Among the many anecdotes from when the Founding Fathers drafted the Constitution, few are as enlightening as what Benjamin Franklin said on the final day of the convention. The story goes that as Franklin exited Independence Hall, a group of citizens rushed to him and one asked, “What have you given us — a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Keeping a republic is not easy, and the challenges today are no less daunting than they were when the Constitution was signed in 1787. Fierce disagreements between political parties and philosophies increasingly polarize the nation. Economic downturns have left many Americans frustrated and worried about the future. On the foreign front, we see turmoil in Europe, economic stagnation in the Far East and the threat of terrorism looming at home and abroad.
It would be easy to shrink from these daunting realities. Yet, the United States of America has always been at its finest when facing great challenges.
The United States, its people and its Constitution, have not merely endured the past two centuries, but thrived in the face of world wars, economic depressions, terrorist attacks and rapid technological disruptions. Today, America stands without equal as the greatest and most powerful nation in the world. Of course, America is not, and never has been, perfect. Slavery and the treatment of African Americans, Native Americans and immigrants are deep wounds from which the country is still trying to heal.
And yet, the United States has proved time and again that by allowing citizens to freely aspire to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” we, as a nation, can work through our trespasses, overcome our differences and accomplish remarkable feats.
American entrepreneurs helped bring to the world cars, telephones, televisions, airplanes, computers, the internet and countless other technological advancements. American doctors and scientists have cured diseases and advanced our knowledge of mankind, the world and the universe. American soldiers have protected our freedoms, defeated the Nazis regime, helped to rebuild Japan and Europe after WWII and fostered liberty for millions of people around the world. Americans have spread a political philosophy that has brought greater economic prosperity, safety and peace to the world. And every day, ordinary Americans donate their time, money and resources to help friends, family or strangers — whether they live next door or in another country thousands of miles away.
Although serious struggles continue, the Republic remains as strong and as bright as the people who comprise it. This is the legacy of the United States that we should celebrate and remember — not just on July 4, but continually. Since Franklin issued his challenge to the citizens of a new nation, Americans have proudly kept the Republic. May we resolve to keep it today and always.