My soul is tried, how about yours?

In past writing, I have always said that government is our instrument, not our enemy. What true said is that the US Constitution is our instrument and salvation when political incumbents undermine the government that is ruled by this statute.

The incumbents are all subordinated to the law, and the incumbent regime is fraught with evidence that they have a propensity for tyranny.

"THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. 

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. 

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods, and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. 

Thomas Paine, The Crisis No. I (written 19 December 1776, published 23 December 1776)

We are in yet another great struggle as a nation to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is ours to keep, the citizens to whom elected representatives are beholden.

Reflecting on Thomas Paine