CONSTITUTION: A few thoughts

Constitutional Commemorative Day was Sept. 17. I have given much thought to the intent of our Founding Fathers who drafted the Constitution. Next to the divinely inspired Word of God in which we find time-tested absolute values and principles, the Constitution is one of the most important documents ever written. It was intended to be a unique blend of a democracy and a republic. However, a serious concern is that we are moving away from this balance toward a government of the majority and away from a government of laws as was the original intent of the Framers.

Our Founding Fathers wisely established a government with three distinct branches: Executive, Judicial and Legislative. This separation of powers is the fundamental basis of the structure of our government. Our Constitution separated the powers of government so that each branch can serve as a check and balance on the other two. However, due to abuse in all three branches, the boundaries of separation have been over-stepped.

The Constitution has taken on a new meaning: It is being interpreted to mean license to do what is morally wrong.

Elected lawmakers and appointed justices have become self-serving, resulting in moral decline followed closely by economic failure. Freedom of religion means freedom from Christianity.

The very mention of God, Jesus, or the Creator in some places is not acceptable. The Declaration of Independence says we are “endowed by our Creator.” Many of us remember 63 years ago when the phrase “under God” was inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance. Perverted sexual acts and same-sex marriages that God calls an abomination are practiced openly without shame. The Constitution gave lawmakers the authority to pass laws that would protect our freedoms. Freedom and responsibility go hand-in-hand. With all freedoms there must be limits. A fish out of water is not free nor is a train off the track. The intent of the Framers of the Constitution was to give lawmakers the authority to pass laws that would protect our freedoms.

Twenty-eight years ago while serving in the Idaho Legislature, I wrote the law that makes Sept. 17 Constitution Commemorative Day. The law requires the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to direct all public school instructors to provide programs related to the Constitution.

The Framers of the Constitution were men of great vision who intended to leave us a legacy that would outlive them for centuries to come.

RON VIESELMEYER

Coeur d’Alene