Unlike many teabaggers, I don't walk around with a copy of the Constitution in my hip pocket. Nor do I claim any particular Constitutional expertise. But, I know what my values are and I know what kind of country I want to live in.
I believe that the law of the land defines a nation in which all are created and treated equally regardless of color, gender, or sexuality; in which political equality is assumed; where health care is a right and not a privilege; and in which economic equality as a way of life is something to be reached for and legislated if needs be.
I believe that "We the people" is not an idle phrase, and that the point of providing for a common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty is to "form a more perfect union," which means that the states united enable a stronger, better way of life than they would as separate parts.
I believe that the Constitution allows "We the people" to form a national government that provides defense, promotes general welfare (which I interpret as intending everybody and not a fortunate few), and secures the blessings of liberty.
I believe that together our people -- no matter what different gods they worship (or not); what part of the country they live in; what color they are; whether they are rich, poor, or middle class; whether they are male or female, young or old -- are a "we," a one people who should look out for each other. I believe that the Constitution encourages this instead of making it more difficult.
I believe in a country that helps one provide for one's family, where you help out the other guy, and where you live and let live. I believe that this is not possible without a government to regulate the excesses of the free market and to guarantee Constitutional rights.
I believe that there is nothing radical or dangerous about my convictions. I don't believe that I have all the answers, and I mistrust anyone who thinks that he or she does.
I don't understand how anyone can love the Constitution and support laws that trample on one of its fundamental tenets: The presumption of innocence.
I don't understand how anyone can love the Constitution and support a practice that would violate the separation of powers and politicize the judicial branch.
I don't understand how anyone can revere the right to free speech and deride anyone who disagrees with their reading of the Constitution as an un-American socialist.
I don't understand how anyone can revere the Constitution while constantly seeking to amend it.
I don't understand how anyone who stands for individual rights can be part of a mob that disrupts public discourse.
I don't understand how anyone can say that they love the Constitution but care only about the Second and Tenth Amendments and their own personal freedom of speech.
I don't understand how anyone can love America and applaud the murder of 168 Americans.
I don't understand how anyone can fanatically oppose so-called Big Government and support the Patriot Act.
I don't understand how anyone can love America and fear it at the same time.
I don't understand how believing all of this means that I hate my country.
But what do I know?...