“The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.”

In brief, Article V states that amendments to the Constitution occur when two thirds of both Houses of Congress have agreed on a proposed amendment, and three fourths of all States agree to those changes.

The founders of this Nation were good, and wise, and honest men who sought to establish a charter for this Nation which would assure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity; but in their wisdom, they knew that they were mere mortals that were not omniscient.  They knew that time and circumstances may ultimately dictate a need for changes in the Constitution.  They were also firm in their conviction that the Constitution was a written, binding contract which all who hold office are required to obey.  Washington stated in his Farewell Address: “the constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all.”

If changes became necessary, they were not to occur through usurpation or by any means than by the process defined in the United States Constitution.  The founders did not embrace the modern lie that the Constitution is a “living document” which can be change by decree, in practice, or by any other means than the Article V process.

In recent years a gross misunderstanding has become popular: that the Constitution may be modified upon the whim of the Supreme Court (some have called the Supreme Court a “constantly sitting constitutional convention”), or by the decree of a President, or by the vote of Congress.  These philosophies defy all logic, reason, and firmly established constitutional principle.  And yet, this position is fostered today by those whom the founders of the Nation warned against.

Founding Fathers of this Nation were unequivocal in their position that the Constitution was binding upon all until changed by an authentic act.  The amendment process, as defined in Article V of the United States Constitution, is the ONLY authentic way to modify the Constitution.

In his Farewell Address, Washington warned that factions, groups, parties, or combinations would arise which would attempt to modify the foundation of the constitutional government which had been established, and that those efforts could result in the overthrow of the freedom of the land, saying:

“All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle and of fatal tendency….

“However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying. afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion….

“Toward the preservation of your Government and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect in the forms of the Constitution alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what can not be directly overthrown.”  (Messages and Papers of the Presidents, George Washington, Vol 1, Pg.209-210)

It is currently in vogue to suggest that the Constitution is somehow flawed, and that recent usurpations by the federal government demonstrate the truth of that position, particularly in cases in which the Founding Fathers of this Nation clearly intended that jurisdiction in a matter be withheld from the national government and left in the hands of the States.  Those who hold the position that the Constitution is flawed are often quick to insist that constitutional amendments are desperately needed to correct the “flaws” they perceive.  The real truth about “flaws” which are supposedly in the current United States Constitution is this:  Every single one of these so-called flaws have been brought about by usurpation of authority not granted by the Constitution.  The flaw is not in the Constitution—it is in those who seek power, and those who allow them to hold power.  The key to stopping this is in a courageous Congress, not in scrapping the Constitution, or in modifying it every time some tyrant seeks to usurp power not granted in God’s inspired document.  If we changed it for every whim of false philosophy which came along, we would have many thousands of amendments, and not a real Constitution.

Virtually all of the “flaws” which clamor for a constitutional amendment could be solve by the majority vote of a courageous Congress to remove the matter from a runaway court system.  Logic, reason, and historical precedent testify that the task of obtaining a simple majority in Congress is much easier than getting two-thirds of both houses and three-fourths of all the States to bring amendments forth that aren’t needed to begin with.

And the danger of seeking amendments in the many emotional issues which face us today is magnified by huge orders of magnitude if the “good and well-meaning people” of the land become so frustrated and angry with a Congress that can’t bring them an amendment they wish to pass that they demand a constitutional convention be called.  Remember, Article V of the Constitution requires Congress to convene a convention if two-thirds of the States call for one (the Constitution says they “shall call” a convention, not that they “may call” a convention).  We are already dangerously close to that event, within only a few States.

Of course, the only national constitutional convention we have had in the entire history of the United States resulted in what we would call today a “runaway convention.”  While those who attended the Convention of 1787 had been called together to correct perceived flaws in the existing Constitution, The Articles of Confederation, they immediately saw within the purview of their authority as duly elected representatives of the people and States to set aside the existing constitution and write another one.  That is exactly what they did, and they even changed the unanimous consent required by the Articles of Confederation for change to a lesser level to assure easier ratification of the new constitution.  Fortunately, God had raised up men for this very purpose, and the results were endorsed by God.  Where are such men today?  In light of the dangers associated with a constitutional convention, one must ask one’s self: “Among the prominent leaders of this Nation, is there even one found who could hold a candle to the inspired works of those whom we call the Founding Fathers of this Nation?”  The risk for such an action today cannot be measured.

The post Amending the Constitution and Constitutional Conventions appeared first on Scott Bradley's Freedom's Rising Sun.

In that day, The United States of America was a nation united in name only.  A miracle was needed to prevent its dissolution.  That miracle came in the form of the new national charter—The United States Constitution, which was signed and delivered to the nation on September 17^th, 1787.

It is uncanny how the conditions just noted parallel the nation’s current circumstances.  The nation again stands at a crossroads.  Although claiming victory at war, the nation languishes in crisis.  Inflation is rampant, economic development is stifled, public debt is at an all-time high, and growing.  The threat of enemy action within the nation’s borders looms.  Political motivation clouds the judgment of the nation’s leadership—many of the nation’s foremost leaders jockey for prominence and power.  The nation’s leaders are bogged down and ineffective.  Debates rage which seem to perpetually elude solution.  Ineffective is the mildest term that can be applied to the tone set by Congress.  Foreign powers examine every action the nation takes, scheming to take advantage of every perceived weakness and flaw.  The citizens of the nation are deeply divided on many critical issues.  The nation is polarized by divisive opinions which split the nation’s personality into almost innumerable fragments.  In so many ways the future of the nation looks dire, indeed!  In fact, an honest comparison between the conditions which existed in 1787 and today’s conditions testify that the risks inherent in today’s conditions vastly exceed those of the earlier day.

