Listen to the People!

A Note from the Founder

 

During New Hampshire’s 2016 “First-in-the-Nation Primary,” I had a number of occasions to speak with Hawaiian Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a candidate for president who, in my eyes, exemplified the Spirit
of Public Service.

 

Those exchanges reached their finale, fulfillment during the Question & Answer session at the conclusion of the candidate’s rally in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Since no one stepped up to the microphone with a question, I paused . . . . considered and rose, walked forward to pick up our thread:

“I have some words, Tulsi, to convey to you from your sister, Catherine Drinker Bowen, author of The Miracle of Philadelphia, the blessed story of the constituting of our nation.”

Our gazes met, all of 2-3 feet apart, heart-to-heart. I continued, “Catherine wrote:

‘If WE, the People should ever become an entity, a corporate (embodied) being, imagine what power that incorporation (in-corp-oration) may one day represent’.”

The words quietly resounded. The candidate, Tulsi nodded her head; I went on:

“Representatives represent; governors govern; presidents preside. Indeed, that is exactly what George Washington did, on behalf of 'The Searcher of Hearts,’ during that constitutional convention. With the dove perched on his shoulder, for 4 timeless months the “Father of Our Nation” presided, harkened to all that stirred in the hearts and souls of the delegates, bore witness to the People, We.” Tulsi took in what was offered. “If,” I went on, “there is a candidate who can hear these words, Tulsi, I believe it is you:

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Listen to the People, dear sister!​ Listen to the People!"

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​Gazing deeply into the candidate's eyes, I turned and, leaving my words hanging in the air, returned to my seat.
 

The deepening silence . . . . was followed by an outbreak of applause. A confirmation of that “corporate being,” WE, the People, that holds sway?