On September 17th, we celebrated our Constitution’s 234th birthday. It’s truly an amazing document. When you study the political climate in the 1780s, it’s a true miracle the Framers drafted it and that it was ratified unanimously. President Calvin Coolidge put it this way:
“The study of it (the Constitution) which I then began has never ceased and the more I study it the more I have come to admire it, realizing that no other document devised by the hand of man ever brought so much progress and happiness to humanity.
The Constitution of the United States is the final refuge of every right that is enjoyed by any American. So long as it is observed. Those rights will be secured.
To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race.”
That is a very bold statement, but history shows it was right on target. The longevity of our Constitution is a testament to the validity of our Founding Principles.
I am amused when I hear the Constitution only worked back in the 18th century, that we’re in the 21st century and the Framers had no idea how complex society would become or the breadth of our technological advances. It is true that Washington, Madison, even an inventor like Benjamin Franklin, had no idea we would be able to fly from coast to coast in four hours, communicate instantaneously with people around the globe from the palms of our hands, or commute to town in minutes instead of hours.
I’m pretty sure this same Constitution was in place when each of these technological advances occurred. When the correct principles are selected, technology can be applied and amazing things can result. Principles are timeless. Newton’s Laws of Motion are just as applicable today as they were in the 17th century. The same is true with our Constitutional principles.
Those who believe we should throw out the Constitution and adopt some new, contemporary form of governance typically suggest giving more authority to the central government or the “experts.” That is a return to governments from the past that have not provided the opportunities that ours has. In many instances, these are failed systems and to this day a self-governing society is the most contemporary form of government ever devised.
The Framers often referred to the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God. We can learn so much from nature. When you plant a tree, it takes preparation and care to help it grow healthy. After you’ve selected the correct tree for your application, the soil must be prepared correctly. You must provide adequate drainage, fertilization and dig the hole to the proper depth. After you plant the tree, it must be watered correctly, mulched, fertilized and pruned to grow properly. If all this is done correctly, the tree may bear fruit. If this level of care is not followed, the tree may die or at least, not bear as much fruit.
People want all the goodies that come from a prosperous society. They want the fruit of the tree, but just as it takes hard work to help a tree grow, it takes hard work to develop and maintain a healthy society. Maintaining a healthy society is our duty as self-governing citizens. This is the mission of the Convention of States Project. It’s more than just calling a convention: It’s a never-ending process to defend liberty and preserve our principles-- the very principles that have proven successful for 234 years and counting.
In liberty,
Brett
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