In addition to the aforementioned challenges, we face the morally repugnant burdens of rampant officially sanctioned abortion, a cancerous proliferation of pornography, addictive behaviors of all sort and substance, a broad acceptance of base and increasingly crude entertainment (so called), a growing perverse conception that America is “officially” a godless society which looks to the wisdom of man’s philosophies, and government programs, for salvation instead of the God who founded this great land.  A host of other onerous circumstances and conditions could be noted, but surely these must suffice for all who have eyes to see and ears to hear!

It is interesting to note that John Adams, the nation’s first Vice President, and second President observed that “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

And it gives one pause to consider that during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, George Mason stated: “As nations cannot be rewarded or punished in the next world, they must be in this.  By an inevitable chain of causes and effects, Providence punishes national sins by national calamities.”  We must pray that we, as a Nation, have not passed the point of no return, and we now face only the imminent justice of an offended God!

We are now all caught up in the hoopla of the election year, with glorious and grand promises being bandied about like so much confetti.  Some cry “lo, here, and others cry lo, there,” in their quest to become, or remain, your political leader.

As election day draws near, it is astounding to observe the tactics of those who seek our votes!  “Change” seems to have become the watchword of the major candidates.  Change means something different to everyone who hears it.  Those who utter this platitude apparently hope that each who hears the word will internalize it and interpret it as the change they desire, and thereby throw their support and vote to the change-agent that best reflects their agenda.  Thirty second sound bites that tickle our ears and tweak our emotions are cleverly crafted by political machines that have tested the shifting winds of popular sentiment and special interest groups, hoping to sail on to victory at the expense of sound principle.  How foolish, how absurd!  Foundational principle is rarely, if ever, considered.  Consequently, all that is worthy and great in America is unraveling.

The Founding Fathers of the United States considered the United States Constitution to be a written binding contract between the people of the nation and those who we select to hold positions of responsibility within our government.  The founders considered the “binding” concept to be so essential that within that great foundational document, that charter of liberty, they require every office-holder to take an oath to uphold that contract as written.  Article II in the Constitution requires the president to take a specific oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”  Article VI requires all other officers in the nation to take an oath “to support this Constitution.”  Today, virtually all those seeking high office have a publicly available voting record.  Sadly, a close examination of their record of how they cast their sacred vote when they were in a position of authority reveals their disdain for their oath.  We are foolish to expect their current sweet talk, which is calculated to lead to victory this election, to miraculously translate into future sound constitutional behavior!  We deceive ourselves if we harbor such sentiments!

The words in the Constitution are written in plain English.  Words have meaning, and those meanings may be known.  We, the people, have a responsibility to know the words well enough to know when our elected representatives violate them, and hold those officials accountable, including removing them from office for perjury when they violate their oath.

The United States Constitution created a national government whose powers are few and defined.  The document enumerates the specific powers delegated to the national government, and specifically notes that all other power is retained by the states, or the people.  Constitutional protocol, which was clearly understood by the Founding Fathers, prohibits any re-delegation of power granted to a specific body (legislative, executive, or judicial), or the usurpation of authority or power not granted by the Constitution.  Their positions are well documented for those who will honestly seek them out.

Contrary to what is currently practiced in violation of constitutional protocol, only the legislature may create law (not the executive or judiciary).  Only congress may exercise powers granted in Article I Section 8 of the Constitution.  None of these listed powers may be re-delegated by congress to other bodies (foreign or domestic).  The legislative, for example, may not constitutionally re-delegate the power to regulate our foreign commerce to the president, or to any international body.  Congress may not transfer their war-making powers to the president, or to any international body.  Congress may not delegate to the president or any international body the power to create courts inferior to the supreme court.  Congress must decide how to deal with prisoners captured in conflict, not the executive.  These powers are delegated to congress, and they are theirs and theirs alone to exercise.  No amount of sophistry or “political-speak” can justify the blatant disregard congress has exhibited in these and countless other matters.  The charge of dereliction of duty must be laid at their feet because they lack the courage to fulfill their constitutionally mandated duty.

And what is astounding is the fact that while failing to fulfill their constitutionally-delegated charge, the national government seeks constantly to encroach into areas not delegated to that level of government.  Contrary to popular belief and practice, the redistributing the wealth of Americans to foreign powers, to corporate moguls, to the various states, to special interest groups, or even to individuals is not a power granted to our government.  The phrase, “from each according to his ability, to each according to his need” is not found in the United States Constitution, but, rather, in the writings of Karl Marx!  Were there time, countless other examples of usurped power could be enumerated.  Oh, how far we have strayed from the sound principles of Americanism which made this nation the freest, happiest, most prosperous, and most respected nation on earth!

Liberty and proper government cannot prevail if the great charter of our nation is ignored and set aside by we, the people.  If those who represent us fail in their duty to abide their oath and keep their actions within the bounds established by the Constitution, we are in grave danger, indeed!

Rather than “change” (whatever that means) this nation desperately needs “restoration.”

Restoration to the foundation upon which it was originally built.  Restoration to a recognition that the powers of the national government are limited to the specific powers enumerated in the Constitution.  Restoration to the understanding that mankind’s rights come from God, and that government’s only purpose is to preserve those rights.  The Declaration of Independence succinctly captures that essence.  The Constitution is our charter of liberty under which our sacred, God-given rights are vouched safe.  Look to the Constitution.  Read it, ponder it, understand its plain English words, and compare it to the drivel promoted by political shills.  Reject the false philosophies that have been so powerfully promoted by pandering politicians for so many decades.  Vote wisely.  Vote for a restoration and the preservation of our liberty!  Our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor are at stake.

