Monday, February 13, 2017

Here is the recap of our Constitution Study as of February 11 meeting. (from DVD 1- Section One)

The purpose and approach of the study
 People in America want to be sure they understand the principles, the freedom formula and these ideas' restoration.  George Mason and Benjamin Rush were quoted for stressing of the importance of the timeless principle on which the document is based.
 "No free government, nor the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles" (George Mason)
"Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families.
  The amor patriae [love of country] is both a moral and a religious duty. It comprehends not only the love of our neighbors but of millions of our fellow creatures, not only of the present but of future generations." (Benjamin Rush)
Dr Rush also contends that public schools had three purposes- to love and serve God, to love and serve their country, and to love and serve their families. All were to be considered as patriotic.

Illustrations offered as support for the above claim- Signers of the Declaration of Independence were aware that they were also signing a potential death warrant, Captain Nathan Hale's heroic stance at age 21 ( ...have only 1 life to give...). Captain Miller's quote in Saving Private Ryan and Abraham Lincoln's quote, " increased devotion to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion".

Your role in this Study
 1. You can participate in Celebrate Freedom Week ( visit  RickGreen.com to see how you can help)
 2. As John Jay (1st Supreme Court Chief Justice) said, "Every member of the State ought diligently to read and to study the constitution of his country, and teach the rising generation to be free. By knowing their rights, they will sooner perceive when they are violated, and be the better prepare to defend and assert them." 

Our Approach
1. This is not an exhaustive study.
2. Focus on original intent, not judicial interpretation
       Original intent is like the "owner's manual"....it helps..identify the correct application of the tools
3. Take sections as amended
4. Use plain language for basic understanding, but not as a substitute for the original text.

Useful Resources
The Constitution Made Easy--  it begins on page 173 of the workbook. Left side of page is original wording, right side is in today's wording.

Hillsdale College's Constitution course - available for free
(go to      https://www.hillsdale.edu/academics/free-online-courses/ )

National  Center for Constitutional Studies's program
( go to   https://nccs.net/  )

The Heritage guide to the Constitution  ( go to   www.askheritage.org/   )

If you really want to study up on the Federalist Papers, you can acquire an modern day wording by purchasing this from Amazon  

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Learning More About the Constitution - West Suburban Patriots

Image result for us constitution


Let's use this space to discuss, reflect and learn about the ideas brought to us in the video shown at the WSP meeting. Post your questions and reactions here for all to enjoy. We can use this space to find more details and theories raised from experts. 

Saturday's video summary : 


New Resources to check out:


Here is a great way to contact the moderator, Laurie Howard
WSPLearnMore@gmail.com