Donald Trump would have us believe that the “real” world is one governed by strength, power and force. A world where “might makes right.” A world where America can threaten, coerce or attack anyone anywhere to serve its perceived interests.

Indeed, “might makes right” was the governing standard for human civilization throughout most of history. Power and strength ruled. The few at the top prospered. Life for everyone else was miserable.

That is, until that paradigm was challenged 250 years ago … when America’s founding fathers charted an alternate course.

Unwilling to suffer an all powerful leader, the United States broke a new path. One which argued that a people, united, could govern themselves. One based on rules by which all were bound and by which all could benefit.

Two hundred and fifty years later we’ve shown that power can be shared and used ethically for the good of all. However, how power is used is always a choice. Even with a system of government designed to prevent it, power can be usurped if not protected.

America will be great again only if we steer clear of becoming a country which bullies to get what it wants. Remember “…of the people, by the people and for the people?” Abiding by the rule of law, striving to treat one another as equals and working together for the common good is what made America great in the first place.

We can never forget that America’s birth was a direct challenge to the belief that “might makes right.”

Ron Williams

Pennsylvania Furnace