"On this day, 223 years ago, the U.S. Constitution was born, giving Americans the freedoms that they hold dear, the freedoms that men and women have died to defend. And yet, despite its brevity (slightly more than 7,500 words, compared to the roughly 77,000 words of the first Harry Potter book) very few Americans know about the document that is the cornerstone of their way of life" - says Lion Caldaria writer of the article "Why Do Americans Get the Constitution So Wrong?"
I think this piece is definitely supposed to provoke our minds and question our own understanding of the Constitution. Caldarias' intended audience is us, those reading, many of us not even knowing our rights as American Citizens. Much of Americas modern day society is constitutionally "challenged"; unknowing of the document that forms many of their rights.
Caldarias points things out such as our politicians misquoting the constitution. Senator Burris of Illinois (Obamas replacement) said referring to a health care issue, “What does the Constitution say? To provide for the health, welfare and the defense of the country.” Well news flash Burris- the word "health" isn't even in the constitution. Its kind of scary that not even our politicians, and representatives are aware of what the constitution says.
I really do have to agree with Lion Caldaria and the points that she has made in this article; she goes on to say "There is no good reason for the Constitution to be misquoted. Its genius is its simplicity. In slightly more than 7,500 words, it lays out the framework for the greatest way of life and most just legal system in the world." She's making us see that this document is so simple and miraculous, yet we can't even take the time to be aware of its genius content. The constitution offers rights that blend well with Americans way of life; more rights than many other countries in this world. Our country has given us a promise; which can be found in the constitution, that not a lot of countries have given their citizens. We have had soldiers fighting, risking their lives, and dying for our rights and we can't even have the respect to know what rights they are fighting for? We know more about Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and Kanye West and who they're dating and what they're doing than we know about one of our most valuable documents. Put it this way, without the first amendment you may not even be reading this blog.
Caldaria says she's thankful for the 19th Amendment giving women right to vote- I am, and I think many women should be thankful too. Where would we be in todays society without that amendment? Without that amendment we wouldn't have a vote, or get to have an input in our society and government. Personally, that is more powerful and valuable then knowing what song is at the top of the charts this week, and who the next hot celebrity couple is. If we gave half the energy we put into social networks, celebrity gossip, and worrying about being one step ahead of the trends; we could "establish more justice," for ourselves and our communities.
“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.” America has given us this promise, now lets embrace it and utilize what this country has given us.
I think this piece is definitely supposed to provoke our minds and question our own understanding of the Constitution. Caldarias' intended audience is us, those reading, many of us not even knowing our rights as American Citizens. Much of Americas modern day society is constitutionally "challenged"; unknowing of the document that forms many of their rights.
Caldarias points things out such as our politicians misquoting the constitution. Senator Burris of Illinois (Obamas replacement) said referring to a health care issue, “What does the Constitution say? To provide for the health, welfare and the defense of the country.” Well news flash Burris- the word "health" isn't even in the constitution. Its kind of scary that not even our politicians, and representatives are aware of what the constitution says.
I really do have to agree with Lion Caldaria and the points that she has made in this article; she goes on to say "There is no good reason for the Constitution to be misquoted. Its genius is its simplicity. In slightly more than 7,500 words, it lays out the framework for the greatest way of life and most just legal system in the world." She's making us see that this document is so simple and miraculous, yet we can't even take the time to be aware of its genius content. The constitution offers rights that blend well with Americans way of life; more rights than many other countries in this world. Our country has given us a promise; which can be found in the constitution, that not a lot of countries have given their citizens. We have had soldiers fighting, risking their lives, and dying for our rights and we can't even have the respect to know what rights they are fighting for? We know more about Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and Kanye West and who they're dating and what they're doing than we know about one of our most valuable documents. Put it this way, without the first amendment you may not even be reading this blog.
Caldaria says she's thankful for the 19th Amendment giving women right to vote- I am, and I think many women should be thankful too. Where would we be in todays society without that amendment? Without that amendment we wouldn't have a vote, or get to have an input in our society and government. Personally, that is more powerful and valuable then knowing what song is at the top of the charts this week, and who the next hot celebrity couple is. If we gave half the energy we put into social networks, celebrity gossip, and worrying about being one step ahead of the trends; we could "establish more justice," for ourselves and our communities.
“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.” America has given us this promise, now lets embrace it and utilize what this country has given us.
SOURCES:
Caldaria, Lion. "Why Are Americans Getting The Constitution So Wrong?", The Christian Science Monitor. 17 Sept. 2010 n.page.
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