The Charters of Freedom, A Measuring Rod

Today I had the extreme pleasure, neigh the privilege, to view the original documents drafted and signed by the founding fathers of our nation. The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. These three documents are known as The Charters of Freedom. To actually see these chronicles of liberty was a very moving experience. They are surrounded by argon gas, encased within the most scientifically advanced preservation containers that will sustain them indefinitely. The care that is being shown to the Charters is beyond what any parent shows their child, from what I was told and what I saw, I have full faith that in 500 years, my posterity will see them in the exact same condition that I saw them today. Is it not a beautiful thought, knowing that the fundamental writings which gave birth to this wonderful country, will remain forever?

We visited the Charters at the National Archives, which houses an even more impressive document. An original copy of the 1297 Magna Carta, yes a 700 year old scroll with original latin script. For one reason or another, it was preserved in greater condition than that of the Charters at more than three times their age. The Magna Carta is almost an equally impressive document with the things it accomplished. It was flawed, with one amazing over-sight, it gave rights and privilages to the people from the King of England. A man assumed he was able to grant these freedoms and was given power to do so from other men. Many centuries later more enlightened men realized the mistake of their home country. They drafted new documents, not giving rights to others but as a people lifted themselves up. "We the people..." three words that would shape history for over two centuries.

Those centuries later, here we find ourselves. Much different from those enlightened fore-fathers. They who braved the cold of numerous winters in war, those who layed to rest friends and family all so that the documents they had and eventually forged would mean something. Now, we the people stand upon a precipice more dangerous than men contemplating open rebellion against the greatest power on earth. We the people have nearly lost control of our country, instead it lays in the hands of the politicians the majority of us have elected. Elected officials whom are supposed to represent the people.

It is a sad affair to realize that the occurances that led to the American Revolution are being repeated within the country that the war created. In short we are in various ways being subjected to interferances by our government which are unwelcome. It is unwelcome, we merely let it slide because we are quite content with what we have in this country. Small incursions of the government into our lives can be forgiven little at a time. The cost of our consent might be in the way of a few tax cuts, some money thrown our way. How often do we speak out against politicians who we think are serving their own interests more than those of who they are supposed to represent?

The interests outlined in the Charters of Freedom are clear to any who read them. They serve the greater good, they cast the widest and most iron clad net to spread rights and liberties to every member of this nation. Unfortunately another hundred or so years was required to enlighten the countries caretakers. Be that as it may we cannot forget the astounding accomplishments made by the Charters and should seek guidance from these writings as this nation is guided. I wonder how often our leaders now look to our numerous founding fathers for advice in the guidance of the country they created. How often do our leaders recite the words of the Preamble, or search the words of the Decleration for direction, do they study what this country was founded upon? Or do they merely concern themselves with present law and political clout?

As we look to the future, we must remember the past so that the most can be made of the present. As Americans in the 21st century, we cannot expect any more out of the leadership of the country, as we can expect from ourselves. A friend of mine pointed that out in a blog of his. So let us begin expecting the most out of ourselves and those we vote for. Go and read the Charters of Freedom, find out the history behind each document and how intrinsically linked they are. They are equally linked to the United States of America, they embody its very core identity. If they are not given strict reverance or forgoten as the guiding light they are, then the nation built for free men everywhere, to escape oppresion and tyranny, will cease to exist.