John and Nisha Whitehead discusses the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the active role citizens must play in defending it. Celebrating the Constitution once a year is meaningless if the government is allowed to violate it throughout the year.
Importance of the Constitution: The Constitution was designed to limit government power, not simply to create it. However, there is a growing trend of permitting abuses of power based on political affiliations or perceived emergencies.
Erosion of Restraints: The article highlights how the Constitution's safeguards are being undermined gradually. This includes:
Expansion of executive power
Use of emergency powers
Surveillance systems that monitor citizens
Military presence in civilian contexts
Courts favoring procedural issues over constitutional rights
Partisan Freedom: Many Americans perceive constitutional restraints as hindrances rather than protections. This becomes evident when individuals celebrate government actions they support while decrying similar actions taken by those they oppose. For example, governmental censorship or executive decisions are viewed differently depending on political ideology.
Universal Rights: The rights given by the Constitution are neutral and should apply to all citizens, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations. The article emphasizes that rights are not contingent upon who wields power or the popularity of an act.
Importance of Civic Participation: Awareness and exercise of constitutional rights are critical. Civic ignorance is seen as a threat, as it leads to complacency regarding government power.
Recent Wins for Constitutional Rights: The article cites recent legal decisions that reaffirm constitutional protections, such as Supreme Court rulings that check police surveillance and uphold voting rights.
The authors stress that citizens must actively defend their rights through awareness and participation. This includes knowing their rights, challenging surveillance, engaging in local governance, and demanding accountability from officials. The responsibility to protect the Constitution lies with the people; without active defense, the safeguards will erode, leading to a diminished democracy. The call to action is clear: individuals should not wait for others to preserve freedom; they must become informed, involved, and vocal advocates for their rights and constitutional principles.
https://thenewamerican.com/opinion/the-constitution-cant-protect-you-if-you-dont-protect-it/
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