In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution, with all its faults, — if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government but what may be a blessing to the people, if well administered; and I believe, farther, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.
Speech to the Constitutional Convention (1787-06-28)
It is refreshing to see in print, and from one of the founders of our dying republic no less, a statement that mirrors a belief I have held for some time. That is, that the PEOPLE THEMSELVES are the ultirmate origin of all governments. It is the COLLECTIVE CHARACTER of a country that determines its rulers and its culture. Hence, Franklin identifies despotism as the natural consequence of “when the PEOPLE shall become so corrupted as to NEED despotic government, being incapable of any other.” People ask who will police the police? I ask who will civilize civilization, if not the people which compose it? We have lost the spirit that CREATED a free republic, and now the present spirit that defines us as a people is creating the government that reflects ITS need and values: despotism.
Benjamin Franklin had a remarkable impact in so many ways, especially in the areas of freedom and self-governance. A Benjamin Franklin article just received the ‘Top 100 Electricity Blogs’ Award http://bit.ly/z8Ckp