To the editor:
The fireworks rarely fly on Sept. 17, but that holiday, Constitution Day, is just as significant as Independence Day. On that day, we celebrate our nation's true birthday as a nation. It was 225 years ago that the United States of America was born.
After long debates in the hot summer in Philadelphia, on Sept. 17, 1787, 39 brave men signed our Constitution and a nation was born. This day that changed the course of history, is the day we commemorate the birth of our nation, based on the rule of law and dedicated to the preservation of personal liberty, political freedom, economic opportunity and the natural rights with which we are all endowed by our Creator.
Today, our Constitution that has protected our rights and liberties for 225 years is in greater danger of being overthrown than any time in our history. Generations of patriotic citizens have fought and died to protect and defend our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Today, it is under serious attack from within our own government and special interest groups that are trying to force a socialist government on us, and take away our rights and freedoms. The security of our self-government lies between the pages of our Constitution and what it says.
We need to get back to core, fundamental principles rather than the stretching, bending, chipping away and ignoring of our Constitution for years. There have been a long series of small steps by the executive branch, Congress and the courts that have steadily diminished our liberty and freedom, and increased the power of government over our lives.
There is a growing movement throughout our country to reinvigorate the tree of liberty. While our Constitution sets forth rights and liberties, only our citizens can maintain and guarantee these freedoms. An active and informed citizenship is not just a right; it seems to me to be a duty.
Our Constitution is only a few pages long, well-organized and clearly written. Now is a great time on Constitution Day to clear up any misconceptions you may have about our Constitution. Read it. Make sure your children read and understand our Constitution.
We recognize the importance of preserving our Constitution that is intended to protect our God-given rights. It is our blueprint for freedom and our commitment to ourselves and to each other. Read it and help preserve it.
Dave Molek
Yeagertown
