A Living Document

It was a remarkable day in Philadelphia, on Monday, September 17, 1787.

The Constitutional Convention concluded at the Pennsylvania State House, the end of a long summer's work in creating a new government, as 39 delegates, the majority of those gathered, signed the document. It's incredible to think that in a world dominated by monarchs and other powerful figures, a group of people came together to create a government for themselves--and it's amazing to think that despite its flaws and the challenges it has faced, it still persists.  Certainly, no other form of government in the world gives such opportunity for people to be involved in the processes of the government.

A couple of weeks ago, I tuned in to the confirmation hearing for Judge Kavanaugh as the Senate Judiciary Committee considers his nomination as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Judge Kavanaugh is well-versed in the principles of the Constitution.  The Republican members of the committee posed many questions that led to an in-depth discussion about the Constitution, both how it works, and the thought process of the framers as they created it, even delving into ideas expressed in The Federalist Papers about how to interpret the Constitution.  It shed much light on how to view various court cases.

There was one point when Judge Kavanaugh explained the significance of the Declaration of Independence, and he noted how it establishes principles of liberty that the Constitution is designed to uphold.

Indeed, the US Constitution is a remarkable document in the scope of the world and its history.  As we celebrate this occasion of the anniversary of the day it was signed, let's recommit ourselves to making this document work in making the United States a truly great nation by being a right kind of nation that advances the principles of freedom and liberty as the Constitution is worked out.