Constitution: Designed to help us be the best people we can be.
“As people of the 21st century we like to think that we are advanced in every area of life. However, the passage of time doesn't guarantee increased knowledge, understanding and happiness. If it did, there would be no illiteracy, poverty, or third-world countries, and there would be no reason to study history.
“We've been told that studying history is important. But many people--myself included--spend most of their lives avoiding the study of history because it seems irrelevant to our current lives and problems--a waste of valuable time.
“On the other hand, we watch Dr. Phil and read self-help books, go to psychiatrists and psychologists, even enjoy learning about criminal profilers. Over the past 50 years we've seen gurus and mega-churches rise in popularity. The war on poverty was both well-funded and a complete failure. Legal abortion hasn't decreased the number of children living in poverty.
“As I studied The Federalist Papers, I have discovered that memorizing the dates of history's events is not the goal of studying history. It is the human motivations behind the events that are important for us to understand. Every time we forget history, tyranny grows. Every time we ignore history, our freedoms disappear. Every time we think we are just too smart to need to study the lessons of history, we lose bits of ourselves.
American Spirit Unique in History
“The United States is unique. But the older it gets, the more of that uniqueness is stripped away. Without a determined effort, the American experiment will soon fail, not through bombs from the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany. It is on the verge of failing not because we, as individuals, don't feel we are unique, but because we refuse to recognize, acknowledge, and allow our fellow citizens their uniqueness. In modern jargon, we are a nation of enablers. In former times we said it more directly: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
“The Federalist Papers predicted the positive influence the United States eventually would have on the world. This is our legacy. As so often happens, much of it has been squandered. But We, the People, can reclaim it with the help of the instructions left by our Founding Fathers.”*
Federalist Paper #1, paragraphs 1-2:**
“You are asked to study and consider adopting a new Constitution for the United States of America to replace the current, ineffective federal government. This is a very important decision. Our country's existence depends on it. So does the safety and welfare of its people, communities, and States. We will decide the fate of a nation that is, in many respects, the most interesting in the world. The people of this country will decide important questions: Can societies establish a good government by careful thought and choice? Or are people destined to be governed only by accident and force? The answers depend on our response to the current crisis. And the wrong decision will be unfortunate for all of mankind.
“Conscientious patriots understand the importance of deciding whether to adopt the new Constitution. And they know their decision will affect all human societies. It would be wonderful if we based our decision only on the best interests of our society, unbiased by less noble interests not connected with the public good. Although we may sincerely wish this, it can't be expected. The Constitution affects many special interests and changes many local institutions. Subjects other than its merits will be discussed. The debate will include passions and prejudices unrelated to discovering the truth and meaning of the Constitution.”
*The United States Constitution: Annotated with The Federalist Papers In Modern English: Webster, Mary E: 9781450590501: Amazon.com: Books
**The Federalist Papers: Modern English Edition Two: Webster, Mary E.: 9781434842190: Amazon.com: Books
