In principle, at least, there is nothing wrong with our presidential candidates taking a deferential position on “the American people,” even with a stance that is fundamentally at odds with the ubiquitously antidemocratic views of America's founding fathers. It is wrong, however, for these candidates to take such a position without first calling for a citizenry that is conscientious, informed and absolutely willing to finally stand for something serious. An American democracy that treats education as little more than ornamentation can never elect a capable president.

Never.

For their part, acting against early predictions that American democracy is the "very worst of all political evils," our elected leaders must finally become willing to offer citizens much more than their desolate creed of embarrassing clichés and thoroughly empty witticisms. Reciprocally, should such a welcome willingness ever materialize, "the people" might actually begin to deserve some genuine tribute.

That would represent a second American Revolution.

Louis René Beres (PhD, Princeton, 1971) is the author of many books and articles on international relations and international law. His twelfth book, Surviving Amid Chaos: Israel's Nuclear Strategy, was recently published by Rowman & Littlefield. Dr. Beres is Emeritus Professor of International Law at Purdue University.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/Henry de Groux.