I have been waiting to voice any of my thoughts online through this crisis because everyone has an opinion and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to add to the chorus of voices singing, loudly and proudly, their thoughts on the matter.  I decided to choose not to get into all the statistics of the cases and the procedures used to deal with the COVID-19 virus.  My thoughts are focused on how we have reacted and what information the people in charge of decisions can acquire from that for this crisis and future situations that may arise.  My feelings are in the explanation below.  I am not stating this as infallible facts, I am stating my opinion.

This was/is a test to see how easily the average American citizen would fall into line with blanket rules and relinquish our rights in the face of a country wide crisis.  This crisis has not gone to waste.  The powers that be are seeing how a dose of fear and “guidelines” for our protection can cause at least half of our citizens to quickly and easily accept this as the “new normal”. Without question, we will do what you say to protect us.

One of my observations is that the Governors of each state have handled this along their political biases.  The differences between Democrat and Republican have differed, especially in the area of enforcement of their guidelines.  This is why my thoughts went to the importance of who we elect.  We elect representatives to REPRESENT WE THE PEOPLE.  It is extremely important to know that those representatives will represent our ideals and will make decisions based on using the power they have to protect our rights through the Constitution and The Bill of Rights. To use only those limited powers for only the least amount of time and intrusion necessary.

What I see is, there are three different views that are expressed on this issue.  The first group seems to view the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as an outdated document that should change with “the times” and at times is a nuisance to those in power because it allows power to be in the hands of  We the People.  They are willing to allow changes to their freedoms and rights based on what is happening at the time, without thought to what that might mean in the future.  We will just change it again.

The second group seems to think that any decision about their safety and well being can be trusted to those that understand the Constitution better.  Even though it is the FOUNDATION OF AMERICA, it may need to be changed or at least suspended, so this average citizen finds it acceptable to just let those in office over them tell them what to do to make the situation better or go away.  They trust them because they are in power and it will all be okay.

The third group are the staunch Constitutionalists and believers in the Bill of Rights.  They believe that  our Republic depends on the foundational documents being protected at all costs.  They will follow the rules for safety for a very limited amount of time, unless given PROOF that it is imperative to save lives.  There is a limit to their compliance.

Where do I fall?  Well, there is a little of all of them in each of us, however, I tend to live in the third group.  Let me say, I BELIEVE THE VIRUS IS REAL.  It can be deadly, although not to most people. Actually, just the opposite is true, most who get it will not die.  I don’t want anyone to die from COVID-19 and I take precautions especially around those that have a compromised immune system. I do believe fear has been stoked and that is one of the things that makes me very frustrated. Control through fear is definitely a pet peeve of mine.

The giving up freedom or rights in order for the government to keep us safe is a very bad idea.  The government cannot and should not try to guarantee safety to it’s citizenry.  We are GUARANTEED life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  The pursuit of happiness is not a promise of safety.  It is the guarantee of freedom to pursue our happiness through our choices of work, faith, and health without crippling interference by over powering politicians.  The right to worship God in the way we want and believe means that our religious rights CANNOT be infringed on.  These are fundamental, God-given rights that the best country in existence is dependent on.

The answer to keeping our Constitution and Bill of Rights in tact is electing representatives that we can TRUST to PROTECT our founding documents. This requires each individual AMERICAN to uphold their personal responsibility and take serious the vote they are given.  Your vote is your voice.    If you remain silent at the polls, or if you choose your representative based on Hollywood recommendations, you are falling down on your responsibility as a citizen of this country.  You owe it to your fellow citizens to take seriously your vote.  Many have died to ensure your voice will be heard, so surely a little time and research on your part, is not too much to ask.

In the middle of this crisis, we are seeing the policies of each politician reveal their true colors and how they feel about the use of their power.  Let’s use this as a learning experience.  Let’s be determined to know where we stand on freedom and figure out what we are willing to do to keep our freedom.  Let’s choose representatives that will stand for what we believe in.  Let’s pray for God’s guidance on who to use our voice to support.  Take some time and know where you stand before the next crisis and then TAKE A STAND  for America and it’s foundations of freedom.