Perhaps I may pause and comment upon a couple of issues that are of grave concern to me.

One issue is all the talk I hear lately from those who are frustrated by the political events of the day.  The word “REVOLUTION” is bantered about all too freely!  People who have lately awakened and, for the first time in their lives, considered the matters of government and what is being thrust upon us by false leaders (not realizing that this effort to usurp power and implement false un-Americanist government did not just begin with this administration, but has been going on for many generations) are acting and speaking as though it is time to take to the streets with our pitchforks and torches.   Most of these people have never contemplated what the ultimate results of the actions they clamor for would be.  In addition, they are largely ignorant of the strength and resilience of the Constitution which still exists.

The fact remains that we are still blessed with the United States Constitution, and all of its inherent protections. IF we will awaken and arouse ourselves to the sense of our awful situation, we still have the means to restore the blessings of liberty to this land because through the power of the ballot box we still have the privilege of selecting good, wise, and honest representatives who will honor their oath of office. We MUST remove the wicked representatives from office who (with extremely rare exception) currently violate their sacred oath of office!  And we still have the peaceful means to do this if the people will return their hearts to proper principle. This is still a republic. We can do this by exercising our vote. This may all be done by peaceful means. Our job is to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound. We have not yet exhausted the ordained process by which we may restore and preserve our blessings of liberty and proper government.

A careful examination of ALL modern revolutions (this is one of the subjects I review in my lecture series/book) will reveal that the evil ones who seek to subjugate mankind ALWAYS take advantage of disruptions and chaos (particularly violent disruptions) to implement their tyranny. We MUST be careful to take action which will not facilitate the ultimate destruction of the base-line principles and the Constitution.

Yes, revolutions are sometimes necessary, but a careful examination of the facts will reveal that the differences between 1776 and 2010 are many; among which is the fact that in 1776 the colonists did not have a form of government in which they could have representation, AND they had exhausted all of their options to resolve the processes through peaceful means.  We have the vote, and we still have our marvelous United States Constitution!  In 1776 they had neither.

The wrong way will lead to disaster and ruin. Our wives and children will mourn and go through greater challenges than any of this generation have even imagined. We must be wise, and not act as foolish children playing a computer war game wherein you hit the restart button and everything is restored and made well. Violent revolution is not a sanitized process.  It is extremely ugly and dirty with misery untold.  There is much at stake!!!!

I am so worried that those who foster violent revolution have never seen, or even imagined  the costs!  And they have no clue what is at risk. They seem to also have no idea of the strength they would have if they followed the proper principle and kept all things within the established bounds. Ready, fire, aim is not a valid sequence. IF the time comes for violent revolution, which I pray never happens, we need to be able to go before the Lord and plead for His assistance, knowing that we have done all in our power to do it His way.

Perhaps you remember the movie, “The Patriot,” with Mel Gibson. Yes, it is just a movie, but I mention it because part of it illustrates a point. Mel Gibson’s character had seen the ugliness of war, and what it does to men. He was not so anxious to jump into it because he knew some of the costs. Others who had romanticized war knew nothing of the brutal ugliness and cost to families. When the time came, and there were no longer any other options, he thrust himself into it without any reservations. The fight was on, and needed to be resolved. The huge costs were ultimately extracted, as he had foreseen, but the revolution was successful because the cause was just and people were willing to make the sacrifices necessary. In addition, honorable and noble men were at the helm. Who stands at our helm today? Has God raised up similar men today? Will He? I pray for such to be restored!

It may come to blood, but I don’t think the time has arrived. We have a responsibility to educate and inform this generation of Americans regarding the divinely established principles of proper government. I believe that we can raise up a generation who cherish these things and are willing to abide in them. It is a huge task (as you know)!  The organs of the media, the education system, and the halls of government (with extremely rare exception) promote the concepts of false government. There are still some avenues which are open for touching the Nation without being tainted by the establishment “spin.” We need to work in those venues, and God will open up more opportunities for us. With God’s help the truth will prevail. We know whose side we are on. The cause of liberty is truly God’s cause. We also know whose side the ones who would destroy the proper form of government we were bequeathed by God are on. Just because the enemy is numerous does not give them the victory. Miracles do happen. We need to pray for them.

Unfortunately, the nation has not yet gone through the preparatory process that colonial America went through to receive proper government.  Regarding the “revolution” of his day, Thomas Jefferson wrote the following:

“What do we mean by the Revolution?  The War?  That was no part of the Revolution.  It was only an effect, and consequence of it.  The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected, from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen years, before a drop of blood was drawn at Lexington.”  (Bergh, The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 14, page 347)

While many Americans are being awakened to recognize we are a nation at great risk because of the false philosophies of government that for so long time have been so highly organized, so cleverly disguised, and so powerfully promoted, the nation’s ignorance of proper principle places it at risk of being deceived by false leaders who truly offer nothing more than the same repackaged false philosophies.  This condition is almost as dangerous as the revolutionary attitude we just discussed.

The minds of Americans must once again be prepared to understand the principles of liberty and proper government, but at this point, only oh so few have made the effort.  As in the last third of the 1700’s it will take time today for Americans to again have their hearts and minds prepared to live under proper government and liberty.  It will take effort on the part of everyday Americans, and leaders of the caliber of the American Founding Fathers must again be raised up.  I presume that it will take Divine intervention as it did in the founding era of the nation, because I don’t see these people within our current crop of leaders.  None seem to be worthy, and none seem to have paid the price to come to understand these critical truths.

