| OPINION
| SEPTEMBER 16, 2005
Guest Column
Timeless Worth
Celebrating U.S. Constitution
recalls importance of struggles past, present
Saturday marks Constitution Day throughout
the U.S. The purpose of this day is to commemorate the signing of
the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787. While this day is
certainly of historic importance, it is worth remembering that the
Constitution is a “living document” and very much a
part of our lives today.
I know it is tempting to see the Constitution as largely a historic
document with little contemporary significance. However, events
in the past few months and years reminded me of just how relevant
and alive it is.
Recently, Iraq has struggled to draft its own constitutional framework.
In attempting to bring democracy to Iraq, the U.S. has left the
provisional government with the task of sharing power among warring
factions. The country is faced with the challenge of selecting leaders,
deciding how to conduct elections and dividing power among various
parts of the government. Watching this “emerging democracy”
has served as a reminder of how fortunate we are to have had such
a stable democracy for the past two centuries and also of the many
challenges that faced our founders as they crafted the governing
documents for our country. Just as Iraq is struggling to create
the proper balance of power, it took our founders several years
to craft the Constitution after watching their first attempt at
a democracy, the Articles of Confederation, fail.
This week, confirmation hearings to select a new Supreme Court chief
justice began. Judge John Roberts has been nominated to replace
William Rehnquist. These hearings provide an opportunity to watch
the interplay between the legislative, executive and judicial branches
of government. The hearings also provide an opportunity to learn
more about the man selected to lead the Supreme Court for the next
generation and the possible impact he will have on issues such as
relations between the states, the death penalty, abortion and our
civil liberties and civil rights.
Last week, the horrific damage caused by Hurricane Katrina provided
yet another example of our living Constitution’s importance.
What played out in the days leading up to and the weeks and months
following the hurricane will be cooperative efforts between local,
state, and federal officials. Government officials were responsible
for preparing for the storm and evacuating residents. Government
agencies at all levels, along with volunteers, will be responsible
for rebuilding the storm-damaged areas. This delicate balance between
local, state and national governments is spelled out in our Constitution’s
provisions, many of which have been given contemporary meaning through
decisions of the federal courts, especially the U.S. Supreme Court.
The past few years remind us how important the Constitution is.
Sunday marked the fourth anniversary of Sept. 11. The authority
of our national government, given by the Constitution, to protect
our national security provided the means for our government to respond
to this unprecedented attack. With Congress’ approval, President
Bush entered into a war, created the Office of Homeland Security
and assisted with the cleanup of the attack.
The U.S. Constitution is as relevant today as the day it was adopted
in 1787. To help celebrate the its importance, we have developed
a Web site (http://www.uta.edu/constitutionday)
that I hope you will visit to learn more about the Constitution
and its importance in this century. Let’s not forget its relevance
or its importance.
— James D. Spaniolo is the university president
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