No idea was more completely overturned by the American Revolution than the so-called “divine right of kings,” the notion that kings ruled over people by right granted from God, a right that was passed down from generation to generation. Well, looks like the concept is making a comeback.
John Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, has been in the Congress since 1955. Yes, that’s 46 years. He took over the seat in a special election after his father died. His father had held the seat since 1932. So the Dingell bloodline has held the seat now for 69 years . . . and counting. There has been speculation that Dingell, almost 75, will step down soon, and help his wife or son the queen and the prince, if you like to snag the seat in his stead.
But in a recent speech, Dingell suggested he plans to spend pretty much the rest of eternity in Congress. Said he to President Bush: “If and when your daughters, Barbara or Jenna, are elected to Congress, I’ll be there.”
Of course, a congressman, or even the president, is certainly not a king. No matter what they may think. It’s just the family business. But somehow that doesn’t sound much better. It still implies that power is something to be gobbled up, monopolized, exploited for personal gain. That’s not what America is all about. If government is to be of, by and for the people, well, it has to first be “of the people.” Not of kings and princes.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.