US Constitution Day 2008
Posted in by R. Lee Wrights
A few years ago I had the great honor of penning a resolution that was sponsored by the Libertarian Party of Forsyth County (North Carolina), which was eventually passed and adopted by my hometown’s Town Council. So, I decided to see if we couldn’t get the same resolution sponsored and adopted by some of our other affiliates. What began as a local endeavor quickly grew into a national movement. I am proud to report that the US Constitution Resolution has either been adopted or being considered for adoption in over half the states in the union. Every effort is a local one.
I believe it is important to reiterate that each effort is a local one. This is an excellent opportunity for libertarian organizations at the grassroots level to do something positive. All too often libertarians are perceived as being “against” one thing or the other, or even worse, that we are against everything. This resolution gives us the opportunity to bring something before governmental officials that we favor. We have the chance to show communities all across American that libertarians are actually “for” something.
And, it is easier than you think to get this resolution accepted by local governing boards. After all, what self-respecting politician would vote against recognizing the US Constitution in an open meeting? Not one, to my knowledge, has ever voted against it once it was under consideration by the board to which they belonged. If you can get one board member to offer the resolution for consideration, you are virtually guaranteed passage.
While it is a shame that we should even have to propose a resolution such as this, it is encouraging to see the idea so widely embraced. We need to continue to educate our fellow citizens about our beloved Constitution and how it is being tread upon on a daily basis by those in whom they have placed so much trust. US Constitution Day or Week should need no proclamation. It should automatically be a national holiday and be every bit as celebrated as most of the other holidays combined. Only education will save the republic that our Constitution preserves, and gain the respect for the document that it so richly deserves.
Below you will find my Resolution. Please feel free to copy and use it as you wish. Of course, the city name and board will need to be filled in according to your area, but feel free to use the rest of the content. Then, let’s us know what kind of luck you have getting it adopted. And for all those that already have the resolution, please keep us updated on your progress as well. Any meetings where the resolution is considered are excellent outreach opportunities perfect for passing out copies of the Cato Pocket Constitution. Be sure and stamp your county/state affiliate information on the inside of the covers. Never be afraid to let people know that Libertarians support the US Constitution! Contact the editor at rleewrights@gmail.com.
Resolution recognizing U.S. Constitution Day and U.S. Constitution Week.
WHEREAS, as the result of a revolutionary war that was fought to free the citizens of the United States of America from a tyrannical and oppressive government; and, the attempt of these citizens to form a new government that respected the people as the sole source of all governmental power, the need for a written document to limit the strength of government and secure, to the people, the right to govern themselves was recognized, and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Constitution was adopted in a Constitutional Convention on the 17th of September, 1787, and thus became the supreme law of the United States of America in order to secure and guarantee the rights of all free citizens of the United States of America, and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Constitution stands today as the oldest written document, of its kind, in the history of all mankind, as a result of the efforts of, and at great cost to, the patriots that founded our great nation, the United States of America, and
WHEREAS, September 17th is designated as U.S. Constitution Day, and that September 14 through September 20 is designated as U.S. Constitution Week throughout the United States of America.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and __________________ of the City of _________________ hereby declare the official observance of September 17th as U.S. Constitution Day, and September 14 through September 20 as U.S. Constitution Week, in humble respect for the patriots from our past that gave their all so that their fellow citizens, and those yet unborn in our nation, should remain free in perpetuity to enjoy the rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
R. Lee Wrights is a writer and political activist living in North Carolina. He is the co-founder and editor of the free speech online magazine Liberty For All. Contact Lee at rleewrights@gmail.com.
Roger Green said,
September 12, 2008 @ 11:44 am
I’d like to say I’m shocked, but I’m not, that I asked a bunch of people what Article 1 of the Constitution was about and no one got it right. Some said things from the 1st Amendment, some said the Presidency.
Oy.