us constitution

Constitution Day

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I took a different way to work yesterday, and I saw a lawn sign in big bold, red, white, and blue letters that stated THE CONSTITUTION MATTERS. I nodded my assent and then remembered that today is Constitution Day. What perfect timing!

In 1787, two-hundred thirty-nine years ago today, the US Constitution was signed which signified the start of our government. We. The. People.

We.

The.

PEOPLE.

In order to form a more perfect union… We know we’re not there yet, but I still have hope. I still have optimism. Even with yesterday’s announcement that the current president will close the national monument of another president, with his calling a congresswoman dumb, with his irrational diatribes and unprofessional screeds, his cognitive decline apparent to anyone with eyes, ears, and soul. He has tried to destroy our country by destroying our government and the symbols we hold dear, that we cherish, and hope to continue for our children and the children of others who come here looking for a better life.

Today of all days, we need to remember the words of our Constitution, a parchment paper that was meant to be a living document, changing with the times and the advancements, of technology, of understanding, of eliminating discrimination, racism, antisemitism, and bigotry. Were those things written into the preamble of the  Constitution or its first ten amendments? Not really, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t intended.

Just like a child grows into an adult, the Constitution is meant to grow as our country grows., It is meant to move forward, not backward. Ever onward.

Spend some time today with the Constitution.

Start with this video:

Then read the Constitution. I have a pocket one – it’s not very long, but it is filled with intention and hope and yes, dreams for us all.

For us all.

We the people.

We.

Election Connection: The Weekend Edition: Last Minute Information re: Biden/Harris Administration

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This post will have several pages, which will be linked. This is so that when you click on the “read more” you won’t be bombarded with a wall of text and you can read the information in bite sized chunks.

Below, you will find:

  • Jack Smith’s Final Report (clicking the link below will automatically download it to your device)
  • Statement from the US & Canada regarding the Haudenosaunee’s independent participation in the Olympics.
  • The language of the 28th Amendment
  • Statements from both the President and the Vice-President on the new amendment to the Constitution.
Continue reading
Pages: 1 2 3

What Does the 4th of July Really Mean?

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We celebrate our independence, just before the Revolution, and that was the first step, the birth of this American Experiment. And so today, with so much of our norms being obliterated, and our patriotism being co-opted, our country changing, for the worse, right before our eyes, I thought I would do something different than previous Fourth of Julys. No grilling, no fireworks, no parades.

I started today by sitting quietly and reading the Constitution. It’s not very long. It made my heart smile as the language changed from British Colonial to more modern day parlance, as rights were enshrined and bestowed on those without access to them previously. I say it that way, because rights cannot be given, only recognized. In the reading, I remembered some familiar phrases, some amendments that I’ve read more than a few times, some I’ve never read. I interpreted some a little differently than I had previously.

I share my art and an immigrant’s podcast and a destination that opens up the world to you.

Happy 4th, but more importantly, Happy 243rd Birthday America. I know you’ve got a few more in you. Now, get to work!

I had this in my head for a few days before sitting down to art it. As I wrote it, and as I read the preamble to the Constitution this morning, I sang it Schoolhouse Rock style; it is the only way I remember it even if I’m only singing in my head. Original Art. (c)2019

Podcast: Stay Tuned with Preet (Bharara): What Patriotism Means to You (with Heidi Schreck)   

National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA

The United States Constitution 

Direct download of the Constitution 

President Obama’s Speech on the 50th Anniversary of the Selma March, 2015: