Letter to the Editor
To the Editor,
Afew years ago, a friend asked me if I could name three of the five rights mentioned in the First Amendment to the Constitution. I couldn’t. Freedom of speech and freedom of religion were all I could come up with.
In conversation with myself, I asked why do we need amendments to our Constitution? Were there flaws in this Constitution? And by the way, what is a Constitution?
I ask myself again, why do I not know anything about this revered document, and why do pundits argue if it is of divine origin or not?
I don’t remember anything about it in grade school, high school, or college — the teaching of it, that is.
So I continued my ignorant journey of wondering until the void in my knowledge bothered me enough to pursue the history of this document and all that surrounds its origin.
Thus far, I’ve seen what courage and bravery it took to stand against the greatest military power of the day. The sacrifices that they and their families endured under a constant threat to their lives and property.
I’ve learned that the Constitution has seven articles describing the obligations and duties of the government, and what the government can do.
Amendments were made to limit the power of the government and to ensure power stayed with the people.
The first 10 amendments, which we call our Bill of Rights, tells the government what it cannot do, because these rights are given by a higher power than government. I already knew who that is.
I have learned that everything said on the floor of Congress is recorded, even the First Continental Congress.
The Annals of Congress records that the First Amendment itself and the wording for it was debated in Congress from June to September.
One of the questions was whether to use the word denomination or religion.
Amendment I
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 of the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
I have come to realize that someone and many have already paid for the freedom I enjoy right now.
Enough said for now. I am continuing to learn that as a Christian citizen I can’t seem to get the blood off of my freedom Larry Gene Garrett Newcastle
