Patriot, rebel leader, merchant - John Hancock signed his name into immortality in giant strokes on the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the boldness of his signature making it live in American minds as a perfect expression of the strength and freedom - and defiance - of the individual in the face of British tyranny.
As President of the Continental Congress, Hancock was the presiding officer when the members approved the Declaration of Independence, and because of his position, it was his official duty to sign the document first, but not necessarily as dramatically as he did.
Hancock figured prominently in another historic event, the battle at Lexington. British troops who fought there April 19, 1775, had known Hancock and Sam Adams were in Lexington and had come there to capture these rebel leaders. The two would have been captured, if they had not been warned by Paul Revere.-The Book of The Founding Fathers by Vincent Wilson, Jr.
Showing posts with label constitution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label constitution. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Jan. 20, 1981 Ronald Reagan the 40th President of The United States
30 Years ago today Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of The United States, gave his inauguration speech. President Reagan was a man who did not believe that government had the answers. He was a believer in the constitution and "of the people, by the people, and for the people." He addressed this in his speech.
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. From time to time we've been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people. Well, if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else? All of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden. The solutions we seek must be equitable, with no one group singled out to pay a higher price."
For complete speech: http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres61.html
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. From time to time we've been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people. Well, if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else? All of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden. The solutions we seek must be equitable, with no one group singled out to pay a higher price."
For complete speech: http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres61.html
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Purpose
"The American Revolution was a political, not a social revolution; it was about emancipating individuals for the pursuit of happiness, not about the state allocating wealth and opportunity. Hence our exceptional Constitution, which says not what government must do for Americans but what it cannot do to them." -George Will
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Exercise Your Voice
"We live in a democracy, which functions best when there is free expression and exchange of ideas. From free discussion and exchange, the best ideas or course of action will eventually be adopted." -Former Congressman, James T. Walsh, 25th Dist. New York.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Empowering The People
"Correspondence with constituents is key to ensuring the concerns of the people represented by Congress are fully addressed. The National Write Your Congressman program is an exceptional organization that empowers and encourages constituents to voice their opinions in the most effective manner. This service is invaluable to representatives. Further, those who express their concerns through this correspondence are often the individuals most dedicated to generating positive growth in their communities." -Julia Carson, Congresswoman 7th Dist., Indiana 2005
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Constituent Opinion... The Linchpin of Our System
"I would like to thank you and National Write Your Congressman for many years of work improving communication between Members of Congress and the people we represent. Hearing from my constituents and learning their views on the issues that matter to them allows me to carry out my job title as representative.
Our Republic can only function when the American people are informed and involved in the governing process. The House of Representatives was established by our Founding Fathers to be responsive to the will of the people, and constituent opinion is the linchpin of that system. I have been entrusted with the privilege of representing constituents in my district, and their views influence each and every vote that I cast." -Congressman John Culberson, 7th District, Texas
Our Republic can only function when the American people are informed and involved in the governing process. The House of Representatives was established by our Founding Fathers to be responsive to the will of the people, and constituent opinion is the linchpin of that system. I have been entrusted with the privilege of representing constituents in my district, and their views influence each and every vote that I cast." -Congressman John Culberson, 7th District, Texas
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thomas Jefferson
"A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government." -Thomas Jefferson
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
90th Anniversary of The Nineteenth Amendment
Today marks the 90th Anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment. This amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits each state and the federal government from denying any citizen the right to vote because of the citizen's sex, specifically guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. It was ratified on August 18, 1920.
The amendment was over 70 years in the making. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the initial women's rights convention, the Seneca Falls Woman's Rights Convention, in July 1848, launching the woman suffrage movement.
President Woodrow Wilson announced his support on January 9, 1918 and the next day the House of Representatives passed the Amendment, sending it to the Senate for approval. The Senate did not act quickly, to say the least. They tabled the vote until October, and then failed to pass the amendment by three votes.
The National Woman's Party responded quickly to this Senate block and encouraged citizens to vote against the anti-suffrage Senators who were up for reelection. Following the midterm elections of 1918, most members of Congress were pro-suffrage, marking a real turning point for the woman suffrage movement.
The House passed the amendment again by a vote of 304 to 89, sending it back to the Senate. Two weeks later, on June 4, 1919, the Senate passed the Nineteenth Amendment by a vote of 56-25. The Tennessee General Assembly became the thirty-sixth state legislature to ratify the proposed amendment on August 18, 1920, meeting the constitutional requirement.
