Thoughts on (the preamble to) the constitution

We the People[1] of the United States of America, in Order to form[2] a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility[3], provide for the common defense[4], promote[5] the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty[6] to ourselves and our Posterity[7], do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Ok. I'm no lawyer nor legal counsel. It may be apparent that I'm not a public policy nerd. But, I did learn to read.

1. We the People -
First, let's notice who is RESPONSIBLE to insure, provide & create this stuff that our constitution proclaims. It's not the Government. It is not an elected official. It is WE THE PEOPLE of the United States. Us of the US. In other words, our forefathers (y'know... I used to think that meant four fathers... like the Mt. Rushmore... LOL.) ok, where was I...oh, yeah. Our forefathers had the intelligence to cause us to take on 2 things.

• Personal Responsibility:
  Being responsible for our own actions. In other words, we need to empower ourselves with the ABILITY to RESPOND in the light of our own choices.
• Being our brothers keeper:
  This is a bit more difficult to see. but you see it around #5 & 7... We're to consider the needs of others also. This means giving when necessary. Helping as possible. Becoming a unified country.

2. Form a more perfect union -
The operative word is FORM. It is a process that will not be completed - hence the word MORE perfect union. The way we form & shape a more perfect union is a 2 fold process.

• Working on ourselves
• Working on or in unity which means there's a give & take required

3. Insure domestic tranquility -
Why do our elected officials seem to be working doubly hard to polarize their constituents. Unity & tranquility go hand in hand.

4. Common defense -
Now, notice who is to provide the common defense... WE THE PEOPLE. We are to PROVIDE for our common DEFENSE.

5. Promote the general welfare:
First off, promote. Not provide! Promote. We as a nation PROMOTE the providing for those in need. Promote the activity of looking out for one another.

Again, looking out for each other. It doesn't say that the GOVERNMENT takes care of each other. But within a community, we should take care of those within our community. This will cause things to be more efficient & cause less waste through federal seepage.

6. Secure the blessings of liberty -
Doing what it takes to make sure that our freedom is continuous.

7. Our posterity -
Think about the generations after you. Not in the way that the politicians claim. I mean really continually knowing that it takes self sacrifice for today to make tomorrow brighter. Teaching future generations the same responsibility as well as allowing them to have some difficulties. Those difficulties didn't kill us... it won't kill them.