The Post Constitutional Era!

By Rich Kozlovich

 

This time period is being called the "Post Constitutional Era" - Why?  Mostly it's due to a monumental failure in public education.  A system that is now designed to turn out dumbed down generations that focus on 'feeling good about themelseves'.  Unfortunately 'feeling good about themselves' doesn't seem to have anything to do with reading since so many who have spent twelve years in school- twelve expensive years - have to take remedial classes in college.  Is it any wonder so many are decieved by the media and leaders that are more qualified to be members of the Club For the Galacticly Stupid than elected to any office of leadership.   

 

Well, today I read an article by Bob Unruh entitled, Progressive icon: Democrat Party has'disintegrated' under Obama.  He goes on to say; “The Washington Post called him an “expert on the Bill of Rights, the Supreme Court, student rights and education” and he was a longtime Village Voice writer and icon for progressives. But he no longer looks to Democrats to represent his view because of what has happened to the Democrat Party under President Obama.” And that “Hentoff has…..been a longtime supporter of Democrats, but occasionally has endorsed a Republican, as he did in his column at WND on Tuesday, where he said America needs the Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., kind of president in the White House.”   Hentoff is quoted as saying “I used to be a Democrat. But under Mr. Obama that party has rather disintegrated,” ……“I’m more likely to vote for who I believe supports the Constitution.”  Later in the article he talked about the ninth and tenth amendments, and then asked just how many actually know what these two amendments say?  I would add how may know what they mean, and why they were added to the Constitution?

I am always saddened at the lack of historical understanding I find in society, even among my friends who enjoy my little dissertations about events in the past that play into today’s reality.  I take great stock in the historical precedence since I believe truth is the sublime convergence of history and reality.  But we must know the history before we can apply it to today’s events.

 

A couple of years ago I decided to do a series on all the foundational documents about the establishment of the United States, including the Articles of Confederation, but alas….I have a job that seriously interferes with my life - entirely too much - and quite frankly – much to my regret – I realized I started something I had to abandon because it really was a daunting and complicated task to which I wasn’t going to be able to devote the time.

Well the Hentoff article has stirred that passion once again.  This time it should go more smoothly, and we’re going to start with the Preamble to the Constitution today.  Please take the time to follow the links and think about why these things were adopted as they were. 

One more thing!  The founding fathers were very smart and well read, and that becomes clear as you follow this series and see the foundational thinking behind their decisions.  Enjoy!

 

Preamble to the Constitution (1787)

 

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.

 

Notes for this section:

Notes
FAQ: Who wrote the Preamble?
FAQ: Is the Preamble considered law?

Americapedia: The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution and explains the general purposes of government. Written by Gouverneur Morris, the Preamble states: “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.”

Some, including Patrick Henry, objected to the Preamble’s wording and its claim that the people, rather than the respective states, were the agents of the compact.