Here’s how John Adams expressed his feelings about this matter.  Early in his professional life, John Adams Adams, John wrote to his wife explaining what he felt he must do to prepare himself for leadership in the “divine science” of politics. He wrote,

“The science of government is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation ought to take place of, indeed to exclude, in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”  (Quoted in Adrienne Koch, ed., The American Enlightenment [New York: George Braziller, 1965], 188)

Today, each must consider their duty in this matter.  Most Americans have ignored our responsibility in the science of government to the point that proper government, in practice, has become almost extinct in modern times.  It is a matter that bears careful consideration today!

In order to make appropriate decisions regarding government and governance, proper principle must be understood and applied.  Principle must begin to take precedence over party and popularity if nations, states, and communities are to begin again to enjoy the fruits of proper government!

Proper principle, and proper government, can be found within the scope and bounds defined within the United States Constitution!  It is sound and good!  We must use all of the influence we can rightfully bring to bear to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound.

And, unfortunately, many who claim to love the Constitution and desire to uphold it are bent on changing it through the amendment process.  To me this is a great inconsistency!  Why would you desire so fervently to change that which you profess to love?  There is danger in this approach, unless it was a desire to rescind other existing amendments which are destructive of the divinely inspired structure which was originally established by the founders.

Many efforts to amend the Constitution have been extremely unwise!  I would have to include in the scope of that statement many current efforts to amend the Constitution, including the efforts to obtain a balanced budget amendment, a congressional term limits amendment, a line item veto amendment, a flag burning amendment, etc.   Perhaps I may spend just a few minutes on a why these amendment-seeking efforts will ultimately lead a frustrated electorate to seek a disastrous constitutional convention, which would result in the loss of our Divinely inspired Constitution.

First, perhaps we may mention the so-called Balanced Budget Amendment.  In light of the historic record of profligate spending by our national government, one might be caused to ask: “Why did the Founding Fathers not prohibit the national government from engaging in deficit spending?”  The answer is simple.  They knew that unavoidable wars always create debt.  It is either that or loose the nation in the war.  They were, however, adamant that those debts be retired immediately to prevent us from, as Washington said in his monumental “Farewell Address,” “…ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves should bear.”

Every Balanced Budget Amendment I have examined is fatally flawed.  Each has an “escape” clause which allows any congress to ignore the requirement to balance the budget IF they vote for the unbalanced budget with some kind of “super majority.”   That would require 261 of 435 members of the House to vote for it, and 60 of the 100 Senators to vote for it.  I find it absolutely amazing that virtually all budgets passed during the last several congresses were passed by a super majority.  Why?  Because virtually all of the members of congress are guilty of placing “earmarks” in the budget for their home district back home.  Most of these earmarks, by-the-way, are in complete violation of the scope and limits placed upon the national government by the Constitution.  These earmarks help assure their re-election.  In a very real way they are buying their re-election out of the largess of the public treasury by redistributing the money taken by force of government from citizens outside their home district.  Of course, there is n o constitutional authority to redistribute taxpayer money to ANYONE—not foreign powers, not corporate moguls, not to the States or local governments, and certainly not to individuals.  NOBODY.

Of course, by now we should all be familiar with the accounting chicanery carried out by the national government by “off the books” accounting practices, committing future revenue streams, and by the euphemistic term: “accounting tools.”

I believe we may be certain that in the current political world the Balance Budget Amendment will not garner the constitutionally required 2/3 majority of both houses and ratification of 3/4 of all States to become an amendment.  Consequently, as the call for a Balanced Budget Amendment increases in popularity among the good and caring people, they will become frustrated with congress and call for a Constitution Convention as provide for in Article V of the Constitution.  If that happens, we will loose the entire Constitution as a new one will be brought forth.  In the current political environment, with the current lack of soundly-principled statesmen, and with the current state of ignorance among the electorate, we must NOT be led into the trap of a Con-Con!

Perhaps we should also briefly touch upon the Term Limits Amendment movement.  We already have term limits.  It is called the ballot box.  The truth of the matter is that in November 2010 we could remove ALL of our U.S. Congressmen, and 1/3 of our Senators.  Two years later we could do the same thing again and also cleanse the Executive department.  The problem is the electorate is so caught up in the “incumbent” mentality that every incumbent is virtually assured re-election.  It is a sad truism that we get the type of government we deserve.

The problem really is an apathetic and ignorant electorate that has embraced an “entitlement” mentality.  And what makes you think that if we term limited the office-holder that you would assure yourself of a better, more soundly-founded representative?  I assure you that in today’s political environment there is always another socialist waiting in the wings to step into any vacant office.

And why would we want to remove representatives that are operating within their oath of office?  The key is understanding of correct principles and holding our representatives to their oath of office to abide within the limits and constraints of the United States Constitution.

And, by-the-way, do you think that the American Founding Fathers had never heard of or considered term limits when they wrote the Constitution in 1787?  Did you know that the first United States Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, had term limits?  There is not enough time to fully explain why their experience had been unsatisfactory with term limits, but suffice it to say, they knew about term limits and purposefully left them out of the Constitution they wrote.

And, as I said in regards to the dangers associated with the effort to obtain a Balanced Budget Amendment, I believe we may be certain that in the current political world a Term Limits Amendment will not garner the constitutionally required  2/3 majority of both houses and ratification of 3/4 of all States to become an amendment.  Consequently, as the call for a Term Limits Amendment increases in popularity among the good and caring people, they will become frustrated with congress and call for a Constitution Convention as provide for in Article V of the Constitution.  Again I will state: if that happens, we will loose the entire Constitution as a new one will be brought forth.  In the current political environment, with the current lack of soundly-principled statesmen, and with the current state of ignorance among the electorate, we must NOT be led into the trap of a Con-Con!

