Amendment pushed through the process in the same year the Federal Reserve birthed as another oligarchal enterprise.

The executive branch is a different animal altogether and has usurped powers unforeseen by the Founders. The idea of executive orders implementing the law is as unconstitutional as the coronation of a king. Their hortatory aspect has long morphed into executive fiat. It is no wonder that state governors are willingly commanding the general population to submit to draconian rules allegedly combatting an unseen enemy. If only the executive would ensure the nation’s laws are followed and complete its responsibilities to the general welfare and common defense.

The fruit of these changes to our institutions has naturally escalated toward dependence upon federal institutions as the beneficent grubstaker. For example, do you realize we existed as a country for 200 years before the government’s throes created the Department of Education? This behemoth began operating on May 4th, 1980. I do not find that provision in the Constitution granting power to federal institutions to administer a nationwide curriculum; on the contrary, the 10th Amendment leaves that to the states or the people. We, the people, should be involved in administering our children’s education and not abdicate that to the state. For example, our family chose to move 1,250 miles, so our children would receive a classical education!

What has transpired is a growing tendency for the average American to relinquish their liberties to the ever-expanding bureaucracy. These same people cry foul when those of us who would expose such overreach speak out. Then they yell, scream, name-call, and become violent if their ideas are not adhered to uniformly. We see the natural escalation in the riots plaguing our great nation these past months. Would that we teach our citizenry the exemplary foundation upon which the United States creation stands and give exhortation to continue the pursuit “to form a more perfect union.”

In his 2017 State of the Union address (1), President Trump echoed the following statement made by the two previous administrations, “Education is the civil-rights issue of our time.” He followed up on this statement with a magnificent Constitution Day speech (2) on September 17th. He advocated the implementation of curriculum teaching, “America’s founding set in motion the unstoppable chain of events that abolished slavery, secured civil rights, defeated communism and fascism, and built the most fair, equal, and prosperous nation in human history.” Hopefully, this will turn the tide of anti-Americanism within our ranks and reinstate national pride.

As President Trump said, “The only path to national unity is through our shared identity as Americans. That is why it is so urgent that we finally restore patriotic education to our schools.”

Herein lies another reason for my continued support of this President. The restoration of our national character and pride in our accomplishments is paramount to our continued success, and this President has repeatedly encouraged the same.

1. https://www.bendbulletin.com/nation/state-of-the-union-address-transcript/article_305fd2f5-2c6a-53ca-8e01-43667867b0ac.html
2. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-white-house-conference-american-history/