Vermont’s Bill of Rights enumerates our fundamental freedoms with one important addition. Besides telling the government what it can’t do, the Bill of Rights tells the people what we must do for ourselves. Article 18 implores us to make "frequent recurrence" to five civic virtues: "justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality." Without those virtues, say the Framers, we will lose "the blessings of liberty."
This presentation considers the role of virtue in maintaining our fundamental freedoms. Support for free speech is down among young people. Support for due process has been eroding on college campuses. Could it be that justice, moderation, temperance, industry and frugality might restore their standing? Finally, we’ll consider creative ways to bring virtue back into our common life.