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EDUCATION PROPOSALS
Our nation's forefathers read the Bible, but life has changed since then, and maintaining scripture as the goal to all potentially literate citizens would be illogical, for a lot of reasons. However, an introductory course on the first five major world religions, and others after, should be introduced into the nation's high schools, as an economic duty. If an anticipatory Congressional committee fails to bring agreement, then each state needs to implement their own mandates, and reverse the educational slide the U.S. is experiencing.
Here's a fast aliphatic sketch on how to present the subject:
- Buddhism: Meditation in front of a special statue associated with offerings, based on a story of a figure first from a wealthy family, and then accepting a life of spiritual asceticism, until enlightened to a level establishing a religion. Alternatively depicted as fat and thin, with celibate monks, and a solar-adjusted lunar calendar
- Christianity: A unique son of G-d, holidays significantly set on the calendar by Old Testament concepts, divided into Protestants and Catholics, a virgin Mary concept, selectively following the Old Testament, a New Testament using Hebrew words for names
- Hinduism: Based in India, a caste system and funeral rituals based on them, temples with priests that resemble Old Testament descriptions seemingly from spontaneous establishment, earlier roots than other religions, women with marked foreheads
- Islam: Follows Mohammed, a Koran that speaks positively toward other religions by name, a unique lunar calendar doesn't correct for seasons, divided into Shiites and Sunni, descendants of Abraham, pilgrimage to Mecca, prayer known for kneeling and bowing in mosques without chairs
- Judaism: Follows Moses, a Torah unchanged since establishment by several authors, letters with numbers and stories, a lunar calendar with a leap month, extremes of Ultra-orthodox and Reformists, first to carry the unflattering language of the Old Testament masked by positive thinking, continual learning of copious amounts of written and obscure
*Islam and Judaism present conflicting narratives of the story of Abraham setting out to sacrifice a son, and being stopped by an angel or angels. Islam says that son is Ishmael, and a feast commemorating that day is celebrated yearly by many. Judaism recites the Biblical account, with Issac the intended target, in most of the daily prayer books. Neither has more credibility, and these conflicting stories should be presented together.
**On another matter, concerning the widespread belief in Islam that Mohammed ascended to Heaven from Jerusalem, there are many articles that dispel the myth, diving into Hadith passages describing "the night journey." Islam should feel proud to call the Dome of the Rock a good place to pray that they innocently inherited in Judaism's absence. I can't extend my good feelings as completely to the Al Aqsa Mosque, named for the "farthest mosque" in Surah 17:1 of the Quran. The name is meant to evolve into a term for the farthest mosque in Islam's expansion, and not the current Israeli location. I would nominate one of the mosques in Washington D.C. or China. Washington because of the attempted 'separation of church and state' and China because of the transformation toward two gender mosques, although originally forced, that has occurred there. In my religion, both forms of congregation are implemented, and I feel there are gains from both systems of worship. China has been battling or struggling with a group trying to establish religious governance.
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Schools and teachers need to have the obligation and authority to order the removal of any article of clothing above the neck of any student in U.S. public schools. The symbolism of a veil or head covering on a child in a public school is to break the line of direct sensory perception. This should extend to all visible religious and political symbols or displays as well, for similar reasons.
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| We now know scientifically that the long terms benefits of targeted preferential treatment toward education is only seen if the incentives occur in kindergarten years, and at very early grade levels. We need to enact a test and bolster system aimed at those very young. The newer knowledge of those time constraints for permanant results justifys the court reversal of 'affirmative action' of college admissions, and opens an opportunity to truly make advances.
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| Again, on a national, state, and local level, legislation needs to be created, contingent on a national declaration of terrorist status, that protest be prohibited from places of education. If that terrorist organization happens to rule a country, or target one specifically, protest of that country or countries should also be prohibited. The debate from skeptics of the terrorist designation should be handled by pamphlet, advertising, and hopefully debated in the press, although much of them are privately owned, so the decision should be theirs.
