Tag Archive Democracy

ByGD

On Scheduling, Article 1 §4.2

On Wednesdays we study the Constitution. I struggled over what to write for today. Last week I studied Article 1 §4.1, dealing with the management of elections. This week should be Article 1 §4.2, but let’s face it. Nobody gives a shit. I don’t. This week the Second Amendment is the only Constitutional topic on anyone’s mind. I spent the whole morning figuring out what I wanted to say, but eventually realized that anything I write on that topic today will be a rant, and when I deal with that topic, I want it to be the best researched, most carefully formulated analysis of my life.

So I’m going to stick to the program after all and write about Article 1 §4.2, knowing that there will be a fresh atrocity to reference when I do get to the Second Amendment. For now, then, fuck your thoughts and prayers, on to the articles. Read More

ByGD

Constitution Article 1 §2.3, Part Two

Lately I’ve been hyper-aware of the importance of civic engagement. To better understand this political system we have inherited, I’m making a careful study of the Constitution. I’m sharing here in case others similarly engaged might want to discuss it. At the very least, it helps me stick with it. After all, in a functioning democracy we would all be Constitutional scholars. Read More

ByGD

Constitution Article 1 §2.3, Part One

Recent events have alerted me to the importance of civic engagement. To better understand this political system we have inherited, I’m making a careful study of the Constitution. I’m sharing here in case others similarly engaged might want to discuss it. At the very least, making my study public holds me accountable to stick with it. After all, in a functioning democracy we should all be Constitutional scholars. Read More

ByGD

We the People

I think by this point, everyone has to admit that the current U.S. President has never read the Constitution of the United States. But the truth is, neither have most of the rest of us. Yes, it’s his job. But guess what? It’s ours, too. If we lived in a monarchy, we could shrug and curse the powers- that-be and go about our business. But if we want the freedoms of democracy, we all need to get out and vote and we should know what our Constitution says while we’re doing it. So on Memorial Day, I skipped all the flag-waving (I always do) and the BBQs, and I sat down to read the Constitution. And you know what? It was interesting.  Read More