The Constitution for all Conservatives

Speech given at the Liberty Summit on June 6, 2009 by Craig Myers

Our view of the Constitution determines the success of our constitutional republic. Increasing attacks on the U.S. Constitution and our many state constitutions, remind us of what we are trying to conserve. Our republic was initiated by, "We the people", as the preamble declares, and it is "We" who must protect it. As the Declaration of Independence states, ...governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This is why our grassroots campaign for government accountability is mobilizing.

Three points:

1. Can we view the Constitution as an à la carte menu of options?
2. Why is it important for social and fiscal conservatives to understand, respect, and cooperate with each other?
3. A social conservative perspective on the Constitution

Point 1: Can we view the Constitution as an à la carte menu of options?
a. Liberals consider it a "living document" subject to revision.
b. Can inalienable rights be subject to such interpretation?

The focus of the Constitution is to provide the greatest possible liberty for all Americans.

Our founding fathers assumed that rights such as liberty are accompanied with duties and conditions. The Constitution is a contract between Americans and their government describing the rights and privileges of each.
Every political relationship expresses the value system or worldview of the citizens. The foundation of our value system has always been our moral and religious convictions. Among these is the conviction that our rights were given by our Creator, not by men, and are therefore inalienable.

The Declaration states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."

The United States had the first Constitutional Republic in the history of the world. Its foundation was biblical, and its citizens were predominantly Christians. Our republic has largely succeeded, while hundreds of attempts to imitate our system have failed. As our founding fathers repeatedly said,it is not the system of government alone, but also the morality and religion of its citizens that are critical to the success of a constitutional republic.

Liberal elites treat our Constitution as evolving set of values and ideas, merely governing man's relationship with man, and not subject to any higher authority than himself. Wherever this secularization has succeeded, the result has been the same. The Greek, Roman, and all modern utopian ideas of secular state power result in a state run by elites which extend their power and restrict individual liberty. This is the experience of socialist and communist republics.

When our liberal leaders and activist judges treat our Constitution as a living document, the inevitable result is the dismantling of our inalienable rights. The populist excuse for this is that newly discovered rights are being created for special interest groups. However, as George Washington and other founders warned, this always comes at the expense of the general welfare and the principle of equal justice.

The preamble of our Constitution states: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." As we have seen in recent decades, the secular worldview has diminished rather than enhanced every one of the goals established in the preamble. Undermining, rather than promoting the general welfare of all American citizens is a prime example.

Viewing the Constitution as an à la carte menu of options, is like tearing it in half. Ignoring the moral and biblical foundation only leads to its destruction. We cannot preserve the intended benefits of it while violating its foundational principles. That is why this is the strategy of the liberal elites.

Point 2: Why is it important for social and fiscal conservatives to understand, respect, and cooperate with each other?
A. Without such cooperation, can we succeed in elections aimed at conserving our constitutional freedoms?

In Oregon, to succeed with a ballot measure or elect a candidate to statewide office requires a million votes. Neither the social nor fiscal conservatives have such support if they do not act together.
Even though these groups may disagree on a number of issues, they must recognize that the only way to preserve our cherished economic freedoms is through a strong alliance.

Despite their differences, the principles expressed in the preamble to our Constitution must take precedence over all else. Though fiscal conservatives may agree only 70% of the time with social conservatives, the preservation of those freedoms that we all hold dear truly hang upon this coalition. (See the Disclaimer Page on the CO website)

Point 3: A social conservative perspective on the Constitution.

As historically understood, the Constitution is a coherent reflection of biblical teaching on the nature of man, and his relationships with God and his fellow man. (See below) The constitutions of all 50 U.S. states, either in the preamble or body, explicitly recognize or express gratitude to the Almighty God described in scripture.

The US Constitution presumes self-government by its citizens, which requires self-control. This in turn demands general adherence to the eternal laws of liberty and rules of conduct found in the 10 Commandments. The Declaration of Independence expressed it as, "..appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions..."

The Constitution and our other founding documents were written and signed by 250 remarkable men, 95% of whom were devout Christians from various Orthodox denominations. Their writings address the issues faced by every generation including today's. They frequently stated that the morality of America's people would determine the success of our constitutional republic. (See below)

Ultimately, it is not the government that protects the Constitution for the sake of the people. It is the job of the people to protect the Constitution from decay through their moral values, civic virtue, and participation. The nature and quality of our relationships with our fellow citizens results from our relationship with God and our accountability to him.

The notion of government accountability itself stems from our own accountability to God. Our Constitutional freedoms will naturally decay, as we neglect our relationship with the author of those freedoms. This is expressed in the Declaration of Independence as, "...a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence."

