Happy Constitution Day and Why I’m a Liberal

Alert: I don’t typically write about politics or religion, so I’m forewarning you. Turn back while you can…

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For close to 40 years, I have been registered to vote as an independent. I’ve never liked political parties, and I still don’t.

Today is Constitution Day, September 17, 2012, the 225th anniversary of the Constitutional Convention’s signing of the U.S. Constitution.  In school we are celebrating this day, also called Citizenship Day. Because of that, I suppose, I spent some time this weekend considering the preamble.

As I said at the beginning, it is unusual for me to write about politics; I’ve been fairly apolitical throughout my life. However, it was just last week in a blog post, that I first called myself liberal — I’m liberal with my photographs, I said. Today I feel I am a liberal for two more reasons.

First, I believe the Constitution’s preamble gives a fairly liberal agenda that necessarily calls for a strong government if we are to provide these things:

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.

In addition, I am a follower of Jesus. Each day I read a chapter in the Bible, and yesterday my bookmark happened to be at chapter 10 of Mark. Here are just a few quotes from this one chapter:

About divorce: “What God has joined together, let no one separate.”  verse 9

About heaven: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” verse 15

About wealth: “Go and sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” verse 21

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” verse 25

About position: “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” verses 43-44

A liberal question: “What do you want me to do for you?” verse 51

About faith: “Go, your faith has made you well.” verse 52

There are 88 additional chapters in the gospels about Jesus’ life on earth. Besides the things above, he said much more — impossible, crazy, profound, amazing, revolutionary, liberating things — like “Don’t be afraid”, “Do not judge”, “Be perfect”, and to the religious hypocrites: “You snakes!” 

I believe the government was ordained and established to help all its people, and I want to be like Jesus, so I guess I am a liberal.

Subscription picture from iClipart for Iowa Schools

Resources for Constitution Day

Share Your Own Six-Word Stump Speech

The Constitution’s 225th

Sign the Constitution

The Preamble to the Constitution YouTube Resources on Diigo

7 thoughts on “Happy Constitution Day and Why I’m a Liberal

  1. Hi Denise!

    Love the post! So, I’d go further than calling Jesus liberal, he was a rebel according to the world, which suited Him just fine since He was following God’s commandments. He broke old testament laws to serve others, heal others, and save others. Yep, pretty much a rebel (or a liberal) to do good for others.

    In thinking about your post, I like how you’ve pointed out our Constitution was for the welfare of people, something that Jesus died for.

    Thanks for sharing in your post. I often take for granted where I live and the freedoms I have. Your post has reminded me of many things I am thankful for.

    Warm regards,
    Tracy

    1. Tracy,
      Thank you very much for the response, Tracy. You are right. I think at times Jesus’ message gets lost when we put it in the small box of tradition. It’s fun to try to read his words and think of what the world would really be like if we took him seriously.

      Thanks again,
      Denise

  2. Your title “I’m a liberal” grabbed my attention. I love the connection between the Constitution and Jesus. The quotations that used show clearly that while we have a purpose to be true ourselves, we also have a higher purpose to move beyond our own selves, move out of our comfort zone to serve humankind, to make the world a better place.

    Let me know when you post. I love reading them. They always make me think.

  3. Thank you, Kris! Yes, the world is a better place when we love and serve others, isn’t it? I appreciate your comments and following. Thanks for encouraging me!

    I know what you mean about needing reminders when people post. I feel so overwhelmed sometimes with such good content, I can’t keep up with my friends’ blogs!

    Denise

    1. I know what you mean. I have a hard time keeping up with my students’ blogs as well. I love your posts because they always make me think. I forgot to record Carol Dweck on NBC (?) What about you? Just curious.

      Have a great weekend!

  4. Mrs. Krebs,
    The election in November will be my first time to vote. I am not really sure what party I want to be affiliated with or if I want to be affiliated with one at all. As a Christian, your post was really eye opening and provides great analysis using Bible verses! It is amazing how the Bible always seems to have an answer for everything. I may not know what my political ideas are, but I now feel more informed due to your post.
    Thanks,
    Amanda Patton
    University of South Alabama

  5. Amanda,
    How exciting to vote in your first presidential election! I have a daughter who will be voting for the first time too. In my first election the race was between Reagan and Carter.

    I agree the Bible has answers! Sometimes answers we don’t even want to hear!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m always impressed with the students at University of South Alabama.

    Sincerely,
    Denise Krebs

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