The remaining twelve states took over sixty years to add their ratifications of the 19th amendment. Mississippi was the last state to ratify the amendment, waiting until March 22, 1984!
The amendment was over 70 years in the making. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the initial women's rights convention, the Seneca Falls Woman's Rights Convention, in July 1848, launching the woman suffrage movement.
President Woodrow Wilson announced his support on January 9, 1918 and the next day the House of Representatives passed the Amendment, sending it to the Senate for approval. The Senate did not act quickly, to say the least. They tabled the vote until October, and then failed to pass the amendment by three votes.
The National Woman's Party responded quickly to this Senate block and encouraged citizens to vote against the anti-suffrage Senators who were up for reelection. Following the midterm elections of 1918, most members of Congress were pro-suffrage, marking a real turning point for the woman suffrage movement.
The House passed the amendment again by a vote of 304 to 89, sending it back to the Senate. Two weeks later, on June 4, 1919, the Senate passed the Nineteenth Amendment by a vote of 56-25. The Tennessee General Assembly became the thirty-sixth state legislature to ratify the proposed amendment on August 18, 1920, meeting the constitutional requirement.
The remaining twelve states took over sixty years to add their ratifications of the 19th amendment. Mississippi was the last state to ratify the amendment, waiting until March 22, 1984!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thank You NWYC
"Since 1958, National Write Your Congressman has worked to truly make the United States a government 'of the people, by the people.' Your national letter writing campaign has helped elected officials gain a better understanding of what people across the nation are thinking. More importantly, these letters help guide and inform us about what decision we should make in Congress.
It is my honor to serve the people of the Third Congressional District of Colorado. I am always eager to learn what my constituents have to say and have pledged to do my best to represent the interests of rural Colorado. In this busy day and age, I appreciate it when people take the time to write me a letter and explain the issues that might be affecting them. I hope you continue your enthusiasm in the democratic process." -Congressman John T. Salazar, 3rd Dist. of Colorado
It is my honor to serve the people of the Third Congressional District of Colorado. I am always eager to learn what my constituents have to say and have pledged to do my best to represent the interests of rural Colorado. In this busy day and age, I appreciate it when people take the time to write me a letter and explain the issues that might be affecting them. I hope you continue your enthusiasm in the democratic process." -Congressman John T. Salazar, 3rd Dist. of Colorado
Monday, August 9, 2010
Encouraged to Write Congressman
"It is my job to consider and vote on dozens of bills every year that affect the constituents of Maryland's 2nd Congressional District. I consider legislation on everything from education to national defense to ways to improve our economy. It is critically important that I hear from my constituents as I make these important decisions.
I encourage citizens all across the country to write their congressman and let their voices be heard. I hope people will get involved and email, fax, call, or write their representative today." -Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Maryland, 2nd District
I encourage citizens all across the country to write their congressman and let their voices be heard. I hope people will get involved and email, fax, call, or write their representative today." -Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Maryland, 2nd District
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Not a Nation of Passive Citizenry
Thomas Jefferson once said, "Determine never to be idle...It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing." When he and his fellow Founding Fathers built this Nation, they imagined an active, not passive citzenry. They envisioned a government that would be responsive to the will of the people.
To realize this dream, America must have active and informed citizens. The National Write Your Congressman campaign aspires to achieve this goal. It aims to give Americans the opportunity to have his or her opinion reach those who need to hear it. Democracy is a participatory sport, and for America to win, the people must participate. -Congressman Jeb Hensarling, 5th District Texas
To realize this dream, America must have active and informed citizens. The National Write Your Congressman campaign aspires to achieve this goal. It aims to give Americans the opportunity to have his or her opinion reach those who need to hear it. Democracy is a participatory sport, and for America to win, the people must participate. -Congressman Jeb Hensarling, 5th District Texas
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Events Leading to the Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
The following is a brief chronicle of events leading to the official adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
May 1775 - The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. A "petition for redress of grievances," sent to King George III of England by the First Continental Congress in 1774, remains unanswered.
June-July 1775 - Congress establishes the Continental Army, a first national monetary currency and a post office to serve the "United Colonies."
