Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Bribing Not Allowed by Virture of the Constitution

Article II of the United States Constitution clearly states the requirement for obtaining the office of the President.

In addition, Article II Section 4 clearly states:

"The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Our Constitution is the oldest surviving Constitution in the world. Will it be upheld if challenged in court by those who wish to have massive power by neglecting "We the People"?

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Vote! It's Part of the Constitution

The 15th amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1870. This amendment provides for any man, of any race, who is a citizen of the United States the right to cast a vote in an election. It wasn't until the 19th amendment, ratified in 1920, that women were provided the same right.

No matter when, or which, amendment gave you the legal right to vote, please exercise that right today.

Our Constitution provides you the opportunity to vote. So just do it.

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Rebelling Against the Feds Not New

"The Tenth Amendment is the foundation of the Constitution."
-Thomas Jefferson

The 10th Amendment to the Unites States Constitution reads "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

The Constitution does not give Congress the authorization to override state laws. It is now being reported that 19 states have either, or are in the process, of passing legislation which will prohibit their citizens to have to purchase federal health care insurance. This debate is sure to continue in the months ahead.

Here is an interesting story from 2004 on rebelling against the government.
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When To Revolt
by Wesley Allen Riddle

The cords that bind the Union together are weaker than they have been in more than a century. Many states are entering into political revolt against federal encroachment. But this situation is no departure from American tradition. Revolting against consolidated government has been a key to keeping the government in check.

The Founders themselves provided criteria by which to judge the proper occasion for action--both in terms of empirical precedent during the American Revolution, as well as in terms of written, theoretical discourse.

In 1785, for instance,.....http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1067181/posts

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Friday, October 16, 2009

Thoughts on the First Amendment

The First Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights which the Constitutional Convention added to the Constitution in 1787 at the demand of several of the delegates who wanted to ensure limiting the power of the government with specific definitions of civil liberties. The Bill of Rights was adopted by the states in December 1791.

First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

“It appears that some school officials, teachers, and parents have assumed that religious expression of any type is either inappropriate or forbidden altogether in public schools; however, nothing in the First Amendment converts our public schools into religion-free zones.”

-Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America

"The Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have [to] bare the secrets of government and inform the people."
-Hugo Black

"Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost."
-Thomas Jefferson


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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Constitution Times: Quotes from the Beginnings of Our Nation

"'Tis done. We have become a nation."
Benjamin Rush, on the ratification of the Constitution, letter to Boudinot, July 9, 1788

"Besides, to lay and collect internal taxes in this extensive country must require a great number of congressional ordinances, immediately operation upon the body of the people; these must continually interfere with the state laws and thereby produce disorder and general dissatisfaction till the one system of laws or the other, operating upon the same subjects, shall be abolished."
Federal Farmer, Antifederalist Letter, October 10, 1787

"If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honour of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation."
Samuel Adams, letter to Elbridge Gerry, November 27, 1780

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Monday, October 5, 2009

1789 Constitution Amendments Consideration

We, as Americans, should know our Bill of Rights which are the first ten amendments which passed in 1789. Did you know that our current Bill of Rights were actually the 3rd-12th amendments proposed? Do you know why we have our Bill of Rights?

Many of the original 13 states were not overly thrilled with the new Constitution when it was signed in September 1787. Some states' delegates only agreed to sign the Constitution when promises were made to further define some of the powers of the government.

In March 1789 at the Congress meeting in New York City, it was noted several states believed "in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added ..." to the Constitution.

Twelve amendments were proposed. The first two were not passed. The first was on the number of representatives allowed for each state and the second was on compensation for Congress.

The remaining proposed articles were adopted and ratified, thus becoming the first ten amendments or the Bill of Rights as we know them today.

Reference: The Library of Congress, Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

The Country of "No"

"History is clear that the first ten amendments to the Constitution were adopted to secure certain common law rights of the people, against invasion by the Federal Government."
-- Bell v. Hood, 71 F. Supp., 813, 816 (1947)

"Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters."
-- Daniel Webster

"No one can read our Constitution without concluding that the people who wrote it wanted their government severely limited; the words 'no' and 'not' employed in restraint of government power occur 24 times in the first seven articles of the Constitution and 22 more times in the Bill of Rights."
-- Edmund A. Opitz

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Friday, October 2, 2009

Pledge to Support of the Constitution

Now seems like a great time for all Americans to reaffirm their pledge to the support of the United States Constitution. Lincoln had a statement on the patriots which was in a speech he gave in 1838 that seems to focus on what our forefathers were happy to do. Are we?