NATIONAL LEVEL PROPOSALS
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A partial solution to the health care crisis is to abrogate the VA hospital system. The military has it's own hospitals for injuries in battle and during duty, but after, our veterans need to start using civilian care. Our soldiers need support, and that should include medical coverage for life, if their healing is incomplete. I envision a voucher system. If my recollection of the history of the V.A. Hospital system is correct, the focused accommodation for fighters began incrementally before the Civil War, and during the tragedy accelerated. They could plan for common aftercare for typical soldiering injuries somewhat different from the usual citizen's troubles, but now we have prolific car accidents. Our current civilian health care doesn't cover the population sufficiently, and government bureaucracy can be cleared. There is no longer a need to try and concentrate medicine the way treatment was given then.
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| As a cost saving measure, I propose that Presidents with net worth at a value 1,000 times the HHS poverty income level for one person in Washington, D.C., begin to pay for Secret Service protection on a sliding scale, paying for all protection at 100,000 times the poverty level. On March 27, 2017, the HHS listed the single person houshold income poverty guideline at $12,060 so a President with net worth of $12,060,000 would begin to pay maybe 1%, as rough estimate of a reasonable levy.
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My proposal for a new national pledge of allegiance: "I pledge allegiance to the nationality of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under G-d, indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
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| I feel a women's registration for the draft is necessary, to match the current requirement on men between the age of 18-25, usually taken care of by the guidance counselors in the nation's high schools. That change would advance the cause of equality. Registration is different from an actual draft, and I'm for bringing back a true draft as well, albeit for very short service times. If both of those suggestions occur, the number of those considered for service would be enormous, and the number of exemptions could be correspondingly lenient, to basically maintain current troop levels.
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A woman needs uniform choice in abortion nation-wide, for any reason they decide with their doctor, until late into pregnancy. After reading about incredibly diseased fetuses, destined to be born to painful deaths at the time of birth, and factoring in the risk for the mother to continue carrying, I see no reason for legal intervention, which could also slow medical care. I extend that to late-diagnosed fetuses destined to lives of severe impairment, similar to living wills imposed by power-of-attorney.
If a doctor takes a kicking screaming newborn and kills her or him, that doctor will face charges, but until that happens, U.S. law, as is already written, should be enforcing liberty of a woman's decisions. Government has no cause to intervene with completely arbitrary numbers attached to their catchall term of "viability" to demand anything. The point of placental detachment should be a loose guide to viability, to maintain a woman's or mother's primacy, extend matured faith, give consideration of her economics, and guarantee a personalized view of life after rapes, etc.
Extremists sometimes oppose the 'day after pill', but a blastocyst or an embryo has developed a clump of cells resembling a slug.
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| Federal laws need to be legislated to be simple in wording and reflect content connected to the title of the bill. It seems like the conception of the computer and the ability to search documents has given lawmakers the idea they can throw sliced bread into regulations about interstate highway funding. This has defeated or agonizingly slowed the passage of important bills.
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| Knowing that some Muslims consider Friday their day of prayer made me realize that our nation has merely inherited the weekly schedule we've set. To begin the transition, we need a referendum on whether we should always have two days of rest together. Then, should Muslims gain in number, a democratic means of deciding our routine will be readily available. Employees would be empowered in this regard, but of course ensuring that no one had to disclose their religion or preference in their voting. It will most likely all turn out to be symbolic, but this will elevate our Constitution.
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| There is no such thing as "100% Americanism." Serving in the U.S. Military during war time doesn't magically make an Americanism appear. The American Legion's preamble needs to be amended to create a sound basis for representing our country with a Congressional mandate. The idea that military service can disconnect someone from the influences of a globe we need to be responsible for is insulting, and does not represent G-d as they claim. It represents a damaging elitism.
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Legislation should be created to require mandatory firings of U.S. Intelligence Agents involved with every mistaken U.S. war, and that peace treaties include reciprocating cut-backs of their numbers. Mistaken U.S. wars include everything after 1987. There were other mistaken wars by the USA before, but my Prophecy of this era hadn't been revealed before then. Since that time, inter-continental missile treaties were negotiated, but in the long run to the present, it's obvious no advancement toward world peace was accomplished.
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| One of my original political ideas was for an increase in the number of federally elected officials. I'm still an advocate for an elected spokesperson from every state in most, if not every federal agency.
