The letter from Mike Martens in Sunday’s Opinion page only adds to the never ending confusion as to what is a Democracy and what is a Republic? Two forms of government can wisely be remembered that a Democracy requires the mass of people to be active and present at the functions of their government. A Republic governs by representation elected by the people. A Republic can grow and expand but a Democracy cannot.

Also: “I pledge allegiance to the flag  Of the United States of America  And to the Republic   For which it stands….”

Now that we have passed through the primary phase of elections and gear up for the General Election in November, here is going to be a reaffirmation of the tenants of our Constitution come next election day. Here is something you can cut out and tape on your refrigerator door:

“The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for certain limited period, to representatives of their own choosing; and whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can, and undoubtedly will, be recalled.” - George Washington, 1787

RICK SEWARD

USMC Ret.

Coeur d’Alene