‘The Others’ have been denied their rights

The recent shutdown in Washington brings to mind some of our country’s proudest documents. The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and Article VII of the Constitution tell us that the government is of the people – the Others. They affirm that it was the People who ordained and established the Constitution; and it was the people in convention form who ratified it (capitalization in the original). It was not the state legislatures nor the political parties.

When our government is shut down, then we, for whom it exists — the Others — are denied what the Constitution provides. For five recent weeks the very men and women who protect us, at the border and elsewhere, went without pay and without the respect to which they are due. They included Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and Drug Enforcement personnel. Not only is it ironic, it is the definition of dumb. The Constitution says that it is our “defence” that is to be provided for (spelling in the original). As Lincoln famously said: “… that government of the people, by the people, and for the people…”The government is of the people – the Others.

The Constitution provides in part that the President:” …shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,…” (capitalization in the original). “Faithfully “suggests the same level of seriousness and respect as that of an oath. It suggests steadfastness, loyalty to principle, conviction.

Shutting down part of the federal government does not equate with the “faithful” carrying out of one’s duties. Shutting down part of the federal government does not equate with the presidential oath of office: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President…” “Faithful” is used twice in Article II. Shutting down the government is the antithesis of public service and the greater good.

One pathway to a resolution of our malfunctioning government may lie in the Jesuit goal of education: “Men and Women for Others.” This goal embraces the realization that there are tens of millions of people around the world who live in tremendous poverty, often in the midst of crime and corruption, and whose lives are filled with fear on a daily basis.

Many are our neighbors in the United States. The media bring us images from the international scene on a daily basis. This goal of “Men and Women for Others” can be adopted by all citizens, but in terms of our government’s current paralysis, one would argue that it applies in particular to the Legislative and Executive branches in Washington.

A total of 55 members of Congress hold one or more degrees from Jesuit colleges or universities. Of those 55, 12 are in the Senate and 43 are in the House. Of the 12 Senators, nine are men and three are women. In the Senate nine are Democrats and three are Republicans. Of the 43 members in the House, 30 are men and 13 are women; 35 are Democrats and eight are Republicans. Two of the 55 hold prominent leadership positions. Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois is the Senate Democratic Whip, the number two minority position, while Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland is the House Majority Leader.

Together, the 55 could comprise a bipartisan voting bloc of ten per cent of the Congress. Call them “Men and Women for Others.” A bloc is a group of legislators who act together to advance a common interest regardless of party affiliation. It reinforces the philosophy of the Constitution that our representatives and executive branch leaders are in Washington to represent us – the Others.

The oath they take is to protect and defend the Constitution which our ancestors ordained and established. They are not there to pander to hyphenated groups, nor to preach down to our supposed prejudices, nor to separate one group from another based on religion, ethnicity, or class distinctions, nor to bully those with whom they disagree.

While the goal of “Men and Women for Others” has been encouraged by Jesuit leaders and colleges it need not be embraced solely by those of one religious faith. Indeed, religious faith need not be a reason for embracing it. Let us hope that the words are more than platitudes at commencement exercises.

As the late Senator John McCain said: “Nothing in life is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself,…”