Why our ancestors left the old countries

“That is an Old World trait and I won’t have it.” – Daniel Woodrell, Woe to Live On. 

Jacob Roedel spoke of his German-born father’s belief that citizens should follow what was told them because officials “have uniforms and high-sounding titles.” In Europe, many officials of high or low position wore uniforms. Tax collectors, railroad conductors, toll bridge fee takers. In European thinking, the uniform elevated the wearer. The official, minor or upper-level, must be obeyed because his position was created and overseen by king, czar or kaiser. To disobey a uniformed official was to disobey the ultimate ruler. Today, too many politicians and bureaucrats have placed themselves in the position of uniformed officials. They do not know that our country was founded in opposition to the belief that government must be followed in all situations and circumstances.