We celebrate independence, but our republic is at risk
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress of the fledging colonies declared independence from the British Empire as the new United States of America. The founders and Continental soldiers knew the risk, but a new nation was born — with rights and powers to govern vested in the people.
We celebrate our Independence Day. However, we cannot take the preservation of the republic for granted. It falls to each generation to recognize and uphold the values and liberties guaranteed under our Constitution. In this 246th year of our great nation, some among us still place self over democratic ideals. We must guard against those seeking power for powers sake and disregard the rule of law and principles secured for all of us.
The founders knew the continuation of this “great experiment” in government, granting the people the power to govern themselves, can only be preserved by the election of good, decent and benevolent men and women willing to put the republic first and vigilance of each generation willing to uphold the rights and liberties provided.
We have weathered storms before. Again, we are sorely divided, and our republic is at risk. A former president and individuals supported an armed insurrection to halt the confirmation of electoral votes to be cast from a free and fair election on Jan. 6, 2021. Some of those supporters still hold or run for political office today. Many swore an oath to uphold the laws of the United States and the Constitution. They broke that oath.
To rule wisely, our elected must recognize they are responsible to all of us — regardless of party, persuasion or belief. They are accountable for the perseverance of a stable republic. Political ads attack and demean opponents. Few state positively what we must do together. We, the people, deserve better.
Leadership is not self-serving. It is not about power alone nor political party but as a part of a representative democracy. We are greater than one man or one political party. Undercutting these principles hurts all of us.
We must look to all sources for the facts of Jan. 6 and the “Big Lie” professing a stolen election. Regardless of what some want to believe or what passions we have, the facts speak for themselves.
To paraphrase John Adams addressing the jury in a trial defending the British soldiers who fired upon citizens in the Boston Massacre in 1770, despite your passions against taxation and the British, what is important in the law? The facts — the facts outweigh passion. With a Boston jury — surprisingly — they did the right thing-most of the soldiers were acquitted. It is what we must do today — accept and rely on the law and facts before us. Eyewitness testimony sets out a dark, factual narrative about Jan. 6 that's hard to accept — a coup was attempted. We must do the right thing. Abuses of power cannot be tolerated.
We are clearly the greatest and strongest nation on Earth. It is because we are a free republic. We are not subject to the whims of an autocrat or king. Power resides in us. It is our sacred duty as Americans to preserve this republic. We can unite. Find the courage to vote and speak out. Celebrate our independence, but also celebrate that, together, we, the people, can and will keep it.
Phil G. Busey Sr. is chairman and CEO of DRG and The Busey Group of Companies.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: To uphold our independence, we must accept facts about Jan. 6
