The Prologue of the U.S. Constitution is concise. It lays out the goals of the entire document. Fifty-two words. The idea of the United States of America is made plain in fifty-two words. A more perfect union. To establish justice. Common defense. To promote the general welfare. To secure the “Blessings of Liberty.”
Different people concentrate on different aspects of this, actually glorious, idea. Some are all in for common defense; others for promoting the general welfare. The judgmental among us concentrate on establishing justice. I think we all want domestic tranquility, and the blessings of liberty.
Government agents shooting people on the streets violates every aspect of the points of the Prologue. It is hard to be domestically tranquil in the face of almost daily mass shootings. Ignoring our laws and courts violates the establishment of justice. Doing everything possible to destroy the social safety net in favor of the interests of “business” violates the promotion of general welfare. Attacking countries, unprovoked, endangers our common defense.
The blessings of liberty require that we be at liberty — freedom to and freedom from. The Bill of Rights laid out a framework for what liberty would look like. It would be a good thing if our government functionaries actually read them.
Bill Gillmore
Columbus
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
