Dear editor,
The week of September 18-24 is Constitution Week, a time when we remember and commemorate the importance of the Constitution and bring attention to how it serves us still today. As part of our celebration, the Cofachique Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution want to share some thoughts on what the Constitution means to us today.
It establishes for us a stable, responsible government. It allows you a voice in the government through the officials you elect. It guarantees you life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It defends your rights even against the government itself. It makes you equal with all men before the law. It confirms your religious freedom and liberty of conscience. It accords you free, lawful speech. It guarantees you together with all people the right of peaceful assembly.
It permits you to petition the government to right your wrongs. It guards your property rights. It prohibits the government from taking your property without due process of law. It lets you hold office in the government of the nation for which you are qualified. It enables you to become a citizen of any state. It prevents you from being held to answer a complaint unless you have been lawfully accused. It ensures your right of trial by jury of your peers.
It grants you the right to habeas corpus, that is, the right to know why you are being held prisoner. It assures you a speedy trial. It permits your having counsel for defense. It prevents your being tried again if once acquitted. It permits you to have a trial in the state and district in which you may be charged with an offense against the laws. It lends you the power of government to compel witnesses to appear on your behalf.
It protects you from slavery in any form. It keeps the state from depriving you of your constitutional rights, It sanctions your bearing arms for the protection of your life and home. It secures your home from search except by lawful warrant. It guarantees you that the legal obligation of contracts shall not be impaired. It permits you to participate in the amendment of the Constitution from time to time.
Institutions and governments do not preserve themselves. They can be preserved only by the vigilance of those to whose guardianship they have been committed. Upon each of us rests a responsibility which cannot be shirked without danger to our country.
— Cofachique Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution,
Iola, Kan.
