Embrace Your Power I

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want to discuss the U.S. Constitution establishing first, that it is the oldest written constitution of a nation still in effect. It has been the rule of law running our government since 1789. At one time as public school students, we were required to study and learn the Constitution. Immigrants are still required to learn this precious document. It’s one of the shortest constitutions, originally being just short of 5000 words, 52 of which make up the preamble, which is powerful . . . Perhaps that’s where we must begin with the three words ‘We the People, ’to establish just who are the people and what we do.

Time and context are key when examining these questions. Obviously we must consider the state of mind of the framers who wrote the words. They were white aristocrats-- 48 of the 56 were born in America. The other eight were born in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The people included men like themselves who were white property owners. It did not include nonlandowners, women, indigenous people or the enslaved as their equal. Thus, we have amendments. I can’t go into all of the background here, but I want to provide enough info to inspire your interest in where we are in the evolvement of the American government.

Footnote

You need to be knowledgeable of your rights, at all times. Back in the early 70’s when the Black Panther Party sported bullets and weapons, J. Eager Hoover was so angered by the audacity of Black men and women to exercise a right that had never been intended for them. “I reserve the right to bear arms.” This powerful right of the people is what white gun owning advocates hold with great esteem. It encompasses the right for one to defend oneself, family, and property (please study and familiarize yourself).

Where We Are

What we are experiencing is an attempt by the self-serving elected Republican officials who are in a ‘destruction mode’ of a ‘rule of law’ that has maintained the integrity of this country for 234 years, including the PEACEFUL TRANSFER OF POWER from one elected leader to the next.

Be clear, with that said, nowhere in the constitution does it say or give power to the President of the U.S., Congress, or the Supreme Court to usurp the vote of the people and declare it is ‘not valid’, allowing the President to ignore and stay in power. NO WHERE! It was the egregious intention of Donald Trump to empower himself a demi-god and move forward as an autocrat would be dictator who would remain in office for as long as he liked.

EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

The Constitution

We the People – The Preamble to the Constitution is the mission statement of the United States government. In just one sentence, the Preamble expresses the source of the Constitution’s power and summarizes its goals.

Understand this, that Putin pretends to act as a democracy by holding elections, but always destroys his opponent’s physically, by death or prison. Trump respects that.

We the people better be very clear that it is total power that he seeks. And now that he’s opened that door others will attempt the same. We cannot afford him or anyone the opportunity to become master and final word. It must be made clear that no one is above the law especially Donald Trump, who would have you believe that he is. . .

“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK?” Trump remarked at a campaign stop at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. “It’s, like, incredible.” (Source NPR January 23, 2016, Colin Dwyer)

Clear and Present Danger

Finally, we cannot afford to lose respect for Constitutional law. It remains a living document, meaning that we can add to and interpret it as situations present themselves for questioning. We have seen this recently regarding Roe vs. Wade, and the Affirmative Action College status, both of which were overturned . . . the future remains in our hands.

Foundations of the Constitution – The structure of the Constitution is built on three key principles: federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.

The People’s Branch – Article I of the Constitution lays out the structure of the legislative branch, the branch that makes the laws.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Congress – Article I of the Constitution grants powers to Congress and also sets limitations.

Who Chooses the President? – Article II of the Constitution creates the office of the President of the United States (POTUS), determines how they are selected, and states the oath of office where they swear to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Faithfully Execute – Article II of the Constitution gives powers to the president with the responsibility to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed,” including the most important – the Constitution itself.

And there it is in its simplicity. Empower yourself and take a moment to study the Constitution because there’s so much more.