Constitutionalism and Statesmanship

In it, he addresses and cautions citizens regarding many of the problems we see today which were anticipated by nearly all of our founding fathers. While I understand that not every citizen is inclined to read detailed histories of our founding that include speeches and correspondence, much of it should be required reading for anyone who aspires to serve as a public servant. To do otherwise is similar to tinkering with a fine engine without bothering to understand how it was designed to work in the first place.

Washington warns us regarding tendencies that should be kept in check on both domestic and foreign policy fronts, of the importance of fiscal responsibility, and of the delicate balance required to define the union as separate from the autonomy of individual states. He defines the importance of the separation of powers and why each level and branch of government ought to refrain from the usurpation of rights and responsibilities that lay outside of their chartered roles.

He even warns of political parties growing too big and too powerful to keep an ear toward the voice of the people and an eye on protecting our constitution and individual rights. Washington and the other founders of this nation were clearly concerned about the reality of the old adage, “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Foreign policy is also mentioned in the Farewell Address with words of caution toward alliances that form groups of friends and foes:

The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred, or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur.

One of my favorite passages in the speech discusses fiscal responsibility and is rather something of a pre-curser to a phrase later coined and made popular by Ronald Reagan: “Peace through strength.” It really addresses another aspect of foreign policy while also reminding everyone how the use of tax dollars should be conducted with utmost respect and prudence:

As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertion in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear.

While acknowledging that future tensions will arise and are unavoidable given the nature of man, Washington urges strict adherence to the Constitution and explains that if any changes are deemed necessary in the future, only the proper course for making those changes, as also outlined in the document, should be taken. Put another way, laws create order out of chaos only if they are respected and followed by everyone. To do otherwise is to covet power only to have more of it, which is obviously not in the best interest of the people or the republic and leads to the eventual destruction of free governments.

This is also a way to begin to define statesmanship as something of a code of ethics and mutual respect that is required to conduct oneself as a public servant. To serve honorably, good character and sound judgment are required. Washington describes religion and morality as indispensable supports to prosperity and human happiness. Morality is what directs your ability to make distinctions between right and wrong. We don’t see enough of that being exercised among our current leadership. Rather, just as Washington warned, we see power grabs and a lack of respect for rule of law and justice.

To turn the tide in Washington D.C., we need more people who understand and lead according to the carefully crafted document that first formed this union of states. Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, brought this need to center stage with his “Contract with America” in 1994. Just how far we waivered from the basic tenants of our Constitution was mirrored in the succinct ten summaries of proposed legislation that would be put forth by Republicans. The proposals were clear, concise, and on point. At the time it was proposed by Gingrich during a press conference on the steps of the Capital, Republicans held a minority position in the House, as they had for all of 40 years prior. Soon, all but four Republican representatives signed the Contract to which they pledged their support. Six weeks later, Republicans captured a sweeping victory, gaining a majority in the House of Representatives. Gingrich was then elected Speaker.

Statesmanship requires wisdom and intuition. Gingrich then had his finger on the pulse of the American people and knew without question that it was important to restore bonds of trust between citizens and their elected officials. It was important to spell out exactly what you planned to attempt to achieve without fine print or in-speak. The objective was to say what you’re going to do, then do it. This approach not only wowed voters who flipped the power in Congress, but it also carried 20 new Republican governors to victory. Newt got to the “why” of the problem and outlined methods to fix the problems.

Of course, the proposals were met with all kinds of opposition and accusations, but they were largely successful. Things got better in America. Budgets were balanced. Crime was addressed, and welfare was reformed to promote and strengthen families. Social Security recipients were set up to keep more of their earnings and earn more in any year if they chose to continue working. These improvements in quality of life for citizens became reality because every proposal was held up to the Constitution and the goals set within it. Usurpation of power was stomped upon by representatives who listened to their constituents and exercised statesmanship.

As Reagan famously said, it was once again “morning in America.” Citizens had hope that government would be held accountable, real problems were being addressed, and Washington, DC. was again a beacon of hope and a “shining city on a hill.” We’d seen a great victory under Reagan with the crumbling of the Berlin Wall in 1989, which set millions of people free of from the chains of slavery under communism. And we finally had leaders who were going to concentrate on the restoration of freedoms for the American citizens who had borne the brunt of the long cold war, crippling domestic policies, and liberal agendas that had creeped up through cracks to form chains around their own necks during that same period.