June 6
I.On the Preamble
The Preamble declares that We the People, as citizens, are called to “...secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity....” On the occasion of the 80th commemoration of the D-Day Invasion, it seems fitting to recall what these soldiers fought and died for. There is little dispute that, in essence, the Allied effort in Europe during the Second World War was directed toward the defeat of tyranny as manifested in German National Socialism and Italian Fascism. The post-war political and economic system put in place by the Western powers under the leadership of the United States, whatever its shortcomings, provided liberty and opportunity to millions of people.
The heading for this post is intended to recall the words spoken by President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address. At a time when democracy in the United States itself is confronted by the challenge of fascism, we do well to recall the words of Lincoln, that these honored dead of D-Day and World War 2 “...shall not have died in vain...and that government of the People, by the People, and for the People, shall not perish from this earth.” May We the People carry these sentiments with us as we study, reflect, and prepare to vote in the coming election.
II.On the Constitution
In view of the concerns expressed by many regarding the advanced age of the presidential candidates in 2024, it seems appropriate to suggest that Congress consider enacting legislation setting age limits for all office-holders in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It is not that these senior office-holders are incapable of doing the job. It is that they serve their term(s) conscientiously and honorably and then exit to make room for new people and new ideas. With reference to a previous Alliance post on term-limits (see post for March 11, 2024), it seems that (a potential) 36 years in public service is enough for anyone. Many, if not most, Americans retire at the age of 65, and even Roman Catholic bishops and pastors must submit their resignations at the age of 75.
Citizens who are concerned about the viability and effectiveness of government are well advised to urge their own representatives to begin the process of proposing, crafting, and passing legislation establishing age limits for office-holders.
Next: 28th Amendment?