I should also briefly touch upon the dangers of a Line Item Veto Amendment.  The United States Constitution assigns specific powers and responsibilities to the various branches or departments of the national government: the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judiciary.  Each has its role to play, and there are checks and balances to prevent any from becoming preeminent in the process of governance and power.

Ronald Reagan was famous for his demand that he be given a line item veto power.  Thankfully, it never happened!  If line item veto was granted to the executive, the executive’s power would grow and encroach into the legislative arena.

Time does not permit a detailed review of the dynamic play constitutionally mandated between the legislative and the executive, but you must review Article I, Section 7 of the US Constitution to see how the legislative and executive are to perform their duty and how they check and balance each other.

So-called “Signing Statements” that have become vogue in recent presidential administrations is a powerful example of how perverted this practice of effectively eliminating components passed by the house and senate has and would become.  President George W. Bush exercised this unconstitutional usurpation of power hundreds of times during his eight year term of office.  Presidents that do this (and I expect we have not seen the end of this constitutional violation) greatly endanger the delicate checks and balances that are an essential hallmark of our Constitutional Republic!

Think of an executive that could remove any good that was in legislation that came before him for his signature, and leave only the dross.  Can you see the unchecked power this would grant to a president?  It was wrong for Reagan, and it is wrong for any current or future president.

Remember in Tolkien’s epic novel of the corrupting influence of power, and the “One Ring to rule them all?”  Many sought the “Ring of Power” with the assurance they would only use it for good.  But even if they could be completely trusted at the moment, I assure you that the one who obtained the Ring, or his subsequent inheritors, would be overcome and ultimately begin to abuse the power.

So, I must say again as I said regarding both the Balanced Budget Amendment and the Term Limits Amendment:  I believe we may be certain that in the current political world the Line Item Veto Amendment will not garner the constitutionally required  2/3 majority of both houses and ratification of 3/4 of all States to become an amendment.  Consequently, as the call for a Line Item Veto Amendment increases in popularity among the good and caring people, they will become frustrated with congress and call for a Constitution Convention as provide for in Article V of the Constitution.  If that happens, we will loose the entire Constitution as a new one will be brought forth.  And again I will restate for emphasis: in the current political environment, with the current lack of soundly-principled statesmen, and with the current state of ignorance among the electorate, we must NOT be led into the trap of a Con-Con!

Many other flawed and unnecessary proposed amendments could be mentioned and discussed, such as the Flag Burning Amendment, the Anti-Abortion Amendment, and others, but the end result of all of these efforts is always the same.

Calls for them will not garner the constitutionally required  2/3 majority of both houses and ratification of 3/4 of all States to become an amendment.  Consequently, as the outcry for them increases in popularity among the good and caring people, they will become frustrated with congress and call for a Constitution Convention as provide for in Article V of the Constitution.  If that happens, we will loose the entire Constitution as a new one will be brought forth.  I will remind you again:  in the current political environment, with the current lack of soundly-principled statesmen, and with the current state of ignorance among the electorate, we must NOT be led into the trap of a Con-Con!

Besides, what are we going to say with many of these amendments?  Most of what is in the Constitution is unremittingly ignored in daily practice today anyway.  Are we going to create a “we really mean it this time” clause that will suddenly awaken unprincipled politicians to begin to abide by their oath of office to support the Constitution?

No!  An informed electorate must rise up and throw the wicked scoundrels from office who ignore the Constitution and replace them with soundly founded statesmen who will keep government within its proper bounds and preserve our liberty and God-given rights.

The implication that the Constitution is somehow flawed and must be changed disparages the Constitution.  The Constitution is not flawed.  We simply have stopped applying it and therefore the nation faces its many daunting challenges.

And creating the perception that the Constitution is flawed and must be changed (for whatever “good” excuse they come up with) will ultimately create a movement to hold an Article V constitution convention in which we will loose the Constitution (barring Divine intervention).  Our safety is in returning to the sound foundational principles upon which this nation was established.  Modern politicians with their “bright” ideas, however well intended, will only serve to further undermine our Divinely established origins of proper government, limited and constrained within its proper bounds.

We must catch the vision of the critical importance of the truths found within the structure of the United States Constitution, and this generation must instill in the succeeding generation an understanding and a love of the foundation principles upon which this nation and our properly established government are based.  If the nation is to remain free, each upcoming generation must come to know the bedrock principles upon which this nation was founded, in order that the nation might enjoy the blessings of liberty which we cherish.  Hopefully, each new generation will come to value liberty and seek diligently to preserve the principles upon which it is founded.  Each citizen of the nation must become the self-motivated leader of the next generation who will do the right things for the right reasons.

It is my hope that each of us who loves liberty will resolve that, from this day forward, we will hold dear the great principles upon which this nation was founded, and upon which it has been preserved.  A renewed dedication must sweep the nation to come to understand that any philosophy which ignores the Constitution and the frame-work it established, or allows the plain and pure meaning of its words to be twisted and modified by the whims of those who hold the reins of government debases the Constitution.  Such philosophies will ultimately remove the foundation of the nation, and the results will be the same inevitable result as though we have no constitution at all.

