ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- We will celebrate the 231st anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America Sept. 17.
Every action the U.S. takes must be tested against the Constitution.
Despite the perceived overwhelming authority the federal government exercises, it remains one of limited powers which exist only where specifically stated in the Constitution and its Amendments.
It is an amazing document in that its crafters managed to anticipate so many issues and provide ready answers to this day.
For example, there has been a recent movement within one state to divide itself into several states and the Constitution covers it -- it can't happen unless that state's legislature and Congress consent.
Even where the original framers did not address an issue, they provided a mechanism for change -- amendments.
Article V of the Constitution specifically addresses it: whenever two-thirds of the House and Senate agree, or if two-thirds of the state legislatures agree, an amendment may be proposed and it will become effective if ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures.
Of thousands of proposed Amendments, Congress has passed only six that have not been ratified.
The most recent was the Equal Rights Amendment (1972) and the oldest (1789) was originally to be the first Amendment in the Bill of Rights, providing one Representative for every 50,000 citizens.
With a current population of nearly 327 million, I am not sure we would today support sending 6,540 politicians to Washington.
Most ratified amendments were ratified within two years of passage.
Only four have taken longer.
The 22nd Amendment, limiting one to no more than two Presidential terms, took three years, 11 months; the 14th, assuring all born and naturalized persons citizenship and prohibited insurrectionists from holding elected federal or state office or a military position, took two years, one month; and the 16th, authorizing Congress to lay and collect income taxes, took three years, seven months.
The 27th Amendment, restricting Congressional pay raises from taking effect until the next term of office for Representatives, took the longest to ratify - 203 years after being approved by Congress.
This should be an enduring example for all the times we have been told to not be discouraged and keep trying.
The Constitution remains as a vibrant document that charts the course of our nation.
Each of us who work for the Army swore an oath to support and defend it and its principles.
To the extent we see needed improvements for the United States, the Constitution provides the mechanisms to lawfully seek change. Never give up!
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