Next year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. But perhaps the real beginning was when the Constitution was adopted on March 4, 1779. It was that constitution that made us unique. When asked what kind of government this would be, Ben Franklin responded to a question by Elibeth Willing Powers. “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy.” Franklin responded: “a Republic, if you can keep it.” We have kept it, but not without challenges. One is reminded that the great Roman Empire lasted for an incredibly long time, but eventually it fell because its’ citizens became complacent and ultimately it collapsed completely in 1453.
The following article by my good friend Larry outlines his analysis of four distinct periods of time where our republic had to find a way to handle difficult issues in order to survive. It is a great reminder that freedom is never free, it requires all of us to stand firm on our core principles or we risk losing the greatest nation in the history of the world.
Forthcoming Reckoning
America has gone through three great eras—three “republics.” Each one could have been stronger, fairer, and more united if the people had taken responsibility instead of expecting someone else to do it. Each time, ordinary Americans looked the other way when action was needed. And now we live with the consequences.
The First Republic gave us the Constitution and talked about liberty—but the founders protected slavery because it suited them. They left the hardest moral problem to someone else. Ordinary citizens mostly went along, hoping it wouldn’t touch them. We inherited that mess—and it shaped the nation for generations.
The Second Republic was the Civil War and Reconstruction. The nation finally confronted the problem slavery created, but again, ordinary Americans failed to fully confront their own role in the nation’s divisions. We ended slavery—but we didn’t repair the trust and unity that had been broken. Bitterness lingered. Division remained.
The Third Republic came after World War II. America built prosperity, institutions, and opportunity. But instead of fostering responsibility and unity, we let politicians exploit fear and division to win votes. Citizens watched, comforted themselves, and let convenience replace courage. We let ordinary Americans be pitted against each other—and we stood aside.
Now we are in the Fourth Republic. Families are fragile. Institutions are weak. Civility is under pressure. Truth is negotiable. And the responsibility lies with us—our generation. We could have insisted on standards. We could have demanded integrity. We could have taken responsibility when it mattered most. Instead, we got quiet, distracted, or passive.
This Fourth Republic isn’t about lectures or guilt trips. It’s about reckoning. We must step up or the country doesn’t recover. We have to rebuild trust, teach responsibility, restore civility, and show that being a citizen means more than posting outrage online or complaining about politicians.
The Fourth Republic will not be saved by hashtags, TV pundits, or political slogans.
It will be rebuilt by people who actually do the work:
– Neighbors treating each other with respect.
– Communities rebuilding trust.
– Families passing down values.
– Adults acting like adults.
We remember when America worked because we lived it.
We know what’s possible.
We also know what happens when people sit back and assume someone else will do the job.
The Fourth Republic depends on us.
If we don’t act, the country we love won’t survive intact for our children or grandchildren.
It’s on us. And we still can.
Thanks Larry. Great job. We’ve been warned.
TDM