James Madison: The Father of the Constitution

The history of the constitution begins with the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation were the constitution after the revolutionary war. These articles were not sufficient for the protection of our country because they could not conduct foreign policy, they had no executive branch to enforce laws, no army or navy, judiciary, no currency, could not regulate trade, and no way to collect taxes. During this time, even after the revolutionary war, we were still under the threat of all the major European powers such as: Spain and England. In 1786 Virginia called the Annapolis Convention to consider changes to the Articles of Confederation, however, only five states were there and they had little authority. What they did do was call another convention with broader powers and all the states participated. In 1787 Congress passed a bill allowing a Constitutional Convention to revise the Articles of Confederation.

At the Constitutional Convention, in Philadelphia, there were 55 delegates that included Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, George Mason, James Madison, John Jay, and George Washington. Washington presided over the Convention. The main issues debated at the Convention were: First, representation. Edmund Randolph proposed a plan called the The Virginia Plan, this gave states with larger populations more representation. Also proposed was the New Jersey Plan which gave each state one representative at Congress. What finally passed was called the Connecticut Compromise two legislative bodies that included a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate where each state has equal votes. Second, slavery: Slavery was hotly debated between Northern and Southern states with the North wanting to gradually abolish it while the South wanting to keep it. They compromised by banning the slave trade in 1808, and implementing Fugitive slave laws, and the 3/5s clause, which I will discuss later. During the Middle of the debates, the Convention was going nowhere and Benjamin Franklin said these words:

“Mr. President, The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other,”our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes and ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, some we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of Government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection. ”Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that “except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments be Human Wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of the City be requested to officiate in that service.”

After the Convention, the delegates sent the amendments to the Confederation Congress, they passed it and sent it to the state legislators they passed it, and sent it to the State Conventions where it was finally made into law. There was a heated debate between the Anti-Federalists and the Federalists. The Federalists believed in the Constitution and thought it should become law and the Anti-Federalists were against it. The Federalist presented their arguments in a series of newspaper essays called the Federalist Papers written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The Anti-Federalists did the same with their arguments. The Federalists, however won out by giving the Anti-Federalists a Bill of Rights. In 1787 the Constitution was ratified and in 1791 the Bill of Rights was added.

1.http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=98

     My next few blog posts are going to be about the Constitution. I want to try to convey the original intent of the founders as I understand it. I will begin with the Preamble.

        We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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.

These 52 words comprise the Preamble to the Constitution. The Preamble explains the purpose of the Constitution and the powers of the new government.

We the People of the United States: The people of the United States created the federal government. They elected the delegates and the delegates were framing the new constitution.  The American people had the choice to either accept or reject this document.

in order to form a more perfect Union:  At this time, America was in turmoil. The Congress under the Articles of Confederation was unable to impose taxes to provide a military to protect the United States from outside or inside powers such as Shay’s Rebellion. (see here for more information on Shays’ Rebellion – Conservapedia)

establish Justice: This part of the Preamble was designed so that Federal government would regulate just trade laws between the states.

insure domestic Tranquility: This was established so that the states would not invade or attack each other, but settle their disputes at the federal level.

provide for the common defense: It was intended that the federal government would protect the United States from inside and outside powers.

promote the general Welfare: This clause of the Preamble is the most perverted part of the Constitution. It is often misused so that the federal government may usurp power, all for the supposed “good of the general Welfare” .  However most fail to recognize it says to promote not provide as in the “provide for the common defense” What it really means is the federal government is responsible for keeping our country safe and free so that it’s citizens can have the opportunity to pursue “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.”

James Madison, father of the constitution, concerning “the general welfare clause” stated…

“If Congress can employ money indefinitely to the general welfare, and are the sole and supreme judges of the general welfare,
they may take the care of religion into their own hands; they may appoint teachers in every State, county and parish  and pay them out of their public treasury; they may take into their own hands the education of children…they may assume the provision of the poor; they may undertake the regulation of all roads other than post-roads; in short, every thing, from the highest object of state legislation down to the most minute object of police, would be thrown under the power of Congress…. Were the power of Congress to be established in the latitude contended for, it would subvert the very foundations, and transmute the very nature of the limited Government established by the people of America.”

source: http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/James.Madison.Quote.3254

and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity: This means that the Constitution has secured to us and our decedents (if they obey it) the great blessings of Liberty.

