Remembering the proper relationship of "we the people" to our government

Bad behavior from government is no different than bad behavior from toddlers. They will do just as undisciplined children will do--they will try to get away with as much as those tasked to monitor them are willing to let them get away with.

And--just as with children--effective discipline of our government is not a "one and done" action. I know from experience that our government will meet us with as much resistance as a stubborn toddler, and if we only try to discipline them once and then quit, they will know that they have won and nothing will change. It does take time and effort to get the desired result. But if people aren't willing to put in the effort and the time, then they shouldn't really be surprised when we get undisciplined government and undisciplined children. We get what we accept.