Dear editor,
Over the last few weeks many letters and articles have mentioned the phrase “our democracy”, the thing we are to hold dear, but our Republic of States was created to preserve liberty, not democracy. Democracy is the seed to ruin of liberty. The closer we get to pure democracy, the further we are from liberty. Democracies consolidate power, republics balance and decentralize power. Under pure democratic rule the majority simply votes away the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of the minority, even inalienable rights under disguise of law.
The 1776 era was a demand for recognition by a capricious arrogant monarch refusing the rights of Englishmen, refusing them the power to regulate themselves, and denying representation in decisions concerning them. The ultimate consolidation of power. Upon our separation and in consideration of the failures of history a representative form of government with independent branches was designed. The purpose was to keep central government limited and decentralized.
Starting with Federalists immediately overreaching their limits, here we are today with the claim to the largest government and military in history. The original decentralization of power by congressional districts of 30,000 people was lost by 1929 Act of Congress limiting House membership to 435. Today’s districts are about 750,000 people each, diluting citizens to 1/25th of their former influence.
In the Illinois legislature are two bills consolidating power. HB2515 and SB2217. Both seek to merge “small” townships together or into the county. It should be noted that most of these are rural townships, but the decision of the majority will be from urbanized areas whom it does not affect. The gerrymandered control of Illinois does not properly represent small townships. The persuasions will be efficiencies and cost savings – some possible, others specious. To me those arguments matter little. Even though a small step, it is a further example of government pulling into itself. Call, write, text your representatives and express your ideas of liberty.
Decentralized government preserves liberty. Concentration destroys it.
I close with a reminder to all the dire editorial letters prior to Nov. 5: 100 days and we are still a Republic.
-John Dickson, Oregon