LOCAL AND STATE LEVEL PROPOSALS
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| Inmates across the nation are being exploited, that is, being used for commerce without tangible participation. Phone calls to or from prisoners are typically at usery rates, and often the telephone companies are paying the prison departments large sums of money, ensuring their popularity among the exploiters. I encoutered a tilted prison phone system in the mid 90's, when the only option of collect call automation seemed unjust, by taking away the personal touch in breaking the news of my arrest to my family. Instead, the phone just announced 'A prisoner of blah blah Correction Facility is calling collect...' When you get to a PC there's a link to a Governing.com article on this subject.
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States need to require every city and town to run their own computer server with all their digital library books and public forms available for viewing or download. Moreover, everyone should have the right to an account with all the completed forms they've filed in every Town Hall. Hopefully the judicial system would follow. The current trend is that online encyclopedias, etc. are all privately held, without insurance, while public libraries are an insurance. I'm not saying bookshelf libraries should be eliminated, but the purchase of new materials should be tilted toward digital. Small towns could be allowed a team-up exemption with surrounding cities or towns. If they were isolated or financially incapable, they could be granted equipment and help. Federally, all Depositories should now be required to be locally stored and digital to encourage library conversion.
VARIOUS IMPORTANT PROPOSALS
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| A few years ago, while filing some court motions Pro Se, the forms asked me to assure that I wasn't seeking my actions against active service members, by requiring a check-mark in the middle of perfunctory forms. At first I was taken back by the slowing of the judicial process for such a narrowly defined group. When I reflected for a bit I realized the change could be beneficial if extended to those in hospitals for Tuberculosis, Mental Illness, or other open-ended hospitalizations.
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| The idea to change the retirement age is discussed from time to time. If that needs to be considered, the higher age needs to be made for upper office job personnel only, and the age for most of the rest needs to stay the same or move in the opposite direction because of the more physical or pressured nature of their labors. The lazy current system of blanket laws in this area needs to change.
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I've seen the elderly agonizing in pain, to stay out of nursing homes, after broken hips, and barely mobile legs. It's valiant, and practical, and they are in a sense, heroes. The payments they are making late into their life for debts they may have inherited, or blundered into earlier, are keeping them from feeling secure. Sometimes they've ended up in public housing impoverished, and are still tracked by collection agencies (bill collectors) until a declaration of full "disability" is recorded. The payments they are making before their arrival are a proper duty to protect our businesses. However, to pursue those payments into senior years is immoral. As a society we must acknowledge their diminished capacity, and oppressive responsibility to prepare for nursing homes. I propose a law that requires all creditors to forgive the defaulted debts for those approachng old age, the disabled accepted to full Medicare, and allow partial disabilities in many cases to annul all debts, with ombudsmen available for the rest. Large corporation executives are given salaries and bonuses in the name of the mental preparation they do for their business, while the elderly are made to feel uncomfortable.
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| I'm sure dogs were an essential tool to frontier America, guarding livestock and protecting settlers from enemies, just to name the first two roles off the top of my head. Our population is aging and urbanization is spreading. Mainly for those reasons small breeds are becoming popular. Although the tight laws against animal entry into food places is reasonable, other policies against dog entry need to add exceptions for toy breeds which can be easily carried and controlled. Within a modern city there are sanitation burdens which suggest a smaller breed is more desirable. In addition, there is less room for dogs to run around and stay healthy. Adding exceptions into contracts and laws for toy breeds would encourage their numbers.
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| The camera started as an innovative, cumbersome snap-shot tool, and the original laws of leeway in public were understandable. Restricting photographers to a snapshot of time on a person (many shots with a modern camera or video recorder) with the requirement they leave the area after would ensure safety and decorum. Anyone selling more than one picture of someone uninvited would be fined or convicted. Any of those blending into the atmosphere nefariously afterwards, would be cited. The televised press could be included. The imposition of restrictions in their broadcasts may help cloistered celebrity victims. Exceptions could be made in cases of public events, an obvious crime occurring, or traffic accidents.
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| Those charged with crimes are often sick with worry on the way to court, and shouldn't be burdened with the forced conversations and interviews with the press we television viewers often witness. A law is needed to prohibit contact with the press on the way to and from arraignments. Arraignments occur at the spur of the moment for defendants, lawyers, supporters, and occasionally other concerned people, and that is a stressful condition. Actual trials are planned and more controlled by a judge for all parties, so the Press approaching them won't create an undo burden.