According to the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary:  Liberty is an exemption from the unrestrained and oppressive will of others, which exemption is secured by established laws, which restrain every man from injuring or controlling another. Hence the restraints of law are essential to liberty. A restraint of natural liberty, not necessary or practical for the public, is tyranny or oppression.        source http://1828.mshaffer.com

do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.: The federal government was restrained to provide only the above services.

Stay tuned for Part 2: The history of the Constitution.

Huckabee Presidential Forum….

http://www.mrctv.org/embed/107962

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks–for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. ^[3]

In October of 1863 Abraham Lincoln established the permanent holiday we now call Thanksgiving and here is his statement about Thanksgiving.

“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. Let Us Be Thankful For a Land That Will For Such Religion Stand. “^[4]

These men believed in the Providence of God and the importance of prayer and giving thanks. Please read these proclamations to your family so they will know what Thanksgiving is all about.

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving.

Running for Governor / Lt. Governor Republican candidates: David Williams / Ritchie Farmer…
They are 100% pro-life and endorsed by Kentucky Right to Life. If elected they plan to eliminate the state income tax and replace it with a sales tax. They plan to make Ky a right-to-work state (which means that if you do not want to join a union then you don’t have to.) They plan to cut wasteful spending and reduce the regulation climate to make Kentucky more job friendly. They want to eliminate the CATS test and replace it with a test that will more accurately grade Kentucky’s education system.

Democratic candidates: Steve Beshear / Jerry Abramson…
They support planned parenthood and have funneled state money to them.
Don’t really have a jobs plan, from his website I garnered that they want to use tax incentives to help certain groups. However they did help get KY get a sprint cup race and helped the ark encounter.

Running for Secretary of State Republican candidate: Bill Johnson a Navy veteran who worked as a nuclear engineer. He has worked as a CIO in a fortune 10 company. It is imperative to him that we have fair elections by requiring voters to show a photo-id before voting.

Democratic candidate: Allison Grimes opposes the photo-id to vote, doesn’t really have anything on her website that tells anything about her or her policies.

Running for Attorney General: Republican candidate Todd P’Pool. He will join the lawsuit against “Obamacare” and will fight the EPA’s attack on coal.

Democratic candidate: John Conway supports “Obamacare”, pro-abortion. However, he did crack down on Internet crime.

Running for state auditor: Republican candidate: John Kemper plans to eliminate waste and balance the books.

Democratic candidate: Adam Edelen wants transparency in the books but has supported Obama and has donated thousands of dollars to him.

Running for state treasurer: Republican candidate K.C. Crosbie. No information.
Democratic candidate Todd Hollenbach. No information.

Running for Agricultural Commissioner: Republican candidate: James Comer a life-long fourth generation farmer. He wants to expand the Kentucky proud program.

Democratic candidate: Bob Farmer a comedian, never farmed in his life. To be honest the only agricultural thing about him is that his last name is farmer.

There is only a 10-15% voter turnout expected. Please remember for over 200 years people have been willingly laying down their lives so we have the right to vote. Please get out and vote!!!

2. He has strong Christian principles.

3.He wants to REDUCE, REDUCE, REDUCE government spending and regulation.

4. Cain has successfully managed small businesses and large businesses like Godfather’s pizza.

5. He loves America. Unfortunately this is growing more rare in today’s political leaders.

6.The Cain Doctrine on Israel. If Israel is attacked then their attackers are attacking the United States.

7. He wants to make it easier to become a legal US citizen while cracking down on illegal immigrants.

8. Herman Cain believes in improving our energy independence by developing our own oil and letting the private sector develop alternate energy without Government subsidies.

9. He wants to Repeal Obamacare and replace it with patient-centered free-market reforms.

10.He has NEVER held elected office.

