We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.
The genius of the Constitution is its elastic clause, the ability to be modified in an orderly and responsible manner to reflect changes in society as well as to reflect citizens’ enlightenment. From the abolishment of slavery to women’s suffrage, for the most part, it has been a constant march in approaching the tenets of the preamble.
As a naturalized citizen from Central America I am keenly aware of the tools and propaganda used by a select group of elites within a society to mislead a population. That is the battle being fought in America right now. These tactics are all diametrically opposed to the aspirations of the preamble.
How can one have a perfect union when one takes a non-compromising posture? How can there be justice when many states are suppressing the vote of those that have fought for and earned it? How can there be justice when society is now dependent on a private prison industrial complex that depends on a constant flow of the human commodity? How can there be domestic tranquility when the body politic depends on false divisions to achieve a goal? How can we promote the general welfare of our citizenry when many are unwilling to establish a humane healthcare system and a humane safety net? How can we ensure that our children will live in a freer America where corporations that may be partially governed by foreigners are considered citizens that have more access to our political representatives than the average citizen?
Every 4th of July, our Independence Day, and throughout the year we must ascertain how close we are to the aspirations codified in the preamble to the United States constitution. Are we closer to achieving real justice for all? Are we closer to living harmoniously with our neighbors? Are we closer to achieving real economic and national security? Are we closer to ensuring that we promote policies that promote the general welfare by ensuring every American has equal access to success and a viable safety net to protect and allow a humane existence during bad times? Are we closer to leaving a better, freer, and self-sustainable country for our children?
Over the last 30 years we have taken several steps backwards. It is reflected in the economic state of the middle class where middle class wages have become stagnant, where the middle class have become more indebted by design, and where middle class wealth have been transferred to the very few at the top.
After the Bar-B-Q, fireworks, and a day or two of rest and recovery, it is imperative that engagement in the political debate commence. Bring back the full value of the 4th of July. Make the preamble of the Constitution more than just an aspiration. Move America forward. It begins with you.