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| Sometimes suspects in crime are also thought to be mentally ill, and placed under evaluation in mental hospitals. They should enjoy the benefits of being presumed innocent, although just like common criminals, they're sometimes held by force for the safety of society. The theme of being held for safety is lost when the psychiatrist typically assigned to them uses the word 'forensic.' Forensic is a scrutiny, and violates the rights of those suspects. This prohibition of the term 'forensic' should apply to the experts that carry out the original court examinations as well.
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| Much like smoking, illegal ("no law in respect to religion") municipal Christmas lights are an unhealthy activity wasting energy. Any need for an area of exemption, such as a Governor needing to display his or her religion, needs thorough restrictions. Any grants of air space, for instance over a street between wings of a store, need thorough restrictions. I enjoy looking at some displays, but they never happen to be in public parks or over streets. Many private window displays instill a sense of respect, but city and town displays are an addiction, which might be best treated with total cessation. In a country dedicated to separation of church and state, funding and service of those lights is two-faced and a return to a known form of government that doesn't work. Unfortunately, during December I feel the country is again ruled by churches of the states.
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| Political posters have crept closer and closer to my face as I go to the voting station entrance to cast my nearly blank ballot. All supporters should be prohibited from all adjoining and adjacent sidewalks to those stations during the voting hours. I'm talking about all the way around the block. Update 2/11: This week's preliminary leading to the election was so cold some of the canvassers were in the halls to warm up from time to time. I began to realize that specified primaries allow for too much chumminess. These preliminary voting occasions need to be combined into one for all parties, saving money, promoting a bit of interaction, and preventing excess buddy system.
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| The U.S. Department of Agriculture used to issue paper food stamps with dollar amounts printed on them. Recipients could use the change for vital things, because to ask them to track the change was impossible. I probably used the change for laundry, and an occasional important pay-phone call, and never needed to collect other public aid at that stage. The poor and homeless need a small stipend of monthly cash to give them a more dignified lifestyle.
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| The U.S. Department of Education holds the defaulted loans of disabled ex-students, and requires a designation of 'total and permanent disability' in order to discharge them. The Social Security Administration, in determining disability, may decide the recipient has been limited for ten years previous to their application, but the Dept of Ed has been legislated to disregard that assessment. In the past the delinquent borrower wasn't told about the best option of possible consolidation when confronted by collectors. They didn't consider any disabled time, or limited working hours before transferring the defaulted loans to collection agencies, and assessing extra fees. Meanwhile, someone sick or injured, working even one hour a week, was held in full responsibility for payments. The cut off for exemption should be more reasonable, like over 20 hours per week while disabled by any standard. The recent end to private collection agencies pursuing these defaults isn't enough to prevent a return to this disgrace in the future. Many of the fees need to waived. Just because two government agencies have conflicting laws doesn't mean the changes are tough to initiate.
*[Feb. 24, '12 Update: As a small dog owner struggling to make ends meet, I've used big quantities of anti-flea products divided into the proper small dose. If the FDA warning came on any of that packaging, I'd be knowingly violating a law, despite the absolute safety of the identical product. This seems to be a perfect case to have an elected state spokesperson could help adjust oppressive restrictions, with out involving the higher-ups in minutiae. I think some of these new elected spokespeople would need to work in Washington, while others could work from home in their home state. Trying to get a bureaucrat on the phone from the DEA to point out the law needs amending would be problematic. Getting an elected spokesperson's attention would be a more responsible form of government.]
| When big corporations began to move overseas in the 80s, there were no laws to levy money in compensation to the U.S., and although they were discussed they were never enacted. Those levy systems still aren't in place and they need to be enacated with great vigor.
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| Everyone knows that a law exists called "Breaking and Entering" somehow as an impression of nature, but there is a big gap being serialized on one of the biggest national reality TV series, where a personal pouch is being examined without the permission of the owner. A new law has to be implemented everywhere named "Breaking and Entering of a Private Enclosed Space." That may seem redundant to some at first, but the increase in the scope of law enforcement will benefit us all. I'm confident the measure will deter thiives targeting women's pocketbook contents, by adding an additional available charge.
