FILE PHOTO: U.S. Constitution. Photo by Anthony Garand on Unsplash
I have always tried to be good about acknowledging birthdays within my friends and family circle. But I missed a couple this past month. Constitution Day on Sept. 17th, and the Star Spangled Banner on Sept. 14th. With the exception of Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke’s article about Constitution Day, (ISJ Sept 15, 2023) neither event got much coverage in the news media. Approximately one year ago, I recognized the other birthday with “Happy Birthday Star Spangled Banner” (ISJ Sept. 18, 2022). I again would like to extend my best birthday wishes to those two events.
It is interesting to note that the vote to sign the Constitution was not unanimous. Some delegates refused to sign, others were absent due to government assignments abroad. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Bill of Rights was among those absent. A very well written and famous oration on the Constitution by Benjamin Franklin is one of my favorite historical gems and I wish I was intelligent enough to memorize its entirety. He admits that the Constitution is not perfect but “near perfect.” This less-than-flawless form is what gives us the partial need for a court system to sometimes determine the constitutionality of individual aspects of the document. It has been amended a total of 27 times since its birth. It is flexible and open for interpretation as times and circumstances change. This malleability does not diminish the inspiration and foundational strength of the effort in my mind. We should remember that all laws, ordinances and codes at the state, county and city levels are much the same. I have learned in my 14 years on the Preston City Council that there is no such thing as a “perfect ordinance.” It seems the minute we approve an ordinance on any subject, a situation will arise that warrants a review, revision or variance to be considered.
In his pontification, Ben states that, “I do not entirely approve of this Constitution at present.” But he acknowledges that he may not always feel that way, as minds can be changed as time wears on and experience becomes an adroit tutor. I find this to be true as well in city government. Many times I have changed my mind, even voted against my own motion, after more discussion and thought. The best part of his speech is when he describes the consequences of this convention of founders: “…for when you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?” I love that part and need to get a T-shirt printed or a poster made to hang in my house next to his portrait. It speaks for the very prominent aspect of a democratic republic; not every vote should be unanimous but representative of as many opinions that are both feasible and reasonable.
He does consent to sign the Constitution and encourages the other delegates to do the same. I consider the Constitution to be an example of “bipartisan” collaboration. Even though our present parties did not exist in current form in 1787, differing viewpoints similar to party platforms did, just without labels. An amazing feat was accomplished in the sweltering summer heat of Philadelphia and should be remembered as an example of the beginning of an experiment that is still ongoing.
Now let’s revisit the national anthem as it now is either 209 years old or just 92 years old, depending on whether you use the date of its lyrics penned by Francis Scott Key (Sept 14th, 1814) or the year of its adoption as our national anthem by Pres. Herbert Hoover (1931). I choose the former.
Country attorney turned prisoner negotiator Francis Scott Key is responsible for the lyrics set to an old English drinking ditty. We only sing 20% of the song at sporting events. It is a very challenging song for a vocalist due to the wide range and high notes. That may be why we see so many different renditions performed. To me, it is the utmost disrespect for a performer to ad lib, change the melody, and create their own version of the anthem. I feel it should be sung or played the way it was written, note for note.
To our inspired and cherished Constitution and National Anthem, I wish you each a belated happy birthday…may you both wave over us, forever!