by Randolph May
Tomorrow, September 17, is Constitution Day, the day on which we celebrate the 238th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of 1787 by thirty-nine Framers in Philadelphia. The signing marked the end of a long hot summer of debate – debate sometimes seemingly as heated as the temperature in the modest Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, the name of which was later changed to Independence Hall.
After the Constitutional Delegates adjourned for a final time, Elizabeth Willing Powell questioned Ben Franklin: "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" Franklin's response: "A republic, if you can keep it."
Perhaps this is an apocryphal tale. But nevertheless, one that should be a constant reminder to all Americans of good will that the democratic Republic which our Constitution established is not preordained to last forever. It always has been and forever will be dependent upon "We the People" – the Constitution's first three words – to nourish and sustain the American Experiment in democracy.
Now, in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, the fabric of our Republic seems especially frayed. Of course, the societal instability – even breakability – we feel because of increasing acts of violence rooted in political differences did not arise overnight. Far from it. And it has many causes.
But it's blinking reality not to acknowledge that over-the-top overheated political rhetoric – while never ever a justification for acts of violence like the one that killed Charlie Kirk – is likely one of those causes.
I do not intend to point fingers from or at the left or right. That's not what's needed in America now.
Here, on this Constitution Day, one should turn back to the Constitution – and the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. The guarantee that citizens must enjoy the freedom to speak freely is essential to the continuation of the American Experiment.
But with that freedom, secured by the Constitution if we can keep it, also comes the responsibility of us all to encourage civil discourse and respectful debate about controversial issues, while at the same time adhering to fundamental principles in which we believe.
Voltaire declared: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
At the Free State Foundation, we have tried to model that behavior since our founding in 2006. And I pledge we will continue to do so.
With friendship and optimism on Constitution Day,