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Israeli Facts
In Israel, the official name for the United States, is Arzot H'Brit, which means literally, "land of treaty" or "land of covenant". The term
might describe the meaning as "land of 'Brit Mila'" which means circumcision as outlined in the Torah (described on the front page). Jews have traditionally put faith in the land of Israel, presenting a point of intrigue.
Prophetically, that would indicate the arrival and circumcision of the Jewish messiah (Jeshurun, named in Deuteronomy and Isaiah), and then an immediate decay of morality inviting punishment from
G-d.
Iran
Unfortunately, Iran has a glaring error in their otherwise very commendable constitution. The first chapter, General Principles, Article 10, states, "Since the family is the fundamental unit of Islamic society, all laws, regulations, and pertinent programs must tend to facilitate the formation of a family, and to safeguard its sanctity and the stability of family relations on the basis of the law and the ethics of Islam."
They do, however, make clear in typical political style later, that they are only talking to themselves, and about themselves. Overall, the brief added passages don't detract from the final picture.
The word "family" must be replaced with the word "culture." They've prejudiced judgment and liberty against the solitary, whom can be among the strongest and most successful in a society. They might include clergy, doctors, politicians, researchers and scientists. Potentially, they can dedicate themselves more than a family member, and inspire greater innovation.
Preambles of the State Constitutions (as found on the internet) with Summary
By Jesse Ateek
(One State not found.)
Alabama - We, the people of the State of Alabama, in order to establish justice,
insure domestic tranquillity, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our
posterity, invoking the favor and guidance of Alm-ghty G-d, do ordain and establish
the following Constitution and form of government for the State of Alabama.
Alaska - We the people of Alaska, grateful to
G-d and to those who founded our
nation and pioneered this great land, in order to secure and transmit to succeeding
generations our heritage of political, civil, and religious liberty within the Union of
States, do ordain and establish this constitution for the State of Alaska.
Arizona - We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our
liberties, do ordain this Constitution.
Arkansas - We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for the
privilege of choosing our own form of government, for our civil and religious liberty,
and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to our selves and
posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
California - We, the people of California, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our freedom, in
order to secure its blessings, do establish this Constitution.
Colorado - We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme
Ruler of the Universe, in order to form a more independent and perfect government;
establish justice; insure 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 "State of Colorado".
Connecticut - The People of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude, the good
providence of
G-d, in having permitted them to enjoy a free government; do, in
order more effectually to define, secure, and perpetuate the liberties, rights and
privileges which they have derived from their ancestors; hereby, after a careful
consideration and revision, ordain and establish the following constitution and form
of civil government.
Delaware - Through Divine goodness, all men have by nature the rights of
worshiping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences, of
enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring and protecting reputation and
property, and in general of obtaining objects suitable to their condition, without
injury by one to another; and as these rights are essential to their welfare, for due
exercise thereof, power is inherent in them; and therefore all just authority in the
institutions of political society is derived from the people, and established with their
consent, to advance their happiness; and they may for this end, as circumstances
require, from time to time, alter their Constitution of government.
Florida - We, the people of the State of Florida, being grateful to Alm-ghty G-d, for
our constitutional liberty, in order to secure its benefits, perfect our government,
insure domestic tranquility, maintain public order, and guarantee equal civil and
political rights to all, do ordain and establish this constitution.
Georgia - To perpetuate the principles of free government, insure justice to all,
preserve peace, promote the interest and happiness of the citizen and of the family,
and transmit to posterity the enjoyment of liberty, we the people of Georgia, relying
upon the protection and guidance of
Alm-ghty G-d, do ordain and establish this
Constitution.
Hawaii - We, the people of Hawaii, grateful for Divine Guidance, and mindful of our
Hawaiian heritage and uniqueness as an island State, dedicate our efforts to fulfill
the philosophy decreed by the Hawaii State motto, "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka
pono."
We reserve the right to control our destiny, to nurture the integrity of our people and
culture, and to preserve the quality of life that we desire.
We reaffirm our belief in a government of the people, by the people and for the
people, and with an understanding and compassionate heart toward all the peoples
of the earth, do hereby ordain and establish this constitution for the State of Hawaii.
