Thursday, April 30, 2015

How.

  This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing Government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it. I cannot be ignorant of the fact that many worthy and patriotic citizens are desirous of having the national Constitution amended. While I make no recommendation of amendments, I fully recognize the rightful authority of the people over the whole subject to be exercised in either of the modes prescribed in the instrument itself; and I should, under existing circumstances, favor rather than oppose a fair opportunity being afforded the people to act upon it.

I will venture to add that to me the Convention mode seems preferable.

- President Abraham Lincoln, March 4 1861



Structures which do not allow equal access to opportunity must change. The Americans with Disabilities Act and Brown v.  Kansas Board of Education are examples.

Over 50 years have passed since The March on Washington. Statistics

Over 70 years have passed since the 1941 speech by President Roosevelt crystallizing hard earned lessons from the Depression into a document detailing 4 Essential Freedoms, and the 1944 address turning Americans toward a new vision of the state as a protector of the progress by, for and of all the people Lady Liberty called. Statistics

Over 150 years have passed since a new president's first act was a call for conversation in a climate of war. President Abraham Lincoln saw American families raising Constitutional conventioneers - not soldiers. Statistics

An American President recommended the convening of a Constitutional Convention. In 1861. He thought it was a better way.

So do I. 

Friends: I count at least 3 American dreams there.

What are yours?

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