Constitution 101: The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

by Thomas G. West

First of all let me just say that I. AM. SO. SORRY!  I have put this blog to the "back burner" for far too long.  I finally decided that I needed to get back to it and make it a priority for my life, so that I could learn (or rather brush up) more about the Constitution and the way the founders meant for this country to be run.  I feel that it's important to understand these things especially now a days and this particular lecture really helped me understand why it's important to really know our rights as citizens.  So with that being said.....

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Thomas West talks about how man (meaning mankind, or human beings) are created equal.  He went into how we are equally free and independent and we can give up those rights by giving in and submitting to the government.  Equality does not mean that we have a right to equal access to the good things of life.  For example, a minimum wage, health care, etc.  He then goes on to say that we are born with five basic natural rights which are life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, acquiring and possessing property and free exercise of religion.  With these rights come a duty.  We have a duty to defend those rights.  He also talks about three things the government does to defend and secure those rights.  

1.  Criminal laws

2.  Civil laws

3.  National defense

He also talks about how We the People consent to the government to fight for and preserve our freedoms and how we consent to be governed.   

The government should not have to provide things beyond our natural rights.  I think we as a people forget, or even don't know in some cases, what the government is for. This was a great lecture with so much information in it, so I really encourage you all to go and watch this lecture.  It's about 40 minutes long and very easy to watch.  (Meaning that it has substance and just really well done).  Then, after you watch it come back a tell me what your thoughts are.  Here is a link to the website.  So you can register if you have not already or if you have you can log in  https://online.hillsdale.edu/login

Have a great day! 

Lecture 1 "The American Mind"

Well, before I get started today I have to apologize for not being more "on top of it".  I know it's been a couple of weeks since the last post.  I've been unusually busy these last couple weeks, but now I'm organizing my time a little better.  I know you've all been waiting on "pins and needles" for me to write a post. ;) Ha Ha!  So let's get started.

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So the first lecture is called, "The American Mind".  Larry P. Arnn, who is the twelfth president of Hillsdale College, presented it.  He did a remarkable job and I encourage all, who haven't yet, to listen to it.  It's about 47 minutes, so be sure to listen when you have the time. You can go here to register.

Some of the points that I took away from it was first he talked about three words and how they relate to each other.  The words are; Constitution.  Statue.  Statute.
He went on to talk about the meaning of each of them.
           Constitution means to ordain or establish something.
           Statue is a work of art.  He talked a lot about this one.  He said, "Art is intentional...just like the Constitution was intentional, it is a work of art.  It was written for certain reasons."   I also liked how he compared statues to the Constitution by saying that they stand for something, they are symbols of beliefs in some way.  Just like the Constitution is a symbol of our freedom and liberty.
He also asked the questions, "What produces a work of art?" and "What was the cause of the Constitution?" What are the causes of a work of art?  He started talking about Micheal Angelo's "David" and how it is made of Marble and how that was the cause of the "David", then he compared it to the cause of the Constitution.  The cause was the people.  Then he asked "Why was the "David"/Constitution created?"  Michael Angelo's love for art and beauty.  Then compared that to the Constitution.  Why was it created?  What made America?  The people and place.  The people in this place were equal in that they all  had to work hard or starve.   "What gives America its form?"  The Constitution.  He then says, "To understand it, you have read and study it."  The President, The Senate, The House of Representatives, the Courts all operate under the Constitution.  People died for their freedom. They had no idea they could succeed, but they still tried. What moved them to fight for freedom?  What moved Michael Angelo to do his art?  Love and beauty.  "The idea that something Divine would pick something human to be a messenger."  What moved the Founding Fathers?  They wrote the Declaration of Independence.  Thomas Jefferson said, "The Declaration of Independence is a statement that moved American people to do the prodigy's they did in founding the country."  Things and people are moved to do good.   
There were so many other great points that he made, so I urge you, if you haven't already registered for these "free" online classes, to do so now.  You will learn so much more about the Constitution than before and come to understand it better.  And if you did listen to this lecture, would you please leave a comment telling some of the points or ideas you came away with.  I'll be anxious to read those.  Until next time, have a great week!


 

Constitution 101

As I was reading up and studying the Constitution, I found a really great online class from Hillsdale college that they offer for anyone who wants to know and understand the meaning and history of the Constitution. It's called "Constitution 101".  I thought that sounded perfect.  The class is free and they put out one lesson each Monday.  So I will have the whole week to read and study, learn and understand the Constitution better.  Then I thought I could summarize what I learned each week right here for all of you to read.
If anyone wants to join me in this and take this course at the some time, it would be fun to share what we all got out of the lessons because it's amazing what one person gets out of the same lesson that another didn't, or if you just want to just come and read my summary that's fine too.  I'm excited!
If you want to join, go here to register. When you go there, scroll down to find an Introduction to the Constitution course.  I'm going to watch those before I begin Constitution 101. 

   

The schedule of lectures is as follows:

1. Introduction: The American Mind
   Larry P. Arnn
   
   
2. The Declaration of Independence
   Thomas G. West
   
   
3. The Problem of Majority Tyranny
   David Bobb
   
   
4. Separation of Powers: Preventing Tyranny
   Kevin Portteus
   
   
5. Separation of Powers: Ensuring Good Government
   Will Morrisey
   
   
6. Religion, Morality, and Property
   David Bobb
7. Crisis of Constitutional Government
   Will Morrisey
   
   
8. Abraham Lincoln and the Constitution
   Kevin Portteus
   
   
9. The Progressive Rejection of the Founding
   Ronald J. Pestritto
   
   
10. The Recovery of the Constitution
    Larry P. Arnn
    

See you next week!

The Point

I titled this post "The Point" because I'm going to talk about the point of this blog.
As this Presidential election is coming up I have been watching the candidates closely and how they are doing.  Now I'm not going to say who I am voting for because that is NOT why I'm starting this blog.  I'll tell the reason in a minute, but I wanted to say that my husband, son age 13, and I have had some fun discussions about politics lately.  You may be thinking, "Fun political discussions...is there such a thing?"  Well, when you're all on the same page, then yes, they can be fun.  I also realized, however, that I don't know the constitution like I could and that's is why I'm starting this blog. Especially because this election is going to be one of the most important elections of our lifetime.
What I want to do is talk about each part of the constitution and memorize it.  Mmmm, not really memorize it so much as just know it like the back of my hand.  I think it is especially important for everyone to know the Constitution really well in these times, so we can make good, educated decisions about our future and our children's future.  I also want my own children to be brought up in a home where correct principles are being taught, but also I want them to feel like they can make their own choices in life.  Although it's scary to send our kids "out in the world", it's also important for them to experience those situations, makes their own choices, learn from those choices and just have a life outside of their home so when they are ready to go away from home they will be ready.
So I hope this blog makes an impression and you all enjoy it.