Politicians need to read it and heed it.
Those who have read it need to re-read it.
Teachers need to teach it. Families need to read it and pass it on to upcoming generations.
I am talking about the Constitution of the United States.
This week begins an observance that needs to be practiced more. “Constitution Day” is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have recently become U.S. citizens. It is observed on September 17, the day in 1787, that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.
“Constitution Week” runs annually from September 17 to September 23. It was officially enacted in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower following a congressional resolution petitioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, but it was President George W. Bush who officially declared Constitution Week in September 2002.
The purpose of Constitution Week is to promote the study of the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, the Daughters of the American Revolution state the purpose of the observance as:
· Emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution.
· Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life.
· Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution kick off Constitution Week by ringing bells at 4 pm EST on Constitution Day (Sep 17th). They continue by obtaining proclamations from public officials, creating displays in schools, libraries, courthouses, and other public areas, distributing copies of the Constitution, Preamble to the Constitution, and other patriotic literature, and other efforts to educate their communities about the Constitution.
I have heard it said that the Constitution is a dinosaur and has no meaning in life today. I so disagree. Here are some questions and issues that relate to the Constitution that I have heard on the news and commentary shows and social media posts:
Are burnings and lootings protected “speech” under the First Amendment, or are they chargeable crimes? Is the protection of local cities a state or federal responsibility?
Does the President have the constitutional authority to mandate the COVID vaccination?
Can monoclonal antibodies be reduced for states that have low vaccination rates?
Can federal law enforcement or troops be sent in when cities and states are not providing protection for citizens, property, and businesses?
You may have seen and heard other constitutional questions that pop up in today’s uncertain world.
Who would have predicted that we would experience a rise in constitutional questions? Our leaders and our citizens need to know and apply the Constitution.
Think about what you are seeing across our nation as you re-read the Preamble to our Constitution:
“We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.“
Jim Zeigler is the elected State Auditor of Alabama.
