It's a Compatriot Connection of Character Thing

Dear America,

“Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.”  Joseph Story, nominated to the Supreme Court by James Madison

such is the quote discovered within Mark Alexander's column, On Presidential Character, From George Washington to ?... @The Patriot Post.

and such is the quote that connects yesterday with today upon this thing called G.

Happy Friday.

And to that end, this girl merely asks you to read ALL of Alexander's post.  In the same vein as gracious minds think alike, Mark answers the question of a president's character far better than me.  And sure, it was just a coincidence; but we all know what coincidences really are, now don't we?  I just love how we were thinking the same thing on the same day; and what began as a simple examination of sorts somehow turns into an affirmation of presidential torts of last resorts!

And when you're done, just for kicks, GO HERE.   This takes you to an entire library of all things Joseph Story!  The page hand-picked for you, in the link, offers "Commentaries on the Constitution of the  United States 1833" and begins at the Judiciary, it's organization and powers!  Good Good Good stuff.

Here's a wee bit:

Sec. 1570. Two ends, then, of paramount importance, and fundamental to a free government, are proposed to be attained by the establishment of a national judiciary. The first is a due execution of the powers of the government; and the second is a uniformity in the interpretation and operation of those powers, and of the laws enacted in pursuance of them. The power of interpreting the laws involves necessarily the function to ascertain, whether they are conformable to the constitution, or not; and if not so conformable, to declare them void and inoperative. As the constitution is the supreme law of the land, in a conflict between that and the laws, either of congress, or of the states, it becomes the duty of the judiciary to follow that only, which is of paramount, obligation. This results from the very theory of a republican constitution of government; for otherwise the acts of the legislature and executive would in effect become supreme and uncontrollable, notwithstanding any prohibitions or limitations contained in the constitution; and usurpations of the most unequivocal and dangerous character might be assumed, without any remedy within the reach of the citizens.10 The people would thus be at the mercy of their rulers, in the state and national governments; and an omnipotence would practically exist, like that claimed for the British Parliament. The universal sense of America has decided, that in the last resort the judiciary must decide upon the constitutionality of the acts and laws of the general and state governments, so far as they are cognizance of the judiciary, its judgments must be conclusive; for otherwise they may be disregarded, and the acts of the legislature and executive enjoy a secure and capable of being made the subject of judicial controversy.11 It follows, that, when they are subjected to the irresistible triumph.12 To the people at large, therefore, such an institution is peculiarly valuable; and it ought to be eminently cherished by them. On its firm and inde-pendent structure they may repose with safety, while they perceive in it a faculty, which is only set in motion, when applied to; but which, when thus brought into action, must proceed with competent power, if required to correct the error, or subdue the oppression of the other branches of the government.13 Fortunately too for the people, the functions of the judiciary, in deciding on constitutional questions, is not one, which it is at liberty to decline. While it is bound not to take jurisdiction, if it should not, it is equally true, that it must take jurisdiction, if it should. It cannot, as the legislature may, avoid a measure, because it approaches the confines of the constitution. It cannot pass it by, because it is doubtful. With whatever doubt, with whatever difficulties a case may be attended, it must decide it, when it arises in judgment. It has no more right to decline the exercise of a jurisdiction, which is given, than to usurp that, which is not given. The one, or the other would be treason to the constitution.14
 [emphasis added]

Isn't this just fabulous! 

In this era of deciding, or not deciding, the next Supreme Court Justice, let us stop and recognize the supreme essence of the court itself -- it's INDEPENDENCE!

Oh how a certain Joseph Story must be rolling over and over and over again in his grave, bearing witness to this spectacle.

How tragic it is, that we have arrived at the day when the people are "at the mercy of their rulers." For here we are, in the midst of deciding whose ideology will prevail onto the highest court of the land!  What a shame!  What a shame!  Shame on me!  Shame on you!

And to be sure -- whether being of a people from the Left or from the Right -- the Supreme Court's evolving decline of pure unadulterated independence of the legislative and executive branches should affect us all in equal portion with equal outrage!  [and yet, it doesn't...]

"Good Judgment 

comes from experience, 

and experience...

well, that comes from 

Poor Judgment."

Here's one last quote to end the day, and it comes from Samuel Adams, courtesy of Mark Alexander:

“The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men. … Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters. … [N]either the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt. … Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual — or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”

...let this thought lead us throughout this day ....and certainly into tomorrow...and even into the next....

We must prevail; we must, as individuals,  be mindful, vigilant, and citizens beyond reproach to expect to find the same in "the characters of public men."  It's a self-fulfilling prophecy worthy of our duty to God and country and community and family and ourselves.  Go ahead and mock the simplicity of it all, if you're so inclined; the thing is, it's just the honest truth.

Make it a Good Day, G

It's Making Connections Between Happiness & Moral Duty Thing

Dear America,

"Happiness

and Moral Duty

are inseparably connected."

George Washington

isn't it though.

When will we ever learn, right?

This word to the wise, via George, was included within an academic snapshot of the last year -- capturing one's favorite lines and attaching a personal photo completing the sentiment, juxtaposing a quick visual emphasis -- simply titled, "50 Lines to Live By."  It encapsulates a bevy of American classics in literature, and for all intents and purposes, the last 250 years in U.S. History.  It took my girl weeks to complete, if not the entire school year to make.

But having just returned from Kinkos/FedEx to print the thing -- fifty two bucks later, she is holding her own masterpiece, certainly worthy of every bit of an A-plus.  And, boy, is she happy about it.

Oh the joy and value of making the immediate connection between creating our own happiness by virtue of follow through -- sincerely taking all the appropriate steps before that which we generally refer to as The Goal is realized.    It takes time to see it, feel it, and fully enjoy; but like a peach ripening upon a tree, we create good from good, light from light, masterminding ones own happiness in due time.  And suddenly, motherhood doesn't seem all that hard; oh the joy in watching our babies flourish, no?

Note that George is not just saying 'happiness' and 'moral duty' are connected -- no -- they are INSEPARABLY connected.  How strong of a message is that?   It's kinda like "unalienable rights," right?   It's not just a right -- they are UNALIENABLE rights.

The thing is -- the lesson is just not the same when being told by parable or novel, Constitution or Declaration.  In order for the full dynamic to take hold and make an impression upon us, as individuals, the 'moral of the story' must originate organically and intrinsically rooted from within, and allowing for all the hard work... the toil, the effort, the inseparable connection between cause and effect... to come into it's own.

It's the pure joy that only comes after fifty tries, or by the doing something right the first time.  It's the good that surely comes after doing something good... really, really good.  Oh the satisfaction.

And it certainly can't come out of the halls of injustice, fraud, untruths, redirection, cover-up, controversial targeting, gun running, and generally making a mockery of the law.

It's sad to see this administration struggle with all the scandals; but the irony slaps us silly, doesn't it?  "A bad cause seldom fails to betray itself," isn't that right, James Madison... The founding father who just so happens to be the author of Federalist Paper 41 -- and entry number 38 in my girl's "50 Lines."  

When we do the work, it shows.

When we tell the truth, it shows.

When we do good, it shows.

When we make an effort, it shows.

When we lead by example and not by behind, it shows.

When we "hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," it not only shows, it's the cornerstone of our American Life.  It's also entry number 44 in my girl's "50 Lines."

And to make a life that truly works, for one and for all, time and time again, it doesn't get any more complicated.

This is a day to take in the bounty at our fingertips and at our service.  The Pursuit of Happiness is never ceasing, always a moral duty to ourselves and something we should welcome with an unwavering sense of purpose.  Have no fear --  confirmation is upon us; as elementary as it may sound, the great duty and responsibility is rewarded ten-fold and fifty pages later. 

Oh how good it feels to witness the beauty of the Divine in motion.

Make it a Good Day, G