The vast majority of Americans have probably not read the U.S. Constitution from beginning to end, though we’re familiar with various parts of it: the 1st, 5th, and 25th amendments, for example.

But during these tumultuous times, it doesn’t hurt to refresh our memories as to the intentions of the Founding Fathers when they sat down to draft this amazing document. Here is just the very beginning — the Preamble — which will no doubt sound familiar, but which we don’t usually give much thought as we deal with our day-to-day problems:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

“We the People of the United States.” That’s you and me.

“ . . . insure domestic Tranquility . . . promote the general Welfare . . . secure the Blessings of Liberty . . .” Not create division and hostility, enrich the already super-rich, or rob us of our inviolable rights.

But the promises contained in the Constitution don’t exist in a vacuum. They are not guaranteed to last forever. Like plants or pets, they must be nurtured, fed and protected in order to survive. And that is the job of We the People.

November 3rd is just a week away. It’s time to claim one of the most precious rights given us by the Constitution: the right — and the obligation — to vote.

Because if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain if things don’t turn out the way you hoped.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/27/26