As we celebrate the 190th anniversary of the Texas Declaration of Independence and approach the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, it is appropriate to reflect on the principles that were embodied in both of these documents and the efforts required to attain and sustain these principles. The significant role of county government in the implementation of these principles is also worthy of note.
The U.S. Declaration of Independence was unanimously adopted by the Second Continental Congress. The members of this body were selected by their peers from the 13 colonies of Great Britain. They were male freeholders, persons of property and standing. Yet, they risked their lives, their fortunes, and the future of their families to proclaim their determination to obtain and preserve the right of self-determination and self-governance. They so objected to the tariffs and restrictions imposed by a central government that they engaged in seven years of war to convert their words into reality. Some of them would not live to participate in the final outcome.
The Texas Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed on March 2, 1836, at Washington-on-the-Brazos by similar citizens while their compatriots suffered attack at the Alamo.
Having experienced freedom and liberty under the Mexican Constitution of 1824 or the U.S. Constitution, these leaders selected from local communities were also determined to resist the imposition of taxation and governmental overreach from a central government at the risk of death. Their future remained uncertain until secured by force of arms at San Jacinto.
These declarations of the right to elect their own leaders and affirm the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were the beginnings of the journey of our state and nation. Their preservation and expansion would require additional sacrifice of life in war and the wisdom to implement both a national and state constitution to restrict and balance the exercise of governmental power.
Throughout this process, the purest examples of the virtues of self-governance have been demonstrated at the local level. The willingness of local citizens to volunteer their time and talents to public service, often at financial detriment, has affirmed the confidence of our earliest founders that we are capable of acting in the common interest to fulfill this principle.
From the beginning, county government has been the primary vehicle for providing necessary community services while protecting our individual rights of self-determination. This balancing of the property and privileges of the individual with the requirements of our common interests and requirements has been essential to the continued success of our state and nation.
The belief and faith that the “American Dream” is attainable by all through diligence and perseverance while government provides the necessary common services and protects all from abuses of power is the essence of our system and the basis for continued support from the people.
“Freedom is a fragile thing and never more than one generation away from extinction.” – Ronald Reagan. The wisdom and sacrifice of previous generations have enabled our state and nation to grow and prosper into the most powerful and successful in history. Adherence to the principles of the right to life, liberty, and happiness have enabled our nation to attain an unparalleled level of economic plenty, educational expansion, and social inclusion. Unfortunately, once attained, the loss of liberty most often occurs through complacency, not foreign intervention.
“You have a republic, if you can keep it” – Benjamin Franklin. Our wonderful society requires constant attention to continue to improve and persevere. Implementation of policies toward concentration of power in centralized state and federal government undermines the principles of self-governance by local control and decision-making. Removal of authority over local budgets and revenue prevents counties from responding to local needs. Proposals to deny collective communication by county officials through their nonprofit associations will leave them unable to effectively participate in the legislative process.
Increased lack of interest in voting, jury service, and governmental affairs are warning signs of apathy and complacency. Expressions of distrust and resentment toward elected officials are evidence of increasing distance between the people and their representatives.
As our population exceeds 330 million in the nation and 30 million in our state, representation at these levels becomes remote, and the temptation to impose “one-size-fits-all” solutions becomes stronger. As campaigns become more expensive, the influence of large contributors becomes enlarged. As “gerrymandered” districts become the name of the game, the need to respond to the common interest declines. As opinions become fragmented and agitated by social media, the ability to implement practical solutions disappears.
County government remains the bulwark of the principles espoused by the U.S. and Texas Declarations of Independence. County officials remains the inheritors, beneficiaries, and guardians of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As we celebrate these rights, let’s remember to rededicate ourselves to their protection.