If the words of the Constitution may mean anything we (or the Supreme Court, or the President, or Congress, or a judge, or a police officer, or a bureaucrat, or anyone else) say they mean, or that the words mean nothing at all, then those who hold power hold limitless power, and tyranny will surely follow.  The written Constitution which the nation enjoys may be read and plainly understood by all who will take the time to study it.  Great strength, stability, and confidence may be derived by having that firm “bedrock” foundation upon which to build and maintain our proper government.  Those who are elected to hold office are constrained to act only within the constitutional scope of their office, and therefore they are precluded from going beyond the bounds which have been set within the Constitution.

If this understanding becomes widespread, perhaps then we may be confident that the Nation will always be safe and free.

I end as I began: The United States stood at the crossroads in 1787.  The people and their leaders were courageous and bold enough to step forward in the glorious light provided by their unique constitution.  The confidence of the citizenry was restored.  The economy blossomed in the new assurance that one’s labor was his own.  Order was restored.  The nation shook off  its torpid lethargy and became invigorated.  The national transformation was astonishing.  The nations of the earth were amazed, and stood in awe of the newfound strength and hope of this free land.  In 2010 the nation once again stands at a crossroads.

Today, the nation faces challenges almost identical to the challenges faced by the new nation 223 years ago.  A miracle is again needed.  That miracle is again The United States Constitution—and it must be applied as vigorously and purely as it was at the end of the 18^th century and the beginning of the 19^th century.  Virtually all of the challenges faced by the nation today can be traced to a divergence from the original intent put forth in the United States Constitution.

Honest, good, and wise statesmen of the caliber of the statesmen who founded this nation must be sought for.  The timeless wisdom that saved the nation at the end of the 18^th century must be applied as energetically today as it was then.  Truths taught by the former statesmen must be brought forward, learned, understood, and embraced.  The results will be as they were in the beginning.  The nation will be invigorated and restored.

Yes, I know that the challenges seem almost insurmountable, but the inspiring words of the fiery patriot, Patrick Henry ring in our ears:

“WE SHALL NOT FIGHT OUR BATTLES ALONE.  THERE IS A JUST GOD WHO PRESIDES OVER THE DESTINIES OF NATIONS; AND WHO WILL RAISE UP FRIENDS TO FIGHT OUR BATTLES FOR US.  THE BATTLE IS NOT TO THE STRONG ALONE; IT IS TO THE VIGILANT, THE ACTIVE, THE BRAVE.”

In 1847, the new Liberty Party sought to abolish the abominable practice of slavery.  In light of the monumental task which faced them, their motto was: “The duty is ours, the results are God’s.”  In light of the monumental task we face today of restoring the power of government to the scope and bounds defined within the United States Constitution, we must remember that even today, the duty is ours, the results are God’s.  But if we are to be worthy to receive His full approbation, we must be willing to do our part.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He loved His children enough to establish a free and prosperous land in which they could live and worship Him.  He continues to love His children today.

Just as God raised up some of His choicest spirits to establish this nation, I believe that, if we are faithful, He may again raise up faithful leaders and inspire us to return to His plan for freedom.

Let us pray and work for such a miracle. “We, the People” hold the fate of this great nation in our hands.

Thank you!

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“The Legislature of Virginia happened to be in session… The House of Burgesses, thereupon, passed a resolution, recommending to their fellow-citizens, that that day should be set apart for fasting and prayer to the Supreme Being, imploring him to avert the calamities then threatening us, and to give us one heart and one mind to oppose every invasion of our liberties.”
     —The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Bergh, Vol 1, p.181

And throughout their struggle for freedom during the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress regularly admonished the new nation to fast and pray, as reflected in the following “general order” issued by General Washington:

“The Continental Congress having ordered Friday to be observed as a day of ‘fasting, humiliation and prayer, humbly to supplicate the mercy of Almighty God, that it would please him to pardon all our manifold sins and transgressions, and to prosper the arms of the united colonies, and finally, establish the peace and freedom of America upon a solid and lasting foundation’—the General commands all officers and soldiers to pay strict obedience to the orders of the Continental Congress, and by their unfeigned and pious observance of their religious duties, incline the Lord, and Giver of Victory, to prosper our arms.”
     —Writings of George Washington, General Orders. Fitzpatrick 5:43. (1776.)

In keeping with this national tradition, many of the early Presidents of the Nation frequently proclaimed days of national fasting and prayer in expressions of thanksgiving to God for the blessings of liberty that the nation enjoyed, and in supplication to God for His continued sustaining influence.

An example may be found in George Washington’s “Thanksgiving Proclamation.” On October 3^rd, 1789, at the request of Congress, and in accord with his own inclinations, President George Washington issued the following proclamation:

“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and

‘Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

“Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

“And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

“Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A. D. 1789. GO. WASHINGTON.”

The cause of liberty is truly God’s cause. There are many similarities between the trying times in which we currently live, and the times in which liberty hung in the balance as this Nation was established. The need for modern days of fasting and prayer in supplication of God’s divine assistance in the preservation of liberty, and the restoration of proper government, is apparent to many. Perhaps, within your circle of influence among friends and family, among those of noble character with whom you associate, you may encourage a day of fasting and prayer on behalf of the principles of liberty and the proper government which were originally divinely established for this Nation. Perhaps we may fast and pray that the foundation principles upon which this Nation was established may be restored and preserved. Such an act of faith is desperately needed at this time!

     —Scott N. Bradley

The post Proposed Day of Thanksgiving, Fasting, and Prayer on Behalf of the Cause of Liberty and Proper Government appeared first on Scott Bradley's Freedom's Rising Sun.

“Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.”