Idaho - We, the people of the state of Idaho, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our
freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this
Constitution.
Illinois - We, the People of the State of Illinois - grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for the
civil, political and religious liberty which H- has permitted us to enjoy and seeking
H-s blessing upon our endeavors - in order to provide for the health, safety and
welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; eliminate
poverty and inequality; assure legal, social and economic justice; provide
opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; insure domestic tranquility;
provide for the common defense; and secure the blessings of freedom and liberty to
ourselves and our posterity - do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State
of Illinois.
Indiana - TO THE END, that justice be established, public order maintained, and
liberty perpetuated; WE, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d
for the free exercise of the right to choose our own form of government, do ordain
this Constitution.
Iowa - WE, THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF IOWA, grateful to the Supreme Being for
the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on
H-m for a continuance
of those blessings, do ordain and establish a free and independent government, by
the name of the STATE OF IOWA, the boundaries whereof shall be as follows:
Kansas - We, the people of Kansas, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our civil and
religious privileges, in order to insure the full enjoyment of our rights as American
citizens, do ordain and establish this constitution of the state of Kansas, with the
following boundaries, to wit: Beginning at a point on the western boundary of the
state of Missouri,...
Kentucky - We, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grateful to
Alm-ghty
G-d for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy, and invoking the
continuance of these blessings, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
Louisiana - We, the people of Louisiana, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for the civil,
political, economic, and religious liberties we enjoy, and desiring to protect individual
rights to life, liberty, and property; afford opportunity for the fullest development of
the individual; assure equality of rights; promote the health, safety, education, and
welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; ensure
domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; and secure the blessings of
freedom and justice to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this
constitution.
Maine - We the people of Maine, in order to establish justice, insure tranquility,
provide for our mutual defense, promote our common welfare, and secure to
ourselves and our posterity the blessings of liberty, acknowledging with grateful
hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an
opportunity, so favorable to the design; and, imploring G-d's aid and direction in its
accomplishment, do agree to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by
the style and title of the State of Maine and do ordain and establish the following
Constitution for the government of the same.
Maryland - We the people of the State of Maryland, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our
civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious consideration the best means of
establishing a good Constitution in this State for the sure foundation and more
permanent security thereof, declare:
Massachusetts - The end of the institution, maintenance, and administration of
government, is to secure the existence of the body politic, to protect it, and to
furnish the individuals who compose it with the power of enjoying in safety and
tranquillity their natural rights, and the blessings of life: and whenever these great
objects are not obtained, the people have a right to alter the government, and to
take measures necessary for their safety, prosperity and happiness.
The body politic is formed by a voluntary association of individuals: it is a social
compact, by which the whole people covenants with each citizen, and each citizen
with the whole people, that all shall be governed by certain laws for the common
good. It is the duty of the people, therefore, in framing a constitution of government,
to provide for an equitable mode of making laws, as well as for an impartial
interpretation, and a faithful execution of them; that every man may, at all times,
find his security in them.
We, therefore, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the
goodness of the great Legislator of the universe, in affording us, in the course of His
providence, an opportunity, deliberately and peaceably, without fraud, violence or
surprise, of entering into an original, explicit, and solemn compact with each other;
and of forming a new constitution of civil government, for ourselves and posterity;
and devoutly imploring His direction in so interesting a design, do agree upon, ordain
and establish the following Declaration of Rights, and Frame of Government, as the
Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Michigan - We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for the
blessings of freedom, and earnestly desiring to secure these blessings undiminished
to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution.
Minnesota - We, the people of the state of Minnesota, grateful to
G-d for our civil
and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to
ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution
Mississippi - We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d, and involving his blessing on our work, do ordain and establish this
Constitution.
Missouri - We the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler
of the Universe, and grateful for H-s goodness, do establish this constitution for the
better government of the state.
Montana - We the people of Montana grateful to
G-d for the quiet beauty of our
state, the grandeur of our mountains, the vastness of our rolling plains, and desiring
to improve the quality of life, equality of opportunity and to secure the blessings of
liberty for this and future generations do ordain and establish this constitution.
