It is appropriate to begin this part with a verse from the Bible and then apply a principle found therein: [Jude 1:3] Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. The principles found here are those things in common and a truth that is enduring. Applied to the nation in which we live we have the commonality of the Constitution; it is delivered once; and it is worth defending. The word diligence is also worth noting.

When the founders wrote the Constitution, it was done so that all citizens would be treated equally under its provisions and would be the guide for the government they were setting up. Included in the document is the oath of office for the President. In Article II, Section 8: Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath 84 or Affirmation: -- " I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Here the principles of diligence and contending for that once delivered is found. It is the Presidents duty to do as he says he will do upon taking that oath.

Sadly, there are those who won’t and don’t follow the Constitution in administering their office. Stephen Breyer, a justice on the United States Supreme  Court, thinks it is folly to follow original intent since conditions have changed with ever changing societal values. Thus, that which isn’t mentioned can be included at the whim of those who bend with every wind of political discontent and doctrine. With that attitude taking precedent, there soon won’t be any standard for guidelines except those created by the whims of capricious men.

Al Gore said the Constitution was a living document that changed to meet the needs of people as society changed. What he really means is that when confronted with standards that inhibit political behavior and other behavior that would take votes from them, then the standard must be changed to accommodate the new directions. When one standard is changed then there isn’t any standard that can’t be changed according to expediency. Eventually society won’t have any rules or standards to guide it and as such, the people will be ruled by those with the loudest voices being heard by pandering politicians looking for votes, eager to do the bidding of those who will vote for them.

In an article on Renew America: To those who assert that the Constitution "lives" and the courts are supposed to change it as society changes, Justice Scalia declared: "You would have to be an idiot to believe that. The Constitution is not a living organism, it is a legal document." In other words, contend for the document that controls our systems of government just as Jude said about the truth of the scripture.

It is imperative that we the people, those of us who recognize the truth spoken by Justice Scalia, are heard from when we demand that those whom we elect honor their oaths of office and remain faithful to the Constitution, and contend for its truth that is the foundation of the representative government. Then and only then will we remain free with liberty for all.

© 03-12-2006 DEC

     Survival of a Nation Part XI Opposing Point of View: The Other Side.