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A. D. 1789.
GO. WASHINGTON

“May this nation again turn our hearts to our God, and recognize His hand in the abundant blessings He has so magnanimously poured out upon the nation and our families!”
     —Scott N. Bradley

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Thus, at the signing of the United States Constitution Benjamin Franklin expressed his great hope that with the bringing forth of the magnificent principles embodied within the United States Constitution the cause of liberty and proper government would begin to rise and shine forth, bringing light to all of the land in a manner similar to the rising of the sun at the dawn of day.

It is hoped that through this web site and the materials and information offered herein an understanding will be fostered to the end that the cause of liberty and proper government may again be restored and be raised up as a new dawn to all mankind. We seek to make these tried and true principles of liberty and proper government popular again, and expose and make unpopular the false philosophies that have subverted the eternally important principles upon which the United States was founded.

In 1787 the United States boldly stepped forward in the glorious light provided by their unique new constitution. The confidence of the citizenry blossomed. The economy expanded in the assurance that one’s labor was his own. The nation became invigorated. The transformation was miraculous! The nations of the world stood in awe of the newfound strength and hope of this free land. In the 21st Century, America is again in need of a miracle. The United States Constitution is again that miracle. It must be applied as vigorously and purely as it was in the beginning. Today’s national challenges can be traced to a divergence from the original intent put forth in the United States Constitution.

Statesmen of the caliber of the American founders must be raised up. The timeless wisdom that established the United States must again be vigorously applied. The foundational Americanist principles must be learned, understood, and embraced. The results will be as they were in the beginning. America may become again the freest, most prosperous, most respected, and happiest nation on earth. And it may become again a magnanimous example of hope to people throughout the world. It is the intention of this web site to facilitate these restorations.

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“On every question of construction, [let us] carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed.”
     —The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Bergh 15:449. (1823.)

James Wilson, a leading participant in the constitutional convention, who later became Supreme Court Justice Wilson, said that, “The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it.”
     —The Works of the Honorable James Wilson, 1:14. (1804)

“Laws are made for men of ordinary understanding and should, therefore, be construed by the ordinary rules of common sense. Their meaning is not to be sought for in metaphysical subtleties which may make anything mean everything or nothing at pleasure.”
     —Thomas Jefferson (letter to William Johnson, 12 June 1823)

Chief Justice Marshall, who participated in the Virginia ratification convention, recognized, in speaking to that body, that if a word was understood in a particular way when the Constitution was framed, the constitutional convention “must have used it in that sense.”

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The states were treating one another almost like separate nations. They lacked a cohesive foreign policy and lacked unity in almost innumerable ways. Economic woes plagued the individual States (and the entire nation) because the value of money fluctuated dramatically. European powers were expecting the nation to dissolve and fragment and become fair game to again become their colonies. The Articles of Confederation did not recognize a judicial system, and justice was often difficult to obtain. Equitable justice is essential to preserve liberty.

With an unstable government, domestic tranquility was often disturbed by riots and
destruction created by disaffected members of society. Courts had been burned in some states where people felt justice had not been carried out. One of the complaints against the king, which was noted in the Declaration of Independence, was that he had allowed the miscarriage of justice. A stable, safe, predictable environment was needed in order to assure the survival of the nation. In addition, in order to resist encroachments and offenses of foreign powers, the new states needed to unify their defensive powers and their posture in international affairs.

A miracle was needed to assure the survival of the nation! Wise statesmen of the day recognized that the continued existence of the nation as a nation required some bold and dramatic advancements in the nation’s charter. To assure the survival of the nation, they recognized the need to create a general environment in society where peace and prosperity could thrive because people were confident in the stable progress of the future. They understood the need to create a proper government that would foster conditions in which the economy and society in general were predictable and not fraught with turmoil and doubt.

In the spring of 1787 the most trusted statesmen of the nation were called together in a Constitution Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to create such a charter for the nation. When Congress called the Convention of 1787, the convention was called “for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation,” thereby rendering “the federal constitution adequate to the exigencies of government, and the preservation of the Union.” However, when the delegates gathered in Philadelphia in May of 1787, they recognized that in their role as delegates to a constitution convention they were legally authorized to set the existing constitution aside and create an entirely new constitution. As soon as they gathered, they promptly set about the task of writing a new constitution.

During the long, sweltering summer of 1787 these noble and wise statesmen carefully crafted the timeless document that Sir William Gladstone later called “The most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.”

But the effort to create the new constitution was an arduous task that the founders recognized required divine assistance. During one of the most trying periods during the Convention, the Elder Statesman Benjamin Franklin remarked:

“In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor.

“To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel . . . .

“I therefore beg leave to move — that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business . . .” (Jonathan Elliot, Debates on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, Vol. 5, p. 254; see: James Madison, Journal of the Federal Convention, Vol.1, p.259—p.260)

And in Federalist Paper no. 37, James Madison wrote of the hand of the Almighty in the victory of the Revolutionary War and in the bringing forth of the new constitution:

“The real wonder is that so many difficulties should have been surmounted, and surmounted with a unanimity almost as unprecedented as it must have been unexpected. It is impossible for any man of candor to reflect on this circumstance without partaking of the astonishment. It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution.”

