Getting re-acquainted with our Bill of Rights

December 14, 11:35 AMDenver Education Reform ExaminerEd Gibson

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  Image of Bill of Rights; Source - Founding Fathers

Do you know what December 15^th, 2008 is? Besides being a Monday, this year it is also Bill of Rights Day. I was reminded of this a few days ago. So what does this mean, if anything?

To start, I find it interesting that there should be a designated day for observing individual rights in a formal manner. But collectively, as a people in this country, we like to set aside specific days in observation of elements significant to our lives – Presidents Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, and so on; interesting behavior. Does it mean that we forget about these people and events during the rest of the year? I don’t think so we just lose a daily connection with these significant events and individuals that have impacted life. Of course it is also fine to not apply significance to any of this.

However, our individual rights, as a self-governing people and as outlined in the Bill of Rights, is worthy of daily thought. President Roosevelt, Franklin D., declared in 1941 that December 15 will be Bill of Rights Day in commemoration of the 150^th anniversary of the ratification of these first ten amendments to the Constitution. This was noteworthy considering all that was happening at the time.

I could draw parallels to then and now. Although we are not in the middle of a world war, we are subject to governing policy created for war as a result of our involvement in Iraq (a declared war valid or not). Additionally, economic concerns of the late 1930s and early to mid 1940s were addressed by the Works Projects (Progress) Administration or WPA. The scope of this federally funded program is not unlike some current thinking, activity, and planning being proposed by local, state, and federal governing bodies.

I digress. The point today is that at times it is necessary to re-acquaint ourselves with those elements that define us as a collective people. The Bill of Rights is such an element. Cathryn Hazouri said it well in an article last year,“we should consider getting re-acquainted with the Bill of Rights,” pointing out that of late there has been significant deterioration of individual rights. We should consider taking her advice.

To get re-acquainted, click here for a copy of the Bill of Rights. There are also numerous activities and lessons for parents, teachers, and kids offered through Lesson Planet (membership, but free trial available) and for free at a fun site called Mr. Donn.org. Reconnect and have fun! It's your right!