The John Adams Society |
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Gregory F.E.C Wersal
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Melvin R. Welch
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G. Larry Colson, Jr.
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Josh Regnier
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November 2011
Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of Government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights, in order to vest it with requisite powers.
- Federalist No. 2
It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.
- Bob Dylan
GOVERNMENT IS NATURALLY adverse to those ephemeral wishes and whims of “The People,” whoever that may be. Is not the whole greater than its parts? Man must submit, agreeably or . . . otherwise, to authority and power. Government will as Government must - preserve power. It is the power of government, not the transient courage of “The People,” that assures survival and protection from the burning grasp of Dysnomia’s host.
By the concord of kings and caste, Government exists by necessity and without nod to the governed. Government may pursue The Good, but it will be without tribute or salute to, and often inimical to the desire of, “The People.” Whoever the sovereign may be, it must govern them who must be governed. “The People” must learn submission, now or at the end, whether from parent or Him, the final terrible tyrant.
ON THE OTHER HAND, Government is a practical thing, existing for the benefit of The People. Those benefits become The People’s rights; their rights to property, restraint on other’s passions, protection of the law, &c. – these are the inheritance which government secures to The People and is its sole purpose. Sentatus Populusque Americanus, the former is necessary to express the will of The People, yet its sovereignty is dependent upon the suzerainty of the latter and exists only at its pleasure. This union perfects the brokerage of power, proves the conceited deceit of arbitrary power, and “change[s] . . . the world’s great scene, when without noise [t]he rising sun night’s vulgar lights destroys.”
THE CHAIRMAN, deposed within his own castle by Justin Bieber, has called a debate to settle the question:
RESOLVED: Being For Government Is Being Against The People
The Debate will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 701-9623 or the Secretary at (612) 220-7586.