Barbara Essington writes that a lack of transparency would have shocked the kite-flier and the other Founders.
To the Editor:
A woman asked Benjamin Franklin after the Constitutional Convention what kind of new government structure the delegates had created. He replied, "A republic, if you can keep it."
The dictionary defines a republic as a nation or state in which supreme power is held by the citizens, who elect representatives to manage the government with an elected president - rather than a monarch.
So how important is it for us to expect our president and representatives to be transparent in government dealings, protect the citizens, enforce existing laws and uphold the Constitution? Instead, we have seen a pattern of lies or deception on the Affordable Care Act, abuses by the National Security Agency and the Internal Revenue Service, and questions over the Benghazi, Libya, consulate attack.
In addition, racism has divided Americans and there have been many senseless killings of people in law enforcement during President Barack Obama's administration. Immigrants who are here ilegally are allowed and even encouraged to break the law.
Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, during her pitiful tenure as secretary of state, completely disregarded government protocol by using a private email account and private server. The truth is slowly coming out, but apparently she has long felt that she is above the law. Imagine what might happen if she ever became president.
Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry think that the greatest threat to America is climate change. However, no nation can ultimately thrive when it refuses to enforce its own laws and continually winks at corruption from within.
I believe there is a God who is in control of all nations and their leaders. Perhaps He is allowing America to come "to the end of its rope." We need to pay attention.
Barbara Essington
Carneys Point Township
Let N.J. pastors carry concealed weapons
To the Editor:
Regarding the recent article, "Fearing for their flock, pastors seek concealed-carry gun permits," which detailed the unsuccessful efforts of two South Jersey pastors to secure such difficult-to-obtain permits from their towns:
I agree with the pastors seeking the right to carry concealed weapons. And, I would like to see the right to carry concealed weapons granted to all law-abiding citizens in New Jersey.
In today's environment, it seems all of us can be potential targets. On almost every nightly newscast, there are reports of innocent citizens being attacked by criminals.
RELATED: N.J. gun association calls woman's death an abomination
There is no good reason why the law-abiding citizens of New Jersey are not granted the same gun-carrying rights as the citizens in many other states in the union.
Jack Lockwood
Sewell
Candidate a friend to veterans
To the Editor:
I'm a military veteran. I served my country during the Lebanon crisis, and these days I serve as an entrepreneur and as a charitable donor.
As someone who has dedicated his life to serving his community, I know a community leader when I see one and Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi exemplifies community leadership.
Fiocchi, a Republican running this fall for re-election to his First District Assembly seat, has assisted me over the last few months and continues to serve me as best he can. He has continued to exhaust every available option in order to get the best possible outcome in my request for veterans' assistance. The effort that he has put forth in order to serve me is extraordinary.
Fiocchi truly cares about the people he serves, and that's the best quality to have when you serve an entire community.
T.D. DeNofio
Millville
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