Militant Decency
How to stay human in an alien world
“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
– July 4, 1776 –
These words from our founding documents, explaining the Mission Statement and philosophy of the Declaration of Independence which would follow, were written by men of the Enlightenment. In contrast to the absolute monarchies found in Europe, the founding fathers espoused the doctrines of individual liberty, freedom of religion, representative government and the rule of law. These doctrines were further illustrated in the preamble which begins with the words
“We the people of the United States”
It is we the people who are the governing body. It is we the people who strive to continue to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
In the Declaration of Independence the founding fathers claim further that “hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. – That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
These are the provision that outline a lawful and rule-based society. One that allows for free expression and creativity within a broad framework.
What does it mean to live in a rule-based society? A society where, by definition, rules are implemented and followed to ensure that citizens of that society have the opportunity to live a life free from fear, adversity and oppression? Why, at this particular point in the history of our country and even in the world, is it relevant to practice Militant Decency? What is Militant Decency and why is being a Decent Militant not only relevant but imperative in these times?
Militant Decency is the ability to maintain the grace and presence of mind to behave decently in an honorable manner should unfortunate situations arise. It is the ability to draw on intellect and customs and manners dictated by history, culture and societal norms when those who confront you are hostile.
