People are more disposed to suffer than right themselves by resistance. – John Locke
John Locke was an English philosopher who flourished in the 1600’s. A complete review of his works is, thankfully, beyond the scope of this feature, but even casual readers of the birth of this nation know Locke’s influence on our Founding Fathers was significant and perhaps even profound.
This thought is as accurate today as it was 350 years ago.
Revolutions do happen, of course. Sometimes we’ve had enough. We had our own in 1776, but by and large us humans will put up with an awful lot. History’s long march has been largely concerned with the few forcing the many into subjection.
We’re putting up with an awful lot now here in America. It may not seem like it. After all, by and large we are able to wake up in the morning and construct our day as we see fit. The 24 hours of every day – the only commodity all of us are issued in equal measure – are ours to either put to advantage or squander. Our call.
People are more disposed to suffer…
Our national problems – a violent government that has produced perpetual wars outside our borders and near-constant gunfire within them, a staggering and ultimately crushing national debt, an economy burdened with high taxes and regulation – are all being tolerated. Anyone who tries to tell you America can stay on this course with impunity is either deluding themselves, trying to delude you or, as likely as not, both.
…than right themselves by resistance.
We haven’t had enough yet because we are not resisting. We are putting up with everything. The 2014 midterm elections illustrated that perfectly when America reelected 96 percent of incumbents to a Congress that had an eleven percent approval rating.
Sure, we make noises about being unhappy with our government, but we aren’t doing anything about it. We are content to throw rocks at the castle from across the moat when the time has come for us to cross the moat, enter the castle and join the battle.