11. He believes in school choice.

12. Cain is Pro-Life.

13. Cain grew up in pre-civil rights south in a family that had little monetarily, but they possessed strong faith, strong work ethic, and strong family values.

for more information on Herman Cain please check out his website at http://www.hermancain.com

If you have time I beg you to watch this following video

http://www.mrctv.org/embed/106352

Ron Paul: There is no greater threat to the security and prosperity of the United States today than the out-of-control, secretive Federal Reserve.

Thomas Jefferson: “The incorporation of a bank (which at that time was very much like the Federal Reserve), and the powers assumed by this bill, have not, in my opinion, been delegated to the United States by the Constitution.”

Thomas Jefferson said, “If the America people ever allow private banks to control the issuance of their currencies, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all their prosperity until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs.”

Thomas Jefferson: “Let the General Government be reduced to foreign concerns only, and let our affairs be disentangled from those of all other nations, except as to commerce, which the merchants will manage the better, the more they are left free to manage for themselves.

“Ron Paul: Wants to avoid long and expensive wars that bankrupt our country, advocates a noninterventionist policy, and wants to end all foreign aid.

Ron Paul: Lowering taxes will leave you more money to take care of yourself and your family, and it will allow businesses greater opportunities to hire new workers, increase current salaries, and expand their companies.

Ron Paul: I will not vote for one single penny that isn’t paid for, because debt is the monster, debt is what’s going to eat us up and that is why our economy is on the brink.

Thomas Jefferson: “We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude. If we run into such debt, as that we must be taxed in our meat and in our drink, in our necessaries and our comforts, in our labors and our amusements, for our calling and our creeds…[we will] have no time to think, no means of calling our miss-managers to account but be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves to rivet their chains on the necks of our fellow-sufferers… And this is the tendency of all human governments. A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent for[ another]… till the bulk of society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery… And the fore-horse of this frightful team is public debt. Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression.”

Ron Paul:

Thomas Jefferson: “That paper money has some advantages, it is admitted. But that its abuses also are inevitable, and, by breaking up the measure of value, makes a lottery of all private property, cannot be denied. Shall we ever be able to put a constitutional veto on it?”

“Precious metals are the most perfect medium because it will preserve its own level; because, having intrinsic and universal value, it can never die in our hands, and it is the surest resource of reliance in time of war.”

You can see that Jefferson and Paul have very similar philosophies. If that makes Ron Paul crazy then I wish more of our policy makers were crazy as well!!!

Q: Assuming the United States national debt is 14.5 trillion dollars (although it is much more than that when we include our future debts to Medicare, Social Security, and Obamacare) and it was to be counted at the rate of 100 dollars per minute for 12 hours of day until it was all counted how long would it take to count it?

A: It would take 55,175 years to count.

Q: If the national debt was equated to its weight in gold, assuming gold is $2,000 an ounce, how much weight would it equal?

A: It would be equal to 45,312,500 lbs of gold.

Q: How many trailer trucks would it take to haul the gold?

A: It would take 1,133 trailer trucks to haul enough gold to equal the national debt.

Q: If you had enough ten dollar bills laid end to end to equal the national debt how many times would it circle the Earth?

A: It would go around the earth 5,510 times.

Q: What if the interest on the National Debt was to be 9.5% per year for one year how much would it be?

A: It would be over 137 Billion dollars.

Q: How does the government plan to pay for the interest?

A: By increasing taxes and borrowing more from China.

Q: When will the government be able to pay off the national debt?

A: When they decide we don’t need to build bridges to nowhere, when they stop trying to be the policeman of the world, and when they stop trying to take care of people from cradle to grave.

Q: When will that be?

A: To quote Franklin, “Never.” Never that is, if we continue to be uninvolved. Instead, if you want this madness to end, become informed and involved. Learn about the candidates at their websites, instead of relying on what the main-stream media feeds you. After you become informed, please get out and VOTE, it does make a difference! Also pay attention to what your elected officials are doing and hold them accountable! Let them know when you agree with them and when you don’t, their contact information is readily available on their websites. Because as Thomas Jefferson said, “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” check out my websites on the links for some of the candidates

To watch the depressing sight of our debt going up, up, up check out this link. U.S. National Debt Clock : Real Time