The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America established guiding principles for the creation of a new nation, http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/304331_4733775021531_1003282418_n.jpg. These principles, not imposed by a ruler or by external forces, represent the will of the people. We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity . . ..The Preamble expresses the #Power of We, a people's desire to live intentional live intentional, consequential lives true to noble ideals.
When such principles get sidelined or trampled, sooner or later a spontaneous combustion of people power will seek to restore them. That's what happened in the case of the revolt of the British North American colonies in the eighteenth century and at countless other times and places around the globe, including the recent Arab Spring. A similar effort at rebalancing and restoration of principles led to the US Civil Rights movement of the sixties and to the South African Apartheid resistance. Great leaders like Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela, identified with these movements were not initiators of the movements but products of them, propelled to the forefront by the Power of the people.
The Power of We at work in the world can be identified in every sphere of human endeavor: political, socio-economic, religious, business, sports, entertainment. It relates to human need to have an unfetter spirit free to soar and be the best that it can be. It relates to people feeling connected because no man [or woman] is an island. It relates also to having a voice.
In contemplating the possibilities of political leadership on the eve of an election, http://www.eloisegift4nm.org, I consider it prudent to bear in mind that in a democracy, people have power - power to make choices. Elected candidates share people power - the Power of We, by agreeing to represent their interests and must be ever vigilant as to what are the interests of the people - good schools where children succeed, sustainable jobs that pay well; sustainable housing, clean air and water, fair government. When people have power, their will prevails.
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