Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto; Let the will of the People be the Supreme Law?

[gordianot]

The Missouri State Motto. When I was in Junior High I was told in Missouri Constitution class this motto means: "Let the will of the people be the supreme law". When I took High School Latin our teacher took issue with this translation. It could be translated "Let the good of the people be the supreme law" or "Let the Health of the People be the Supreme Law".

On one hand the "will" of the people fits the old Roman concept of the rods of the people fascist ax symbol which modern day American Congress adopted and influenced such people as Mussolini. She pointed out the translation of "will" and other translations were a huge difference. This is about all I took away from Latin in High School.

I do believe we are in a moment when the "will" is divided and the "good, welfare, health" of the people is up for grabs. I do want to thank my Latin Teacher so many years ago for her insight.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

1. Who decides what is the good, welfare and health of the people if not the people?

[gordianot]

2. Which is why you need representative government it depends on who they really represent.

One reason why Rome descended into chaos. Good question.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

3. That doesn't answer the question it just pushes it back ever so slightly.

Who decides what is representative?

I'm not dismissing the notion the system is corrupt and corporatist. I believe it with every fiber of my being. I believe it pollutes and infects everything decent about our society, going so far as to turn neighbor against neighbor.

But we cannot then tell those same corrupt bastards to give us laws that will undercut their patrons. At best you'll be lucky to be ignored and dismissed. At worst they will smile in your face and tell you they have heard your voice only to leave you to find they have passed a law that places so many burdens on your voice the patron is the only one left to speak.

There is only 1 thing they will ever truly fear -- the day we no longer need them.

[gordianot]

4. That is exactly the dilemma maybe a more evolved human.

The fault lies within us.

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. It does mean 'health' or 'well-being', as in 'salutary'

Or the French 'salut!' - a toast to health. And it's a quote from Cicero, who was no populist - he believed that educated men knew what was best for people, but had a duty to look out for people, not themselves.

And I found out from this that it's also the motto of my own borough council - translated as 'welfare'.