Don’t Like Trump or Biden, Reflect on These Principles
Once again, I spoke to my Toastmaster’s Club this morning with a speech I titled, A Commitment to Principles. You will note it pulls a few phrases from the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States.
There is a lot more that could be said along these lines, but one of the constraints within our Toastmasters Club is the necessity to keep it short, typically 5–7 minutes. I went a bit over with this one.
I’d like to believe it was powerful and persuasive. I wonder what you think.
A Commitment to Principles
After World War II, there was a surge in democratic governments in the world, led in large part by a combination of decolonization and American political leadership.
The process has had its hiccups, including here at home.
Democracies are challenging things to maintain.
Vested interests in one form, or another, tend to chaff when they find themselves less influential than in the past. It takes a commitment to principle to overcome these anxieties.
What are these principles?
They start with “We the People.”
By that, I mean the goal of achieving the common good, as opposed to the entrenched interests of the powerful, no matter how that power is achieved, be it by dominant race, religion, wealth, or other cultural manifestation.
These principles aspire.
They aspire to promote peace at home and abroad.
At home, they seek domestic tranquility.
Not that of passive subservience to a strong man or king, but rather an active, cooperative engagement of a unified people.
“A more perfect union,” implies imperfection, but one that aspires to be better. To change, to grow.
Abroad, they seek the same.
The principle is the same, to seek the common good, not by dominance, but through cooperative engagement.
Principles are not blind to the challenges that exist.
They seek a common defense.
Domestically they resist bullies who would use power, position, or status to disturb the peace.
Abroad they seek allies, and cooperation among nations, even to the point of war — as counter-intuitive as that may be, to establish a common basis for peace in the world.
This quest for peace is leavened with a commitment to seek Justice for All; Domestically, and Internationally.
Domestically, they require that no person, or group be above the law.
Implied is the commitment that the law shall treat all people as equals.
That every person shall be equally responsible, as well as equally protected by the law.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Justice hurried is Justice buried.
Justice manipulated is criminal.
Internationally, the principle of Justice remains.
While the state of the art is clearly less robust, the principle insists on working toward a more perfect union here as well.
Going it alone, big bully vs the world’s other big bullies, fails this principle.
Seeking and building just systems of cooperation among nations is more in accordance with these principles.
Why are these principles important?
To provide for the common welfare for all.
Each of us, both you and me, have our own personal needs and interests. Wants and desires.
While we are each but one voice amid millions, we deserve respect and a say in the way of the world.
We achieve that best by voting, and by honoring and supporting these fundamental principles which have guided this nation since its inception.
Today, these principles are under attack,
including by some who purport to revere the nation, wrapping themselves in the flag, while defiling its promise.
Some like a Barnum & Baily magician seek to divert our attention from these principles to one of fear of outsiders, and disdain for the diversity that enriches our national tapestry.
Some, like the villains of World War II, chose to fan the flames of discontent with persistent lies, building a sense of victimization that poisons the body politic.
Some chose to ignore the lessons of World War I and isolationism and work to undermine international cooperation.
In the process they weaken our common defense, with their go-it-alone, us against the world bluster.
Our principles were forged in a historic revolt against rule by a strong man, then a king.
As difficult as it may be to live up to principles, the times demand that each, and everyone of us, stand up and declare our commitment.
Do not shrink from your duty to yourselves, your families, your posterity.
Bold action is needed.
Do not remain silent.
Speak up for liberty, under law.
Speak up for justice, for all.
Speak up for a better nation and world at large.
There are two imperfect candidates likely to prevail this November.
You may not like either.
That is not the question that matters.
One, despite his imperfections, has dedicated his life to the common good, the other to his self-interest.
One is committed to justice under the law, the other uses his wealth to bend the law to his advantage, and where needed, to delay the law to the point of justice denied.
One seeks to unify and coordinate with the other nations, the other to disassociate and dismantle.
One seeks to secure the common good by dealing with the challenges of climate change, the other seeks bribes from oil interests no matter if it poisons the atmosphere.
The choice is clear.
Your obligation is clear as well.
It is time to stand up and be counted.
It is time to stand up and speak out.
It is time for you to do your duty, to defend the principles upon with this nation was built.
Can I count on you to do your part?