And George Washington frequently noted the interposition of God in the establishment of the United States of America — during the war, during the creation and establishment of the Constitution, and in the subsequent organization of the new government. A few brief examples must suffice:

In his First Inaugural Address Washington stated that:

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.” (First Inaugural Address, The Writings of George Washington, Fitzpatrick vol. 30, pg. 292 [1789])

In his October 1789 proclamation declaring a national day of thanksgiving and prayer, which was issued at the behest of both houses of congress, George Washington wrote:

“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and

“Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me ‘to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:’

“Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.” (Messages and Papers of the Presidents, George Washington, Vol.1, pg. 56)

Later, Washington also wrote:

“I am sure there never was a people who had more reason to acknowledge a divine interposition in their affairs than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency which was so often manifested during our revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God who is alone able to protect them.” (Letter to John Armstrong, The Writings of George Washington, Fitzpatrick vol. 32, pg. 2. [1792])

And after the close of his long life of public service Washington noted:

“Without the beneficent interposition of the Supreme Ruler of the universe, we could not have reached the distinguished situation which we have attained with such unprecedented rapidity. To him, therefore, should we bow with gratitude and reverence, and endeavor to merit a continuance of his special favors.” (To the General Assembly of Rhode Island, The Writings of George Washington, Fitzpatrick vol. 35, pg. 431. [1797])

In their effort to create the sound foundation of a national government, these statesmen agreed that it must be based upon a clearly defined grant of powers to the national government, which powers were limited in scope and magnitude, with separation of powers and checks and balances, and which preserved the individual God-given rights and liberties they had referred to in the Declaration of Independence, and for which they had fought in their War of Independence.

The scope and limits within which the United States national government was to operate under the United States Constitution was carefully explained by the authors of the Federalist Papers. Therein James Madison explains:

“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce; with which last the power of taxation will, for the most part, be connected. The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State.” (Federalist no. 45)

These American founders wished to create a stable, safe, predictable society where individuals, families, and businesses could confidently move forward, knowing that the rules for liberty would allow them to succeed and that it was unlikely that something in the environment of society (such as government encroachment, war, civil unrest, monetary collapse, etc.) would dramatically change and destroy their peace, prosperity, and civil government. The Founding Fathers had suffered through the turmoil of an unstable society where the future was very unsure. For example, they had faced the agony of war with all of its vicissitudes; and they had experienced an economy that was based on a faulty money system, and they had found that it resulted in turmoil because no one knew if an investment would work because the value of money fluctuated dramatically in an environment of unbacked paper money and inflation caused by printing presses creating too much money and deflating its purchasing power.

On 17 September 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the new constitution they had created, and introduced it to the nation. While the new constitution faced a challenging ratification process and the new government would have to be organized and constituted in 1789, and the Bill of Rights would be adopted in 1791, in September 1787 the United States boldly stepped forward in the glorious light provided by their unique new constitution. Indeed, the new Constitution seemed to bring about a miracle in the nation! The confidence of the citizenry blossomed. The economy expanded in the assurance that one’s labor was his own. The nation became invigorated. The transformation was miraculous! The nations of the world stood in awe of the newfound strength and hope of this free land. In the 21st Century, America is again desperately in need of another miracle. The United States Constitution is again that miracle. It must be applied as vigorously and purely as it was in the beginning. Today’s national challenges can be traced to a divergence from the original intent put forth in the United States Constitution.

Statesmen of the caliber of the American founders must be raised up. The timeless wisdom that established the United States must again be vigorously applied. The foundational Americanist principles must be learned, understood, and embraced. The results will be as they were in the beginning. America may become again the freest, most prosperous, most respected, and happiest nation on earth. It is the intention of this website to begin that restoration.

The post To Preserve the Nation appeared first on Scott Bradley's Freedom's Rising Sun.

2. WE must learn the foundational principles upon which this nation was established. WE must return to the “original intent” embodied in the plain English words of the Constitution. Read and ponder the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, Washington’s Farewell Address, and other great works of the American founders.
Thomas Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free … it expects what never was and never will be” (Letter to Colonel Charles Yancey, 6 Jan. 1816).

WE must become informed and knowledgeable so WE can defend the principles of liberty and proper government.

3. WE must become involved in the affairs of government to see that WE are properly represented.

WE must find and promote individuals as candidates who are soundly founded in their understanding and commitment to the principles of proper government as put forth in the United States Constitution,       and who are willing to become our representatives. Good and honest people who are wise enough to keep government within its proper bounds must be sought out. WE must do more than give lip service to this effort. The founders pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the establishment of these United States. It will take substantial amounts of OUR time, talents, and financial means to retain what they gave us at such great cost.

4. When we have proper understanding and accurate information, we must continue through all appropriate means to influence the proper direction of our government by contacting our representatives to insist they keep their actions within the bounds established within the Constitution, publishing letters to the editor, calling in to talk radio, always teaching and advising those we may influence, AND voting correctly.

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Scott then accepted an administrative position with Utah State University as a Department Head and Director for sixteen years.

Scott is Founder and Chairman of the Constitution Commemoration Foundation, a non-profit educational organization which seeks to foster increased understanding of the U. S. Constitution and encourages a return to proper government as understood and practiced at the time of America’s Founding. He is also the author of the book and DVD/CD lecture series “To Preserve the Nation.” In addition, Scott hosts a talk radio show devoted to constitutional principles and their application to current political issues.

Scott has been active in the political process for more than 40 years, formerly serving at various times as a County Central Committee member, a Precinct Chairman, County Delegate, State Delegate, State Central Committee member, National Committee member, Platform Committee member, and as a National Executive Committee member. Scott ran twice for the United States Senate in an effort to better champion the United States Constitution and restore the principles upon which the United States was originally established.

Scott and his wife Tamara live in Northern, Utah. They are the parents of five children and eleven grandchildren. In the “tradition of the American Founding Fathers” he seeks to secure the Blessings of Liberty not only for himself and his posterity, but also for YOU and YOUR POSTERITY.

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