"Raise your hand if you've ever commemorated Constitution Day. I will confess that I didn't even know it existed until recently (thanks for the tip, Cleve Jones). National Constitution Day, or Citizenship Day, is a U.S. federal observance that commemorates the signing of our Constitution on September 17, 1787. It celebrates the founding document of our country's system of government, and highlights, through educational programs and events, the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. You are forgiven if you weren't aware of this holiday, as you might be hard-pressed to have ever seen it commemorated publicly. But this year it seems particularly important to celebrate this document that shaped our country, as it has been under relentless attack every day since the current administration took office in January. It is well worth taking the time to read this brief, visionary document. What particularly struck me was that the founders recognized its limitations, and that it would occasionally need to be adapted as our country grew and changed; hence, the Amendments. But even though it has withstood the vicissitudes of history for 238 years, it still requires dedication and diligence to protect it. Remember, it opens with three powerful words that define us all: "We, the People." Read it, and be inspired to stand up and protect it. https://tinyurl.com/NAConst"
"Freedom of Speech Under Attack The First Amendment to the Constitution 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." Freedom of speech is one of our most precious rights; it is central to our identity as Americans. And repressing freedom of speech is one of the key weapons of authoritarian regimes. The administration is ramping up its atta"
National Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing and celebrates the Constitution as the foundation of U.S. government while promoting civic rights and responsibilities. The founders anticipated the need for amendments to adapt the document as the nation grows and changes. The Constitution endures but demands ongoing dedication and diligence to preserve its principles, beginning with the phrase "We, the People." The First Amendment guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Freedom of speech is central to American identity, and repression of speech is a common tool of authoritarian regimes, with current political actions intensifying such concerns.
Read at San Francisco Bay Times
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