At about two o’clock in the afternoon, the villagers re-entered the Town Hall. The clouds had opened up to let the weak but bright Winter Sun shine through onto the foot of snow that covered the land. The village was somewhat blended into this cold clean world and bravely sent up tendrils of smoke from its several fires. Lending an air of cheerfulness to this scene was Chickadees playing chase and chirp from roof to roof and around the stockade walls. A few Ravens sat about making raucous comments about the play and the focus of the villagers in the Town Hall. I read points five, six and seven to the assembly.

Point five seemed to be a continuation to point four to several members. They presented their perspectives about this and I added Kerry’s words and response to these comments. Then we voted on whether or not to keep point five as part of the “Corner Stone”. It was shelved for further discussion and use later when we began to “flesh out” the framework represented by the Corner Stone. The vote wasn’t unanimous, but it was a ninety three percent majority. I believe MacJon called this a “MaxiMajority” in some of the discussions we had in the recent past.

Point six; “It is the duty of the People to help the leaders to fullfill the above obligations and responsibilities”… was included as a conclusive assessment and unique foundational concept. Unique to us anyway, in the sense that we had a long tradition of expecting leadership to make all the important decisions regarding our lives in a social and cultural context. It was beginning to look like we were all obligated to do our part in the overall decision making process.

That left point seven:
(5) It is the duty and social responsibility of the People to decide and act upon, what is best for themselves as individuals and as community members. The People, as responsible individuals and community members, will not allow their leaders, without us, to decide anything about the society we are. This is the task of everyone and any individual’s failure to do so is the beginning of social error and potential alienation from his or her society. Every decision will be considered and voted upon by every member of the community…with only a few exceptions that reality circumstances indicated.”
This one took about two hours of discussion as we explored its meaning and value to us as a group and as individuals. Some of us felt to stupid to do this. Some felt they were too lazy to do this. It was pointed out that there might come a time when this approach to decision making and problem solving might prove unwieldy because of our numbers and the number of issues to resolve. We finally arrived at the conclusion, concerning this, that we must not cringe from this future possibility and instead, maintain our unity, solidarity and confidence in taking command of our destinies together. The future would take care of itself. To back off from a state of total control BY the People was to be defeated and returned to what we had left behind in the Old Countries. We voted and embraced point seven.

At this time, the Sun was setting, and tummies were growling. Father Donovan asked us to return tomorrow in the afternoon to review the final Corner Stone document, that he would write for us with the understanding that if any of us saw any flaw in it, it was their duty to speak up. This was understood and agreeable to everyone and we dispersed through the cold clear evening to our homes.

I noticed Lorenzo taking Colleen by the hand to walk her home to her Father’s house. It was becoming quite obvious that they were becoming very fond of each other. I expect that they will enter marriage soon. This is needed by, ”We the People”.

Hmmm. I think I will call a meeting to see if we can’t decide on what to call ourselves as a People.

Shane