Conservative columnist Michael Gerson is a respected member of the Washington Post Writers’ Group. In a recent syndicated column he concluded with the following bit of sage advice:

“A shift in mind-set is first required among conservatives: thinking of government as a precious national institution in need of care and reform. This would honor the founders. The real founders.”

This cogent comment represents an in-your-face statement to those on the far right who would constantly rail against government. Individuals who have little understanding of federal authority and responsibilities.

Demagogues!

Anecdote: When the government shutdown occurred there were members of Congress who applauded such action and then were surprised at the ramifications. They were ignorant of the services provided by “government” and how the shutdown might affect the very people they were sent to Washington to represent.

“The federal government does that? Aw shucks, I didn’t know!”

I agree with Mr. Gerson when he talks about making a commitment to establishing an “effective, modest, modern government.” Such actions should be taken out of respect for the institution rather than disdain. (And yes, I do realize much heated discussion would surround attempts to define the meaning of a “modest” government.)

In the 1770s a rag tag group of men and women courageously took on what was at the time far and above the most powerful military force in the world.

After emerging victorious our forefathers then sat down and committed to paper an outline, a Constitution, describing the steps to be taken in forming a nation. Repeating what Mr. Gerson said, surely it isn’t too much to ask that we treat their greatness, their political ideals, their unequaled creation, as a “precious national institution.”