Very few of the politicians in Washington have an acceptable knowledge of the Constitution, but all of them cite what they believe to be contradictions to our nation’s ‘Law of the Land.’ The one thing few of them know is that Thomas Jefferson, who is considered the author of that prestigious document, believed that it should be reviewed every 19 years. He recognized the fact that our nation and the world would change, and our most precious document must change with progress. If that had happened I believe that several changes would already have occurred. The second amendment would have been changed and possibly revoked. The Electoral College would have been abolished. The first amendment would have been altered to guarantee additional protection for voting rights and the elimination of religious influence in our political system.

The facts are there, but few acknowledge them. The singular truth our founding fathers collectively believed is that our nation would experience change along with every other nation in the world. They were men who believed that change was inevitable. The GOP denies this fact. Their entire philosophy is to return our nation to the dark ages of the 1950’s when women were virtual slaves, and black men and women were denied their civil rights. As racism and bigotry grow in our nation, the premise upon which the creators or our nation decreed our freedom from persecution is denied for millions or our citizens.

The intention of our founding fathers is clear and cannot be disputed. They believed in freedom for all men and women without restriction. They denied the right of special interests to establish laws which refused to address the rights of others. No religion, no political belief would be allowed to dominate the new nation, but every individual would be guaranteed the right to practice any form of faith they might choose.

America lacks leadership today. The intellect and foresight our founding fathers displayed is non-existent today. Our nation has fallen behind the rest of the developed world. Much of our national attitude and antiquated laws remain based in puritanical thinking. In America success is measured by monetary gain. Possessions are more important than intellectual and spiritual achievement. There was a time when our people cherished the memory of great men and great courage which produced memorable and nation changing events. Today our people follow the example of politicians. The value of human life and improving the quality of life for all Americans has been replaced by the protection of special interests and a divisive attitude created by the use of our weakest emotions, fear and anger.

Our nation must move forward or die. Thomas Jefferson was aware of that fact 226 years ago. When I read about attempts to deny all of our nation’s people equal rights under the law while supporting religious beliefs, I am appalled. Religion must return to the home and the church; it has no right to interfere in the manner in which our legislators govern. Women are equal or greater than men in multiple ways but they are forced to continue the fight to be treated equally in the workplace and in medical situations. Many in our Congress seek the removal of women’s rights already in place and fought for throughout the 20^th century.

It’s time to face reality and remove the ability of politicians to deny the truth. The Constitution is a living document as it was intended. Change cannot be stopped and those who would attempt to disallow that fact must step aside and allow the rest of the nation to join the world in the 21^st century.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Cliff