Finding Benjamin Franklin

July 16, 2013    |   Discover more at Heritage's First Principles webpage Remembering Who's Really Supreme Recently, another Supreme Court term drew to a close with a number of high-profile decisions. But it’s important to keep in mind that Supreme Court decisions are not the final word in our constitutional system. It’s our duty as American citizens to keep pushing back, through all three branches of government, against any proposal that violates the Constitution. Finding Franklin Most of the Founding Fathers aimed their writing at influential policymakers. They spoke as equals to a king (the Declaration of Independence) and aimed to sway elite public opinion to their side (Federalist Papers). But the Founder with the most to say actually wrote for the common American. Steven Forde calls Benjamin Franklin the sage of America, a man who had much to say to his compatriots and still has good advice for us today. Maintain the Aid -- For Now There’s a lot more to democracy than simply holding a vote. That’s why, in Egypt, there may be long-term benefits to what was, in the short-run, a military coup. “Only time will tell if the Egyptian army’s action against Mr. Morsi produces a democratic outcome,” notes Heritage scholar Kim Holmes. He advises the U.S. keep aid flowing to Egypt -- for now -- as it tries to find a true democratic future. Quote of the Week "Laws are made for men of ordinary understanding and should, therefore, be construed by the ordinary rules of common sense. Their meaning is not to be sought for in metaphysical subtleties which may make anything mean everything or nothing at pleasure." - Thomas Jefferson, 1823 For more quotes, visit westillholdthesetruths.org     About The Heritage Foundation Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute — a think tank — whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202.546.4400 | heritage.org