By Ray DiLorenzo ——Bio and Archives--November 30, 2024

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Benjamin Franklin's response to Elizabeth Willing Powel's question: "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" "A republic, if you can keep it." (9/17/1787)

If you asked whether we have a democracy or a republic, I would have to answer, Yes!

We do live in a republic, as told by Ben Franklin to a woman's query. But, as of late, it has become muddled. Our republic chooses its leaders by a form of democracy. It is not an absolute democracy that most people would understand. It's a representative democracy that protects everyone, both majority and minority.

The founders had no intention of creating a democracy as we understand it. What was most important to the early American was liberty. In many cases liberty and democracy are incompatible. No one wants the majority to dictate to anyone or gang up on the minority.

Liberty poses that the role of government is to protect the rights of individuals. Democracy suggests that governmental decisions are made according to the will of the majority. Hence, lawfare in many parts of the country. And how is the will of the people formed? Today, it's by mass media, Hollywood, our embattled education system that doesn't teach civics, love of country or God, and, of course, big tech.

Power is shared in America. Our legislative branch represents both the states and the people. The House represents the people, while the Senate represents the states.

Democrats like to scream about the Electoral College, but it is brilliant. Without it, we would elect our leaders based on mob rule. Sort of like 3 wolves and 2 lambs........

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