As we see increasingly liberal governments in this country and others, citizens must begin to voice their ideals or face the restrictions of our liberty. The intentions of our founding fathers were clear and continued to bring policies both against the intentions of the founding fathers, and often dangerous to the American people.

In our most recent presidency, we have seen the abuse of power and policies that stray toward oligarchy as opposed to our intended republic.

Our nation is still a nation of the people, only if the people stand up for their rights. Both Republicans and Democrats are being restricted by a government that puts forth unconstitutional policies portraying itself and many of our representatives as eager to control all aspects of our businesses and our lives. Our health care, our transportation and our finances are all now subject to control not intended and not wanted.

All citizens on both ends of the political spectrum must unite, as the Federalists and anti-Federalists came together in the summer of 1787 and to create the blueprint of this nation. Debates, discussions, even fist fights erupted on the Constitutional Convention floor. In the end, the greatest political document still in use was created, but not without a struggle.

For today's U.S. to come together, it will not be easy, as it was not easy in 1787, but it is necessary.

Socialism and unconstitutional policies, no matter how minuscule or effective in the short term, have dire consequences and should not stand.

The mutual respect, honor and understanding of being an American citizen will allow all people to come together and stand up for our rights. Not just unconstitutional policies put forth by our president or a certain party, but anyone who threatens our freedoms; the freedom of private property, the freedom to run a business, the freedom to worship, the freedom to feel safe in our own homes against all enemies.

We must put our citizenship ahead of our party ideals. We must not call for a revolution, but call for reform, to bring our national ideals back to those intended by those who built this nation. We must not call for extremism, but call to condemn extremism by those who threaten the U.S. from outside or within.

Joshua Baker

Weedsport