August 1775 - King George declares his American subjects to be "engaged in open and avowed rebellion" against the Crown. The English Parliament passes the American Prohibitory Act, declaring all American sea-going vessels and their cargo the property of England.
January 1776 - Colonists by the thousands buy copies of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," stating the cause of American Independence.
March 1776 - Congress passes the Privateering Resolution, allowing colonists to arm vessels in order to "cruize [sic] on the enemies of this United Colonies."
April 6, 1776 - American seaports were opened to trade and cargo from other nations for the first time.
May 1776 - Germany, through a treaty negotiated with King George, agrees to hire mercenary soldiers to help put down any potential uprising by American colonists.
May 10, 1776 - Congress passes the "Resolution for the Formation of Local Governments," Eight colonies agreed to support American Independence.
May 15, 1776 - The Virginia Convention passes a resolution that "the delegates appointed to represent this colony in General Congress be instructed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United Colonies free and independent states."
June 7, 1776 - Richard Henry Lee, Virginia's delegate to the Continental Congress, presents the Lee Resolution reading in part: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
June 11, 1776 - Congress postpones consideration of the Lee Resolution appoints the "Committee of Five" to draft a final statement declaring the case for America's Independence. The Committee of Five is composed of : John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia.
July 2, 1776 - By the votes of 12 of the 13 colonies, with New York not voting, Congress adopts the Lee Resolution and begins consideration of the Declaration of Independence, written by the committee of Five.
July 4, 1776 - Late in the afternoon, church bells ring out over Philadelphia heralding the final adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
August 2, 1776 - The delegates of the Continental Congress sign the clearly printed or "engrossed" version of the Declaration.
Today - Faded but still legible, the Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution and Bill of Rights, is enshrined for public display in the rotunda of the National Archives and Records Building in Washington, D.C. The priceless documents are stored in an underground vault at night and are constantly monitored for any degradation in their condition.
May 1775 - The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. A "petition for redress of grievances," sent to King George III of England by the First Continental Congress in 1774, remains unanswered.
June-July 1775 - Congress establishes the Continental Army, a first national monetary currency and a post office to serve the "United Colonies."
August 1775 - King George declares his American subjects to be "engaged in open and avowed rebellion" against the Crown. The English Parliament passes the American Prohibitory Act, declaring all American sea-going vessels and their cargo the property of England.
January 1776 - Colonists by the thousands buy copies of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," stating the cause of American Independence.
March 1776 - Congress passes the Privateering Resolution, allowing colonists to arm vessels in order to "cruize [sic] on the enemies of this United Colonies."
April 6, 1776 - American seaports were opened to trade and cargo from other nations for the first time.
May 1776 - Germany, through a treaty negotiated with King George, agrees to hire mercenary soldiers to help put down any potential uprising by American colonists.
May 10, 1776 - Congress passes the "Resolution for the Formation of Local Governments," Eight colonies agreed to support American Independence.
May 15, 1776 - The Virginia Convention passes a resolution that "the delegates appointed to represent this colony in General Congress be instructed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United Colonies free and independent states."
June 7, 1776 - Richard Henry Lee, Virginia's delegate to the Continental Congress, presents the Lee Resolution reading in part: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
June 11, 1776 - Congress postpones consideration of the Lee Resolution appoints the "Committee of Five" to draft a final statement declaring the case for America's Independence. The Committee of Five is composed of : John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia.
July 2, 1776 - By the votes of 12 of the 13 colonies, with New York not voting, Congress adopts the Lee Resolution and begins consideration of the Declaration of Independence, written by the committee of Five.
July 4, 1776 - Late in the afternoon, church bells ring out over Philadelphia heralding the final adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
August 2, 1776 - The delegates of the Continental Congress sign the clearly printed or "engrossed" version of the Declaration.
Today - Faded but still legible, the Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution and Bill of Rights, is enshrined for public display in the rotunda of the National Archives and Records Building in Washington, D.C. The priceless documents are stored in an underground vault at night and are constantly monitored for any degradation in their condition.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
"Laus Deo"
The Washington Monument is one of the outstanding engineering feats and still considered the finest historical monument in Washington, D.C. The pyramidion is 555 feet in height and weighs 300 tons. It was built entirely of fine-grained marble that was quarried at the Beaver Dam Quarry in Baltimore County, MD, and delivered to Washington by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Work began in June 1884 on the pyramidion by assembling materials and the machinery needed in its construction. It is constructed of 262 separate pieces of marble, containing 3,764 cubic feet of dressed stock. In December 1884 the mammoth structure was lifted into place without incident and in one piece.
