We are approaching a date that is permanently etched into our collective consciousness as fissures of blood, sweat, and tears, as well as tattered remnants of human freedom. It is a date – for the moment -- when flags of patriotism are unfurled, when men and women of all ages stand a little taller, walk a little prouder, and give thanks to our Creator for the chance to speak and to act freely. It's a day when echoes of God, country, and nation are still alive with hope, and held with reverence and promise around the world. But it is also a day of mockery by those who have tasted neither the sting of battle, nor the agony of defeat; who march to the sounds of despots who know nothing of duty, honor, or country.

A Bit of History.  On the final day of the Constitutional Convention, September 17, 1787, as delegates in Philadelphia debated the new framework for the United States, Benjamin Franklin was approached by Elizabeth Willing Powel, a prominent Philadelphia social and civic figure and close friend of George Washington. Powel, likely curious about the nature of the new government, asked Franklin: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” 
Franklin’s reply — recorded in the journal of fellow delegate James McHenry — was: “A republic, if you can keep it.” --A CoPilot Search.

A republic, then as now, means a representative democracy. It has never meant a "totalitarian dictatorship" as some misguided politicians, pretenders to freedom, wish to live under and bow down to. There is also no "wiggle room" about our form of government by those who wrap themselves in our flag while trying to destroy our capitol and anyone who gets in the way. It is not about raising the false issue of massive election fraud in the 2020 elections. It is not about withholding research funds from major research universities; it is not about appointing unqualified persons to lead our medical institutions; it is not about tearing down our public educational system; it is not about rigging our elections by Gerrymandering districts all over our nation; it is not about firing our generals and admirals who do not or will not support lies about warfare. It is not about hiring thugs to intimidate residents and American citizens. It is not about destroying long-standing alliances; is not about self-praise by changing the names of buildings; it is not about the Big Lie implicit in destroying the character of good and well-qualified men and women in all walks of life.

It also is not about calling our men and women in uniform, who gave their last full measure of devotion to America, "suckers" and "losers" for dying in the service of our country.

A Pledge: Life is about choices, including for those of us who were given the chance to live and love under the banner of freedom. There is no dishonor in making a bad choice. Even "little white lies" are forgivable. And the past is what the past is. We live, learn, and make decisions today for the future. Still, we haven't yet lost our representative democracy. It is ours to keep or to lose. And so, to the 10's of millions of Americans who gave me the chance, and to all men and women of goodwill, I will use the power of the pen to keep our representative democracy intact and the leader among nations. Or I will die trying. So help me God.