Conclusion:
For conservatives to work successfully together, we must understand our differences and recognize that our similarities are far greater. If we ignore the basis of our constitution, it is tempting to try to cherry pick which of our foundational principles to support based on their popularity. This pretends that some moral issues are merely matters of personal preference and have no broader political or eternal importance.

Yet we are now hurtling toward European style socialism because we as a nation have forgotten that it is "In God we trust" not man and man's wisdom. Our view of the Constitution and its biblical foundation is determining the success of our republic.

All 50 U.S. state preambles
& Quotes from Founding Fathers

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...

Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble.
We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the St ate of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction...

Michigan 1908, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty...

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We , the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this...

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2 All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences...

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance...

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...

Tennessee 1796, Art.XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man...

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other...

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

William Penn
"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."

The following are a few Declarations of Founding Fathers and Early Statesmen.....This list is by no means exhaustive; many other Founders could be included, and even with those who appear below, many additional quotes could be included.

John Adams

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; JUDGE; DIPLOMAT; ONE OF TWO SIGNERS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECOND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.
Without religion, this world would be something not fit to be mentioned in polite company: I mean hell.
Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia - what a Paradise would this region be!

Samuel Adams

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; "FATHER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION"; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS

I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . . that the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the holy and happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.


Elias Boudinot

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; SIGNED THE PEACE TREATY TO END THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION; FIRST ATTORNEY ADMITTED TO THE U. S. SUPREME COURT BAR; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; DIRECTOR OF THE U. S. MINT

Let us enter on this important business under the idea that we are Christians on whom the eyes of the world are now turned... [L]et us earnestly call and beseech Him, for Christ's sake, to preside in our councils. . . . We can only depend on the all powerful influence of the Spirit of God, Whose Divine aid and assistance it becomes us as a Christian people most devoutly to implore. Therefore I move that some minister of the Gospel be requested to attend this Congress every morning . . . in order to open the meeting with prayer.

Congress, 1854

The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Congress, U. S. House Judiciary Committee, 1854
In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity... That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants.

John Dickinson

SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE; GENERAL IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

[Governments] could not give the rights essential to happiness... We claim them from a higher source: from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth.

Benjamin Franklin

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION; DIPLOMAT; PRINTER; SCIENTIST; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA

As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and His religion as He left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see.

Alexander Hamilton

REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

Hamilton's untimely death halted the formation of a religious society he had proposed. He suggested that it be named the Christian Constitutional Society, and listed two goals for its formation: first, the support of the Christian religion; and second, the support of the Constitution of the United States. This organization was to have numerous clubs throughout each state which would meet regularly and work to elect to office those who reflected the goals of the Christian Constitutional Society.

John Hancock

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS

Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement.

Patrick Henry

REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; LEGISLATOR; "THE VOICE OF LIBERTY"; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
Righteousness alone can exalt America as a nation. Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.
The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.

John Jay

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; DIPLOMAT; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; ORIGINAL CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE U. S. SUPREME COURT; GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.

Thomas Jefferson

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; DIPLOMAT; GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA; SECRETARY OF STATE; THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The practice of morality being necessary for the well being of society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral principles of Jesus and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in His discourses.
God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are a gift from God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.

James Madison

SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECRETARY OF STATE; FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.

Benjamin Rush

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; SURGEON GENERAL OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; "FATHER OF AMERICAN MEDICINE"; TREASURER OF THE U. S. MINT; "FATHER OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION"

I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of inspiration, but I am as satisfied that it is as much the work of a Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament.
[T]he only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government is the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by means of the Bible.

George Washington

JUDGE; MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS; COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY; PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES; "FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY"

You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.

Daniel Webster

U. S. SENATOR; SECRETARY OF STATE; "DEFENDER OF THE CONSTITUTION"

[T]he Christian religion - its general principles - must ever be regarded among us as the foundation of civil society.
Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.
[T]o the free and universal reading of the Bible... men [are] much indebted for right views of civil liberty.

William Pitt - the Younger

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is argument of tyrants. It is the creed of slaves.

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Imagine what a blessing it would be if our legislature or Congress truly respected our constitutions. If a majority of such leaders were in office, we would be enjoying a new birth of freedom in this country! Therefore, let all freedom loving prople be charitable, united, and harmonious in our dealings with each other and promote those expressions of conservative values which we share. Remember that these ideas did not originate with any of us and that we are merely sons and daughters of liberty, fighting for their preservation so that our country and our posterity may receive the blessings our forefathers intended.

Sincerely,
Craig Myers
Concerned Oregonians