As the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and Laws, let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor; --let every man remember that to violate the law, is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the character of his own, and his children's liberty.

-Abraham Lincoln, 1838


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Thursday, October 1, 2009

Quotes on Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech? Are there those who would seek to deprive us of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution? Here are some quotes on the subject...

“Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.”
—Harry Truman

"Once the government can demand of a publisher the names of the purchasers of his publications, the free press as we know it disappears. Then the spectre of a government agent will look over the shoulder of everyone who reads. The purchase of a book or pamphlet today may result in a subpoena tomorrow. Fear of criticism goes with every person into the bookstall. The subtle, imponderable pressures of the orthodox lay hold. Some will fear to read what is unpopular, what the powers-that-be dislike. When the light of publicity may reach any student, any teacher, inquiry will be discouraged. The books and pamphlets that are critical of the administration, that preach an unpopular policy in domestic or foreign affairs, that are in disrepute in the orthodox school of thought will be suspect and subject to investigation. The press and its readers will pay a heavy price in harassment. But that will be minor in comparison with the menace of [345 U.S. 41, 58] the shadow which government will cast over literature that does not follow the dominant party line. If the lady from Toledo can be required to disclose what she read yesterday and what she will read tomorrow, fear will take the place of freedom in the libraries, book stores, and homes of the land. Through the harassment of hearings, investigations, reports, and subpoenas government will hold a club over speech and over the press."
—U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas,
UNITED STATES v. RUMELY, 345 U.S. 41 (1953)

“Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.”
—Benjamin Franklin

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Founding Father Quotes on the Second Amendment

The second amendment has been receiving quite a bit of press lately. Are the citizens in the United States going to be allowed to continue to bear arms or will more bans be put into practice? We thought you'd enjoy reading some quotes from our founding fathers on this subject.

"Americans have the right and advantage of being armed – unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms."
– James Madison

"The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed."
--Thomas Jefferson

"We should not forget that the spark which ignited the American Revolution was caused by the British attempt to confiscate the firearms of the colonists."
- Patrick Henry

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sign the Constitution and then What?

After four long months of debate, the Constitutional Convention finally agreed on wording for the United States Constitution. It was on September 17, ,1787, that 39 delegates at the convention signed the Constitution.

The delegates were then able to carry the Constitution back to the individual states so the process of ratification could begin. While Benjamin Franklin urged all states to ratify, the convention did agree that only 9 of the 13 states had to do so.

It took the 13 states two and one half years to agree to the new Constitution. Many states refused to agree to the Constitution until certain amendments detailing the rights of individuals were added. These amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.

The new government for the United States was put into practice on March 4, 1789. At that time, only 11 states had ratified the Constitution. The 13th state did not ratify the Constitution until May 1790.

Staff Report
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Monday, September 28, 2009

William Taft Quote: Constitution and Growth of Civilization

"Next to the right of liberty, the right of property is the most important individual right guaranteed by the Constitution and the one which, united with that of personal liberty, has contributed more to the growth of civilization than any other institution established by the human race."
-William Taft (1857 - 1930)

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Constitution as an Instrument

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.”
-Patrick Henry


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Thursday, September 24, 2009

President's Proclamation for Constitution Day

CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY, CONSTITUTION WEEK, 2009

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

The United States Constitution has withstood the test of time for more than two centuries as our Nation's charter of government and the guarantor of our liberties. Signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, this founding document reflects our core values and enshrines the truths set forth in the Declaration of Independence, that we are each endowed with certain unalienable rights. As the beneficiaries of these rights, all Americans have a solemn obligation to participate in
our democracy so that it remains vibrant, strong, and responsive to the needs of our citizens.

To succeed, the democracy established in our Constitution requires the active participation of its citizenry. Each of us has a responsibility to learn about our Constitution and teach younger generations about its contents and history. By fulfilling civic duties, engaging government at the local, State, and Federal level, and volunteering in our communities, individual citizens can better our country and breathe life into the freedoms established in the Constitution.

The right to participate in self-government, and the many other freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution, inspire the dreams and ambitions of many inside and outside our borders.
These principles serve as a beacon of hope for Americans and those who seek new lives in the United States. Every day, we welcome new and diverse stories and heritages into the
great patchwork of our Nation. United by our devotion to the Constitution and to the civic engagement it inspires, Americans remain committed to the fundamental principles established over two hundred years ago.

