Editor,

Our country has never been the bastion of equality and justice — but many courageous movements and leaders have tried to bend that arc of justice towards freedom. But note well the warning words of Jefferson, Madison and Washington.

The Founding Fathers’ fears of tyranny were deeply ingrained in the fabric of the United States’ foundational principles. Their wisdom in creating a system of government with checks and balances, a separation of powers and a strong constitution remains crucial in preventing the concentration of power and preserving the liberties of the American people. The echoes of their warnings continue to guide the nation in its pursuit of a government that truly serves the people while safeguarding against the ever-present threat of tyranny.

“The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.”

– Thomas Jefferson

“The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism.”

– George Washington, Farewell Address

“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”

– James Madison, Federalist No. 47

Now is the time to join hearts and voices to stop this wicked tyranny.

Cynthia Kaul

Langley