When was the last time you read the U.S. Constitution including all the amendments to it?

Update on my brother Donald. It is difficult to see him incapacitated like he is, but based on what we are told, there is hope that he will, with therapy and medication, begin to come out of this brain injured fog. Yesterday it was a wonderful gathering of my mom and dad, my two sisters, a beloved step-brother and sister-in-law, a nephew, along with my wife and I to join hands together in a prayer over Donald as we were there with him. This is going to be a marathon and not a sprint but we thank God for His provisions each and every day.
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Made it to the second day of a brand new week, right? You didn't know that Sunday was the first day of the week? It is. And, it is meaningful because on the first day of the week is when our Savior rose from the dead, therefore, that's why we follow the practice established in the early Church to meet on the first day to honor Him. That's why we do it that way. I know you wanted to know that. How are you, anyway? Fine, thank you? Or, please don't bother me so early in the morning? That's okay, I'm used to folks who don't get up at 3:30 a.m. each day responding in the same way. It is Monday, September 13, 2010, and I am off and running or just off, one or the other. I did something recently that I highly recommend. Our nation is a nation governed by the rule of law. The foundation of our laws comes from our adopted U. S. Constitution. I read through it along with the 27 amendments and I must tell you that while the legalese makes it somewhat difficult, it is a treasure trove of our history and why we are a free people today. We all have our viewpoints regarding the issues that face our nation. Many constitutional scholars of both liberal and conservative persuasions take issue with how the courts have ruled in many cases. The ruling that gave women the legal right to abort their unborn babies was established based on a right to privacy. Again, many scholars on both sides, whether they support abortion or oppose it, believe finding this as a right connected to our guarantee of privacy to be way off base. In the same way the right to bear arms as provided in the constitution does appear to be directly connected to maintaining a citizen militia which we no longer have. The court recently ruled that this provision does in fact allow citizens to purchase and keep weapons. I believe in this right but is it guaranteed under that particular provision? I'm not so sure. And, these are only two instances of literally thousands where good people disagree. Currently we are seeing an unprecedented expansion of federal power. The Obama administration believes they can do these mostly unwarranted and unwanted programs based on the constitutional directive that government is to insure domestic tranquility and promote the general welfare. See what I mean?

Then comes the debate about how the Constitution should be interpreted. Original intent is the rallying cry of most conservatives. While liberals want an evolving set of laws matched to the needs of a modern society. One thing is clear by the writings, the attitudes, and the lifestyles of those who both wrote and signed off on our U. S. Constitution, they did not want government to control or intrude into the private lives of citizens. They wanted limited government, only what was necessary. But, as they say, we've come a long way baby, therefore, the debate rages on and we seem destined to live by the rule of one 5-4 Supreme Court decision after another. But, let me tell everyone, everywhere, that Almighty God providentially brought forth this nation, and it still is the best place on earth to live. I know that's not what the surveys say where a dozen or more other countries supposedly have what they term to be a better quality of life, but I'll take the good old USA, first, last, and always, every single day, Amen. We have our problems and many of them are huge but we have in the past and still can show the world what it means for people of every color, race, and ethic background, to come together, and succeed in this grand experiment where democracy, freedom, and the rule of law comprise who we are. Our nation just celebrated its 234th birthday and we are still experimenting, adjusting, and finding our way forward. I am not in agreement with the current trends being pursued by this administration. I am interested in them no longer being in charge. What can I do about it? I can inform myself and become involved and get ready to cast my vote for people who favor some of the values that I believe has made our country great. You might feel differently. You can also support those who see it the way you do! That's America and may God bless her is my prayer. Amen.

Okay, that's my civics lesson for today. What got me started on this was an article I read where someone said that each government official should be required to copy the U. S. Constitution in their own handwriting as a prerequisite to holding any position. We already know that many who pass our laws do not read them. In fact, the head sponsor on the health care bill recently passed, admitted recently that he, a distinguished Senator, who actually managed the bill itself, had never read it in its entirety. He said they had experts who could do that! Are you kidding? We elect people who have the force of law on their side to impose on us their decisions but they don't have to even read the laws they want us to obey? That does not pass the smell test in my book. What about you? No wonder we are hearing each day the horror pieces that no one was aware of, including those who voted for it! The bureaucrats who wrote this bill are unelected. They come from all manners of backgrounds and viewpoints. We did not engage them when we voted to have their way when it comes to changing our daily lives. Go ahead and be angry about this. You should be. Oh, I know about the lemmings out there who say some good will come from it so we should be happy with what we get. Give me a break, would you please? I know it's Monday and it is early to be seeing heat wave lines rising up off the top of my head (like asphalt on a super hot day), but it is what it is, but it does not have to stay that way! Enough for one day. May God bless our great country. Amen. .....More later.

PS: Yesterday marked the second anniversary since Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc in our area, and for us, especially the extensive damage done to our personal residence. We will never forget all that happened including our dear Bro. Milton here to help rebuild our home and how he suffered a near fatal heart attack and stroke, but, all in all, God showed Himself to us in so many special ways and in particular through the love and concern of so many folks that became His hands of help to us. Bro. Milton continues to live a mostly normal life, and we continue to thank God for seeing us through this very challenging event.