Yes, there’s the question of liberty. But, there is also the question of civic duty.
This is an opinion article from the editor, taken from a segment of the June 13th issue of From the Hawk’s Nest, a bi-weekly newsletter.
I’ve often wondered what the founding fathers would say about our present difficulties. It’s a much harder question to answer than many assume, since their perspectives on government, culture, and society are so different than is usually the case today.
But one thing I’ve discovered pretty consistently about the founding generation was that they had a sense of republicanism that we no longer have. Their sense of civic virtue led them to believe strongly in the ideals of liberty, but it also led them to feel just as firmly that every unalienable right was accompanied by a self-evident duty.
For instance, if Adams, Jefferson, Madison, or Washington were to sit down today with someone who was concerned with whether wearing masks, maintaining social distance, or limiting the size of social gatherings was an assault on our liberties, I envision they would nod knowingly and concede the importance of being wary of any encroachment of individual freedom, but then they would ask, in all solemn seriousness, whether we would be failing in an essential duty if we neglected to voluntarily do even the little things that could help ensure the safety and welfare of our fellow citizens.
This was only a sampling of the uniquely independent perspective Justin Stapley brings to the table. Be sure to subscribe to his newsletter to get his independent voice in your inbox:
