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A time to read. A time to heed.
Have you read the Constitution lately? Like the Bible, not everyone agrees
on the precise meaning of every word or sentence, but if you're an American
citizen, you have every right to be proud of this rudder that guides the
ship of our democracy. Even when we wish parts were different, we can
accept that the words were very important when they were cobbled together.
In past years I've organized a few groups at the Pacifica Fourth of July
Picnic to share the reading of the Constitution and the Declaration of
Independence. The Declaration is short, the Constitution longer. And don't
even think about reading the California Constitution unless you've got all
day.
I've no plans for a public reading this year. It takes time to organize.
One year I invited the Governor, who declined but sent a beautifully framed
proclamation. Judge Quentin Kopp, a man for whom my admiration increases
year by year, has shared the event. And a number of Pacificans have also
participated, for which I will always be grateful.
Though it very likely won't be a part of the public events this time
around, you, your spouse and your kids can make it a family event. Set
aside a couple of hours, invite the neighbors or some nieces, nephews and
cousins, and dig up a copy of the documents. Any year's Almanac will
probably have one. Type too small? Find a copier with an enlarging device
and make it more readable. If 140 percent is still too small, blow up the
copy again.
Reading these fundamental documents out loud, asking your spouse,
grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins to share in the process, all works
to increase your realization and your family's that all Americans share
some things in common. It doesn't have to be done on the Fourth of July,
though that makes the day more meaningful. I'm surprised it isn't done by
more churches, Scout Troops, 4H, and school assemblies.
If you don't have the time or the energy to read the whole documents, it's
still possible to read some parts. The Declaration is great. Or read the
Bill of Rights. The First Amendment and the Fifth are especially
meaningful. In difficult times, when the temptation of those in charge is
to slide past key elements of our laws, it's especially important everyone
is aware of Habeas Corpus and other keys to freedom.
Is your family scattered across the country? How about a conference call?
Each of you have the documents in front of you, and alternate the reading.
Many phone plans charge a nickel a minute, so even a sixty minute call will
cost only about $3.
I wish my grandparents could have read these key documents. My great aunt
Clotilde taught them and their meaning to many of her fellow immigrants,
but my hardworking grandparents never were able to take the time and
effort. It never occurred to me to read to my grandparents. I don't know
how they'd have reacted. But they did make the effort to learn what they
could from their children when they came home from school. In a role
reversal, the children taught their parents.
In a time when some high officials might be tempted to ignore the meaning
of our fundamental documents (I especially fear John Ashcroft) it's more
important than ever to be aware of what we have.
Our legislators have copies of the Constitution for you. State senators and
Assembly members all receive their mail at State Capitol, Sacramento, CA
95814. I'd like to know if you use the ideas I've suggested.
Paul Azevedo can be reached by e mail at Paul@thereactor.net.
Check The Reactor's website at www.thereactor.net.
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