To complete the obelisk, the aluminum capstone weighing 100 ounces, the largest single piece of aluminum cast to that time, was placed atop the pyramidion on Saturday, December 6, 1884.
Prior to delivery of the capstone in Washington, it was placed on exhibit at Tiffany's in New York City where it was placed on the floor and persons could have the dubious prestige of "jumping over the top of the Washington Monument." Engraved on the four sides of the capstone was the official record of the construction of the monument. The west face read: "Corner Stone laid on bed of foundation, July 4, 1848. First stone at height of 152 feet laid August 7, 1880. Capstone set December 6, 1884"; and the east face read "LAUS DEO". Laus Deo is Latin for "Praise be to God".
Work began in June 1884 on the pyramidion by assembling materials and the machinery needed in its construction. It is constructed of 262 separate pieces of marble, containing 3,764 cubic feet of dressed stock. In December 1884 the mammoth structure was lifted into place without incident and in one piece.
To complete the obelisk, the aluminum capstone weighing 100 ounces, the largest single piece of aluminum cast to that time, was placed atop the pyramidion on Saturday, December 6, 1884.
Prior to delivery of the capstone in Washington, it was placed on exhibit at Tiffany's in New York City where it was placed on the floor and persons could have the dubious prestige of "jumping over the top of the Washington Monument." Engraved on the four sides of the capstone was the official record of the construction of the monument. The west face read: "Corner Stone laid on bed of foundation, July 4, 1848. First stone at height of 152 feet laid August 7, 1880. Capstone set December 6, 1884"; and the east face read "LAUS DEO". Laus Deo is Latin for "Praise be to God".
Monday, July 19, 2010
Let Your Voice Be Heard
"There have been so many times in my service to the residents of my District when I've pondered a vote on an issue only to resolve it because my constituents took the trouble to tell me where they stood and why. After all, unlike the Washington world of power, politics, and pretense, the men and women I represent live in the real world where every decision they make can mean life or death, success or failure, a goal realized or a hope dashed forever. I learn more from them than from all the newspapers, magazines and television programs combined about what they need to secure their family, grow a small business, want for their nation and the world."
"Keeping the lines of communication open between a legislator and the people he or she represents is essential to keeping democracy alive and well in America." -Congressman Vern Buchanan, 13th District Florida
"Keeping the lines of communication open between a legislator and the people he or she represents is essential to keeping democracy alive and well in America." -Congressman Vern Buchanan, 13th District Florida
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
What Does "Founding Father" Mean?
Does the term "founding father" apply to any person or group in American history who had some type of influence on the writing of the Constitution? What about those people like George Mason, Edmund Randolph and Elbridge Gerry who helped tremendously in the writing of the Constitution, but then refused to sign it because of philosophical differences? There were 70 individuals chosen to go to Philadelphia to attend the Constitutional Convention, 55 who attended most of the meetings and 39 who actually signed the Constitution. Of this last group, only 15 to 20 actually played an instrumental role in either the founding philosophy or the fight for ratification.
The Constitution was a consequence of several documents and the work of several men either directly or indirectly. Those who made significant intellectual contributions to the Constitution are considered to be the "founding fathers" of our country.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are considered two of our founding fathers even though they were not at the Constitutional Convention. They were both serving in diplomatic positions at the time. Jefferson kept abreast of the proceedings in Philadelphia while ambassador to France by carrying on correspondence with James Madison. John Adams, as ambassador to Great Britain, wrote "Defense of the Constitution of the Government of the United States of America." He became the new country's first vice president. Other founding fathers include Thomas Paine, who was in England at the time of the meeting in Philadelphia, but the impact of "Common Sense" on the philosophy behind the writing of the Declaration of Independence is immeasurable. Patrick Henry was opposed to the idea of changing the Articles of Confederation, but once the agreement was made to add a bill of rights to the Constitution he fought hard for ratification in Virginia.