In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106), designated September 17 as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108), requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as "Constitution Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2009, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and September 17
through September 23, 2009, as Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to conduct
ceremonies and programs that celebrate our Constitution and reaffirm our rights and obligations as citizens of our great Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

James Madison Quote on Excess of Power and Respect

"As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights. Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions."

-James Madison
National Gazette Essay, March 27, 1792


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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Thomas Jefferson on Unlimited Powers

"The greatest [calamity] which could befall [us would be] submission to a government of unlimited powers."
-- Thomas Jefferson, 1825

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Monday, September 21, 2009

The Great Compromise of Representation

During the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the delegates supported and debated many ideas. The larger states wanted representation in the one chamber based on population. The smaller states didn't think that would be good for them.

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was the result of the delegates coming together to devise a better plan. This plan, as we know it today, provided for two chambers- the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate allows equal representation for each state, while delegates to the House are based on state population.

Georgia delegate Abraham Baldwin, who first favored representation based on land holdings, saw the wisdom of the the Great Compromise. Later, he was to say his greatest public service was in his role in promoting the Great Compromise at the Convention.

This Constitution Moment was brought to you by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Fayetteville, GA.

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

John Adams: Quotes on the Constitution Regarding Religion and Morality

"Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free Constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure than they have it now, they may change their rulers and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty."
-John Adams
June 1776

"We have no government armed in power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."
-John Adams
October 1798


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Saturday, September 19, 2009

Alexander Hamilton Quote on Liberty and Strength of Government

"Good constitutions are formed upon a comparison of the liberty of the individual with the strength of government: If the tone of either be too high, the other will be weakened too much. It is the happiest possible mode of conciliating these objects, to institute one branch peculiarly endowed with sensibility, another with knowledge and firmness. Through the opposition and mutual control of these bodies, the government will reach, in its regular operations, the perfect balance between liberty and power."
--Alexander Hamilton
June 25, 1788


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Friday, September 18, 2009

Liberty Quote by John Adams

"Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. ... Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives."
—John Adams


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Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Rising Sun at the Constitutional Convention

Remarks of Benjamin Franklin after the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787 in the words of James Madison:

"Whilst the last members were signing it Doctr. Franklin looking towards the Presidents Chair, at the back of which a rising sun happened to be painted, observed to a few members near him, that Painters had found it difficult to distinguish in their art a rising from a setting sun. I have, said he, often and often in the course of the Session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting Sun."

Taken from the Journal of James Madison
Notes of the Constitutional Convention
September 17, 1787

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Today is Constitution Day. Celebrate it

Today is Constitution Day. Celebrate it
by: Clyde posted: 2009-09-17 11:45:00


On Monday, September 17, 1787, two-hundred twenty-two years ago today, our second Constitution was signed and sent to the states for ratification. Everything went well for a few states, then the lack of a Bill of Rights, something present in all the states' constitutions, stopped the ratification process in its tracks.

The Constitution, as then-presented, was worded only to say what the federal government could do; it did not address.....http://patriotroom.com/article/today-is-constitution-day-celebrate-it

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September 17 is Constitution Day, Fly Our Flag!

Today marks the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. Our Constitution provides the framework for our government. The Constitution reflects the ideals of the Founding Fathers who so believed in a government of the people and by the people. After all, they had just committed the ultimate treason several years prior when the colonies declared independence from England and all the "taxation without representation" issues.

The Constitution. Know it. Love it. Protect it.

In honor of this wonderful day in American history, please take time to fly our flag, the American flag.

This message brought to you by the James Waldrop Chapter DAR in Fayetteville, GA.

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Monday, September 14, 2009

University of West Georgia Celebrates Constitution Day

The University of West Georgia and the Ingram Library will present an observance of Constitution Day with Dr. Stanley Caress, professor of political science, on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m., in the Ingram Library. The event is free and the community is invited to attend.

Caress will talk about “Why We Care about the Constitution” as part of the national observance of Constitution Day. The event is co-sponsored by the library, the American Democracy Project, the Murphy Center for Public Service and the office of Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Constitution Day, created by federal legislation in 2004, commemorates September 17, 1787, which is the date that the 39 delegates in the Constitution Convention signed the newly created United States Constitution. The delegates hoped that this new framework for a national government would provide a permanent guarantee of the political liberties achieved in the Revolution.

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Thursday, September 3, 2009

Constitution Quote of the Day

Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.
~ Abraham Lincoln


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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

James Waldrop Chapter DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness

Thursday, September 17, 2009, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution, which is 222 years old, stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American.

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.

“Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties,” states DAR President General, Linda Gist Calvin. “We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom.”

DAR has served America for 119 years as its foremost cheerleader. In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.

Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 165,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants. For more information about DAR and its programs visit jameswaldrop.georgiastatedar.org.

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Rethinking the Constitution

The Constitution is the cornerstone of our government. Have you read it lately?

In 2009, the Constitution will be 222 years old on September 17. Did you know it is the oldest surviving constitution of its kind still in use today?

Check out these two wonderful educational videos on the framing of the United States Constitution.







This Constitution Moment is brought to you by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Fayetteville, GA.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Fayetteville Declares September 17-23 Constitution Week


At the recent City of Fayetteville Council Meeting, Mayor Kenneth Steele presented a proclamation to the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution for Constitution Week to be celebrated September 17-23, 2009.

Mayor Steele thanked Constitution Week Chairman Ann Eldredge for the ongoing work the chapter does in the community for promoting American history.

Eldredge encouraged the crowd to read and to study the Constitution as it is the oldest of its kind still in use today. This year marks the 222nd anniversary of the framing of the U.S. Constitution.

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Hold on to the Constitution

"Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster, and what has happened once in 6000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world."- Daniel Webster

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Debate Over Issues is as American as Apple Pie

"In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution." -- Thomas Jefferson

Soon, Americans will celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the framing of the United States Constitution. Not only is this Constitution the oldest surviving one, it is also the shortest and was written in less than 100 days.

The framers of the Constitution spent many long hours debating and disagreeing with one another as they worked together for the good of the people. They listened and spoke their opinions without fear of reprisal from the government.

Freedom of speech was so important to the framers that they only agreed to sign the Constitution if a bill of basic rights was attached. On September 25, 1789, the Bill of Rights which includes the First Amendment was submitted to the states for ratification.

The First Amendment reads

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Do you know the Constitution? Have you read it lately? Why not take time to study the Constitution as America gears up for its 222nd birthday?


This Constitution Moment was brought to you by the James Waldrop Chapter DAR chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

May 14, 1787 The Beginning the Convention to Overthrow the Articles of Confederation

May 14, 1787 and the rest, as they say, is history...

Constitutional Convention delegates begin to assemble

On this day in 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention begin to assemble in Philadelphia to confront a daunting task: the peaceful overthrow of the new American government as defined by the Article of Confederation. Although the convention was originally supposed to begin on May 14, James Madison reported that “a small number only had assembled.” Meetings had to be pushed back until May 25, when a sufficient quorum of the participating states--Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia—had arrived.......http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&id=622

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

15th Amendment Ratified February 3, 1870

American citizens, no matter what race or color, may vote. This 15th amendment to the United States Constitution was proposed February 26, 1869 and ratified February 3, 1870.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Religious Freedom Day, 2009

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Religious freedom is the foundation of a healthy and hopeful society. On Religious Freedom Day, we recognize the importance of the 1786 passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. We also celebrate the first liberties enshrined in our Constitution's Bill of Rights, which guarantee the free exercise of religion for all Americans and prohibit an establishment of religion.

Our Nation was founded by people seeking haven from religious persecution, and the religious liberty they found here remains one of this land's greatest blessings. As Americans, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and worth. Though we may profess different creeds and worship in different manners and places, we respect each other's humanity and expression of faith. People with diverse views can practice their faiths here while living together in peace and harmony, carrying on our Nation's noble tradition of religious freedom.

The United States also stands with religious dissidents and believers from around the globe who practice their faith peacefully. Freedom is not a grant of government or a right for Americans alone; it is the birthright of every man, woman, and child throughout the world. No human freedom is more fundamental than the right to worship in accordance with one's conscience.

Religious Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate our legacy of religious liberty, foster a culture of tolerance and peace, and renew commitments to ensure that every person on Earth can enjoy these basic human rights.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2009, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The 17th Amendment

A state's governor, if authorized by the state legislature, is to appoint a replacement should the state's Senate seat become vacant. That appointee is to fill that seat until the next election.

Clause 2. When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.(1)

(1)www.findlaw.com

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Saturday, January 3, 2009

Judges' View

The public welfare demands that constitutional cases must be decided according to the terms of the Constitution itself, and not according to judges’ views of fairness, reasonableness, or justice.

-Justice Hugo L Black

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Thursday, January 1, 2009

The American's Creed

The American's Creed

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by
the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent
of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many
sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon
those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which
American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its
Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it
against all enemies.

William Tyler Page
1917
Accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.

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