Sep 16 2011
What Does The Constitution Mean To You?
Rich Nugent
I have always marveled at the brilliance of our Founding Fathers in creating the Constitution, a document that has endured the test of time. In fact, when you consider that since its creation and adoption,it has only been amended 27 times, and ten of those amendments were the Bill of Rights adopted in 1791, their wisdom and foresight is beyond impressive. It is inspired.
Sadly, much of that wisdom is lost on young people today. So this year, in observance of Constitution Day, I've asked middle school and high school students in the District to participate in an essay competition answering the question, "what does the Constitution mean to you?" By asking our youngsters to study the Constitution and to think about the difference it makes in their lives, we are providing them with the tools and perspective necessary to understand their important role in our democracy's future. The Constitution forms the foundation of our great nation. Every new law proposed by Congress must meet its requirements. It defines the roles of the various branches of government. And most importantly, it is the firewall between our individual freedom and the power-hungry government that
would inevitably take it away.
Finally, I've also organized a Rally For A Balanced Budget Amendment to raise awareness and support for passing and ratifying a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. As has been the case throughout our history, the Constitution has saved us in times of great national peril. I truly believe, and so do two-thirds of all Americans, that the United States Congress should be required to balance its budget just as state and local governments all across the country do. The only way to achieve that is by amendment the Constitution, the only document strong enough to stand up to the power of the self-interested in Washington. This Friday morning in Dade City, State Representative Will Weatherford and Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri will join
me to rally support for passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment. I hope you'll be able to join us.
The rally will be at the Pasco County Historical Courthouse in Dade City (37918 Meridian Ave) from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Comments 1-1 of 1
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CPT Erik J. Anthes
09/16/2011 02:31 PM
The Constitution of the United States is the beacon from which the light of liberty shines on the world. This revered, living document's foundation is that our society is always improving, and "We the People" are responsible for the for securing the blessings of liberty that were, and even today are, forged in the blood of patriots and tyrants.
When pledging service to the nation, everyone is required to raise their right hand and pledge an oath. Unlike many governments, where a servant pledges loyalty to a person, the United States requires loyalty not to a person, but to the Constitution. This fact differentiates us by ensuring the peaceful transition of the tenants of American political power; democratically elected representatives fulfilling the specific duties based on the will of the people.
The Constitution of the United States is a living document, in that it lives within each one of it's servants. We must be careful to not take the ideals written in this document for granted, nor should we strip the meaning of it away with a magnifying glass. The American way of life as we know it relies on the responsible preservation of our rights and instilling the virtues of self reliance that have been the tenant of Americanism since the dawn of our Revolution.
| Date | Title |
|---|---|
| 9/16/11 | Current record |
| 9/9/11 | We Remember September 11 |
| 9/8/11 | The Bad News Keeps Coming |
| 9/2/11 | Happy Labor Day |