People often point out that it seems that there are the following important problems that need to be solved by our people with their actions and examples: whether human society can really establish a good government through careful consideration and free choice, or whether they are always doomed to decide their political organization by chance and strength. If this statement is not unreasonable, then we may take it for granted that the critical moment we are facing is the moment when we should make this decision; From this perspective, if we choose the wrong role, it should be considered as the misfortune of all mankind. This idea will increase the motivation of caring for human beings in addition to the motivation of patriotism, thus raising the concern of all thoughtful and kind people about this incident.
We will be very lucky if our choice depends on a wise estimation of our true interests and is not confused and influenced by facts that have nothing to do with the public interest. However, this matter can only be eagerly anticipated but not seriously anticipated. The plan provided for our consideration will affect too many private interests and reform too many local institutions, so the discussion will inevitably involve all kinds of things that have nothing to do with the merits of the plan, which is not conducive to seeking the truth.
Among the biggest obstacles that the new constitution will inevitably encounter, we can easily find the following situations: every state has a certain kind of people, whose obvious interest lies in opposing all changes, because those changes may reduce their power, treatment and status in the state government; There are also a group of people who, out of abnormal ambitions, either want to expand their influence when the country is in chaos, or think that for them, when the country is divided into several parts, they have more opportunities to climb up than to unite. However, I don't intend to elaborate my views on people of this character. I clearly know that I will indiscriminately oppose any passerby (just because their position will make them suspicious)
Undoubtedly, most of the objections that have been expressed or may be expressed in the future are understandable, even if they are not admirable. This is a normal ideological error caused by preconceived jealousy and fear. There are indeed many reasons for misjudgment, and they are so powerful that we can often see that smart and kind people are on the right side in dealing with the most important problems in society. Some people are on the wrong side. If this situation is handled properly, it can provide a lesson to those who are very self-righteous in any argument and exercise restraint when things go wrong. In this regard, there is another noteworthy reason, which comes from the following considerations: we are often not sure whether people who support the truth are more pure in principle than their opposites. Ambition, greed, personal hatred, partisan opposition, there are many more unworthy than these.
If even these temperamental motives do not exist, then nothing is more unwise than the intolerant spirit of various political parties. Because in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to use with fire and sword to force people to convert. The heresy between the two is rarely eliminated by persecution. However, no matter how solid and reasonable these opinions are, we have enough signs to predict them. In this discussion, the same situation will appear as when all major national issues were discussed before. Anger and malicious passion can be as unrestrained as a torrent. Judging from the behavior of the opposing sides, we will come to the conclusion that they will hold the same hope to show the correctness of their views and increase the number of converts with impassioned loud speeches and harsh abuse. Wise and enthusiastic support for the power and efficiency of the government will be vilified as out of love for authoritarianism. Oppose the principle of freedom. Too careful to prevent threats to people's rights-usually an intellectual fault, not an emotional fault-is said to be just an excuse and a trick, and a stale bait to sacrifice public welfare. On the one hand, people will forget that jealousy is usually accompanied by love, and the lofty enthusiasm of freedom is easily influenced by narrow skepticism. On the other hand, people will forget that the power of the government is indispensable to protect freedom. If we want to judge correctly and wisely, their interests are inseparable; Dangerous ambitions are mostly covered by beautiful clothes that are enthusiastic about people's rights, and are rarely covered by stern faces that are enthusiastic about supporting the government firmly and efficiently.
History will tell us that the former is more inevitably moving towards autocracy than the latter; Most of the people who overthrew People's Republic of China (PRC)'s franchise made their fortune by pleasing the people. They started as instigators and ended as despots. My fellow citizens, in the above discussion, I have noticed all attempts by groundless impressions from any side to influence your decision on extremely urgent welfare issues, so beware of these attempts. There is no doubt that you can also find from my general point of view in the above discussion that they are not hostile to the new constitution. Yes, my fellow citizens, I admit that after careful consideration of the new constitution, I clearly believe that it is beneficial for you to accept it. I believe that this is the most reliable way for you to strive for freedom, dignity and happiness. I don't have to pretend to hold back. When I make up my mind, I won't please you with caution. I frankly admit my beliefs to you and frankly state the reasons on which these beliefs are based.
My intention is good, and I don't bother to be vague, but I don't want to make more confession on this topic. My motivation must stay in my heart. My argument will be open to all and judged by all. At least these arguments are put forward in the spirit of not damaging the original intention of truth. I intend to discuss the following interesting questions in a series of papers: the benefits of federalism to your political prosperity; The new constitution conforms to the real principles of * * * and political power, and is also similar to your state constitution, as well as the further protection of the government and free property through the new constitution. In this discussion, I will try my best to give a satisfactory answer to all possible objections that may attract everyone's attention.
Some people may think it unnecessary to demonstrate the benefits of federalism. This argument is undoubtedly remembered by most people in every state. It is conceivable that no one will object. But in fact, we have heard private comments in private circles who oppose the new constitution: for any general system, the scope of thirteen States is too wide, and we must rely on independent confederations that divide the whole into different parts. This statement is likely to spread gradually until there are enough supporters. Agree to admit it publicly. For those who are far-sighted, nothing is more obvious than this: accept the new constitution or split the union. Therefore, it is very useful to analyze the benefits of the Federation and the inevitable disadvantages and possible dangers exposed due to the division of the Federation.