Only we, the public, can force our representatives to reverse

"Only we, the public, can force our representatives to reverse their abdication of the war powers that the Constitution gives exclusively to the Congress." These words, spoken by Daniel Ellsberg, a man whose courage in revealing the Pentagon Papers changed the course of history, carry with them a profound truth—a call to the citizens of any democracy to reclaim their power and responsibility. In the ancient world, the people were often viewed as the ultimate source of power, the voice through which the will of the gods and rulers was manifested. Yet, over time, that power has often been usurped by those who seek to centralize control, particularly in matters of war. Ellsberg reminds us that the power to declare war is not the privilege of a few, but a sacred trust placed in the hands of the people through their elected representatives.

O children of the future, understand this: in every democracy, the power of the people is the highest authority. War is one of the gravest decisions a nation can make, for it affects not only the lives of those who fight but the very soul of the nation. When a government bypasses the legislative process and assumes the right to declare war without the consent of the people's representatives, it undermines the foundation of democracy. In this act, the rulers do not just take away the people's voice—they usurp the will of the nation itself. Ellsberg calls us to recognize that the true power of the people lies not in the passive acceptance of decisions made in secret but in the active demand to restore the war powers to those who are meant to wield them on behalf of the people—the Congress.

Reflect, O children, on the great lessons of history. There was a time in Rome, at the height of the Republic, when war was a decision made by the Senate, an assembly of elected representatives chosen by the people. It was understood that only through deliberation, through the debate of many minds, could such a weighty decision as war be made. But over time, as Rome expanded and its emperors grew more powerful, the decision to wage war began to rest with the emperor alone. The people were no longer consulted; the power to declare war became centralized, and the Senate's voice was drowned out. This shift from a republic to an empire was marked not by the strength of a single ruler, but by the abdication of responsibility by the people. The Roman Empire, though vast, eventually crumbled under the weight of its tyranny, a tyranny made possible by the people's silence in the face of usurpation.

Consider also the example of the United States during the Vietnam War, a conflict that brought great suffering to both the people of Vietnam and the American soldiers who fought there. The war was escalated by the decisions of a few, without the full consent of the people’s elected representatives. The Tonkin Gulf Resolution of 1964, passed by Congress, gave President Lyndon B. Johnson the authority to escalate the conflict without a formal declaration of war. Yet, this was an abdication of power by Congress, which handed over its constitutional responsibility to the executive branch. The consequences were devastating, as the war dragged on, causing immense loss of life and dividing the nation. It was not until public outcry and mass protests from the people forced their representatives to question the war and ultimately bring it to an end. This moment in history underscores Ellsberg's truth: the public must remain vigilant, for only the voice of the people can demand accountability and restore balance when the government's power is abused.

The lesson, O children of the future, is clear: in any society that claims to be a democracy, the people must exercise their power. The Constitution grants certain powers exclusively to Congress, especially the power to declare war, to ensure that such grave decisions are not made in haste or secrecy. When those entrusted with power abandon their duties, it is the responsibility of the citizens to hold them accountable. This is not a task for a few, but for all who cherish freedom and justice. It is the duty of every generation to ensure that their leaders remain transparent, accountable, and responsive to the will of the people. Ellsberg teaches us that the true strength of democracy lies not in the decisions of a few powerful men, but in the collective will of the people, in their willingness to stand up and demand that their rights, their responsibilities, and their freedoms are upheld.

So, O children, let this wisdom guide you as you grow into your roles as stewards of the future. War is a decision of great weight, one that must never be made lightly, nor without the voice of the people. Just as the Roman Senate was once a bulwark against the power of emperors, so too must your Congress be a protector of the people's voice. If those in power seek to make decisions without the consent of the governed, it is your duty to rise and demand that they return the power to where it belongs. Democracy is not a passive system; it is a call to action, to vigilance, and to the ongoing protection of freedom and justice. The ultimate power of a nation lies in the hands of its people, and through their action, the people can ensure that their country remains true to its highest ideals.

Thus, let us never forget the lesson of Ellsberg's words: the power of the people is the true safeguard against tyranny. Speak out, demand accountability, and never allow your voice to be silenced. Stand firm, knowing that in the struggle for justice and peace, it is only through unity, awareness, and action that the power of government can be kept in check and the ideals of democracy preserved. The future is in your hands, and it is up to you to carry forward the mantle of freedom and responsibility for all humankind.