The term "framers" could be used to specify those who helped "craft" the Constitution, and "founding fathers" could be used in a broader sense to characterize those individuals who contributed to the development of independence and nationhood. However, the notion of a framer or a founding father is not something to be narrowly defined in a technical or legal sense, but may be a large mythic and philosophical idea. It sustains our vision of ourselves, inspiring our ongoing inquiries into our national self-identity. -"America's Legacy, The Foundation of Freedom" pg. 11
The Constitution was a consequence of several documents and the work of several men either directly or indirectly. Those who made significant intellectual contributions to the Constitution are considered to be the "founding fathers" of our country.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are considered two of our founding fathers even though they were not at the Constitutional Convention. They were both serving in diplomatic positions at the time. Jefferson kept abreast of the proceedings in Philadelphia while ambassador to France by carrying on correspondence with James Madison. John Adams, as ambassador to Great Britain, wrote "Defense of the Constitution of the Government of the United States of America." He became the new country's first vice president. Other founding fathers include Thomas Paine, who was in England at the time of the meeting in Philadelphia, but the impact of "Common Sense" on the philosophy behind the writing of the Declaration of Independence is immeasurable. Patrick Henry was opposed to the idea of changing the Articles of Confederation, but once the agreement was made to add a bill of rights to the Constitution he fought hard for ratification in Virginia.
The term "framers" could be used to specify those who helped "craft" the Constitution, and "founding fathers" could be used in a broader sense to characterize those individuals who contributed to the development of independence and nationhood. However, the notion of a framer or a founding father is not something to be narrowly defined in a technical or legal sense, but may be a large mythic and philosophical idea. It sustains our vision of ourselves, inspiring our ongoing inquiries into our national self-identity. -"America's Legacy, The Foundation of Freedom" pg. 11
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The First Amendment
"The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America says that people have the right to petition their government. I firmly believe this is one of the strengths of our nation and our democratic republic.
There are many examples where constituents have alerted me to issues that I was not aware involved the federal government or where the federal government needed to improve the way it handled an issue. These have involved me sponsoring legislation or contacting the government agency involved.
Without constituent contact, I would not have the confirmation that I was doing the job I have been elected to do." -Congressman John Shimkus, Ill.
There are many examples where constituents have alerted me to issues that I was not aware involved the federal government or where the federal government needed to improve the way it handled an issue. These have involved me sponsoring legislation or contacting the government agency involved.
Without constituent contact, I would not have the confirmation that I was doing the job I have been elected to do." -Congressman John Shimkus, Ill.
Monday, July 12, 2010
What Makes NWYC Unique
"What makes National Write Your Congressman unique is we are not just a computer screen, a Blackberry application, a high tech do-it-yourself, push-a-button, impersonal organization. We are in the people business. We always have been, and we must always be in the people business. Face to face, eyeball to eyeball, heart to heart. Most people need to be moved to take action. We are unique in that we care enough to move our Members through personal communication, personal interaction, and personal relationships. We should never move away from this God given mission and responsibility." -Dotti Zimmerman
Friday, July 9, 2010
One Voter's Voice
"One of my proudest legislative achievements is the Child Support Recovery Act of 1992 which is the direct result of a constituent's personal experience. After a town hall meeting in Alabama, I was struck by the story of a financially struggling single mother whose husband avoided paying child support by moving out of the state. As a result of her story, I authored legislation that makes it a federal crime for parents to cross state lines to avoid paying child support. Her voice made a difference and vastly changed the legal consequences for fathers who leave the state in hope of evading their child support obligations. This law clearly illustrates the vital impact individuals can have on the legislative process." -Senator Richard Shelby, Alabama
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
One Voice-The Power of A Letter
"One specific example comes to mind. In 2008 when I was still a businessman and candidate, my office received a letter from a daughter of a WWII veteran who had served as a corpsman during the battle of Iwo Jima. Her father had never received the medals he had earned during a day of fierce combat, and their family had for years not been able to find anyone to help. I resolved that if I became a Congressman, I would do all I could to help that veteran and others like him. I'm pleased to say that my staff went to work shortly after I took office, and in 2009 we held an official ceremony where I presented this American hero with the medals he deserved."
-Congressman Walt Minnick, (D) 1st District, Idaho
-Congressman Walt Minnick, (D) 1st District, Idaho
Monday, June 28, 2010
"We must encourage..."
"We must encourage all Americans to write, call, fax and email their representatives in Congress to ensure that their voice is heard on Capitol Hill and across the nation and the world." - Representative Mike Rogers, (R) MI
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