Here's my Constitution - Introduction to the series

As part of my Road Trip, a common factor among everyone I've visited is that they are VERY dedicated to the defense of the Constitution.

For myself, on March 17, 1967, I took my first Oath of Enlistment in the USAF. Since then, I've taken several such oaths, and not just at the Federal level.

My Constitution means a lot to me. I was then, on 3/17/67, and am still today, prepared to lay down my life in the defense of my Constitution. I have fought in war to protect this Nation against foreign enemies, and I have fought on the streets to protect my community against domestic enemies. I am fighting still, to preserve an understanding of our Nation and it's guiding document from the predation of those who would casually re-define the Constitution to serve their base purposes.

All that said, and said with conviction, I have recently noticed a problem with my dedication to the defense of my Constitution: I'm getting to be in a distinct minority. There are too many who want to change the Constitution (and believe that they are entitled to), and their are too many more who just don't understand what it says. When I first learned about the Constitution, lo those 55 years ago, there was a clear understanding about the document by my teachers. After all, it had been less than a decade since this nation had fought three very tough foes in World War Two, and a goodly number of those teachers had done the fighting. Since then, however, it seems to have become fashionable for teachers to present the Constitution to students as a theoretical concept only (an amorphous one at that), and not as an absolute guide to citizenship, which it is.

I think my good friend the "Layabout Sailor" may have recognized this, because he sent me away out of Dickinson, TX with a very good book, "The Heritage Guide to the Constitution", a compendium of scholarly thought on our Most Important Document. The list of legal scholars who have contributed to the book is long and illustrious, and Ed Meese was Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board.

I'm not reading this book as a page-turner, but when I dedicate myself to reading a chapter, I do it as if there's going to be an exam shortly, including the taking of notes.

There WILL be an "exam". We just don't know when, but I have the definite feeling it will be in my lifetime.

I have decided to write a continuing series about my readings here at the Rivrdog Blog. Each essay will attempt to give you my take on that Article or section thereof, or each Amendment. I will summarize what the scholars of the book had to say about those individual subjects.

When it's all done, I hope to be better educated as a citizen, and if my written communication is in top form, readers should be able to gain some better understanding of our Constitutional culture at the same time.

Wish me luck.

Comments

[Aaron Neal]

Best of luck, and please do make every attempt to write in top form.

I'll be saving your essays as part of Alex's educational reading when he gets older.

Unfortunately, I agree that those of us who actually pay attention to the Constitution are a distinct minority. Maybe it will end up as a fight; I think it will end up with us being the "Remnant" that Connie Du Toit has written about.

I'm preparing myself for the former, and preparing Alex for both.

[GUYK]

Many years ago a soviet leader banged his shoe on the desk at the U.N. and swore that the soviets would bury us..and words to the effect that we would crumble from within.

And we are crumbling from within...take a look at the K-12 education...most curriculum doesn't include even the basics of American History and government let alone a study of the whens and whys of the Constitution. One can now get a college degree with out even a survey course in American government or history. Why?

Recently I read that a judge has decided that parents in his state cannot home school their children unless they are certified teachers..again, WHY?

Why? Because the educators know that teaching the constitution and American history and government will reinforce freedom..the creator given freedom that so many have fought for and so many others have died for.

I am looking forward to your series. Thanks

[Fred]

This is a subject that needs to be taught to all Americans. The immigrants that take the citizenship test are better versed on the Constitution than most citizens. I will save your writings for use by my daughter that is home schooling. (Only with your permission)

I wish it had been possible to buy you an adult beverage while you were here in Texas. Perhaps next time.

[Lauren]

Wishing you luck, dear Sir...but somehow, I seriously doubt you'll need it. I have faith in you.