Nebraska - We, the people, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our freedom, do ordain and
establish the following declaration of rights and frame of government, as the
Constitution of the State of Nebraska.
Nevada - We the people of the State of Nevada Grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our
freedom in order to secure its blessings, insure domestic tranquility, and form a
more perfect Government, do establish this Constitution.
New Hampshire - Revolutionary Secession
New Jersey - We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d
for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and
looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and transmit the same
unimpaired to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
New Mexico - We, the people of New Mexico, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for the
blessings of liberty, in order to secure the advantages of a state government, do
ordain and establish this Constitution.
New York - We The People of the State of New York, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our
Freedom, in order to secure its blessings, DO ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION.
North Carolina - We, the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to
Alm-ghty
G-d, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for the preservation of the American Union and
the existence of our civil, political and religious liberties, and acknowledging our
dependence upon H-m for the continuance of those blessings to us and our posterity,
do, for the more certain security thereof and for the better government of this State,
ordain and establish this Constitution.
North Dakota - We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for the
blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain and establish this constitution.
Ohio - We, the people of the State of Ohio, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our
freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare, do establish this
Constitution.
Oklahoma - Invoking the guidance of
Alm-ghty G-d, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of liberty; to secure just and rightful government; to promote our mutual welfare and happiness, we, the people of the State of Oklahoma, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
Oregon - We the people of the State of Oregon to the end that Justice be
established, order maintained, and liberty perpetuated, do ordain this Constitution.
Pennsylvania - We, the people of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, ordain and
establish this constitution for its government.
Rhode Island - We, the people of the State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for the civil and religious liberty which He hath
so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors
to secure and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations, do
ordain and establish this Constitution of government.
South Carolina - We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention
assembled, grateful to
G-d for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution
for the preservation and perpetuation of the same.
South Dakota - We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our civil and religious liberties, in order to form a more perfect and independent government, establish justice, insure tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and preserve to ourselves and to our posterity the blessings of liberty, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the state of South Dakota.
Tennessee - 1796: We the People of the territory of the United States south of the
river Ohio, having the right of admission into the General Government as a member
State thereof, consistent with the Constitution of the United States and the act of
cession of the State of North Carolina, recognizing the ordinance for the government
of the territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio, do ordain and
establish the following constitution or form of government, and do mutually agree
with each other to form ourselves into a free and independent State by the name of
the State of Tennessee.
1870: WHEREAS..., WHEREAS..., WHEREAS, The General Assembly of said State of
Tennessee, under and in virtue of the first section of the first article of the
Declaration of Rights, contained in and forming a part of the existing Constitution of
the State, by an act passed on the fifteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, did provide for the calling of a
Convention by the people of the State, to meet at Nashville, on the second Monday
in January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy, and for
the election of delegates for the purpose of amending or revising the present
Constitution, or forming and making a new Constitution; and, WHEREAS..., WE,...
Texas - 1836: We, the people of Texas, in order to form a government, establish
justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence and general
welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do
ordain and establish this constitution.
1969:Humbly invoking the blessings of
Almighty G-d, the people of the State of
Texas do ordain and establish this Constitution.
Utah - Grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for life and liberty, we, the people of Utah, in order
to secure and perpetuate the principles of free government, do ordain and establish
this CONSTITUTION.
Vermont - 1777: Whereas, all government ought to be instituted and supported for
the security and protection of the community as such and to enable the individuals
who compose it, to enjoy their natural rights, and the other blessings which the
Author of existence has bestowed upon man; and whenever those great ends of
government are not obtained, the people have a right,
We the representatives of the freemen of Vermont, in General Convention met, for
the express purpose of forming such a government, confessing the goodness of the
Great Governor of the Universe (who alone, knows to what degree of earthly
happiness, mankind may attain, by perfecting the arts of government), in permitting
the people of this State, by common consent, and without violence, deliberately to
form for themselves, such just rules as they shall think best for governing their
future society; and being fully convinced that it is our indispensable duty, to
establish such original principles of government, as will best promote the general
happiness of the people of this State, and their posterity, and provide for future
improvements, without partiality for, or prejudice against, any particular class, sect,
or denomination of men whatever: Do, by virtue of authority vested in us, by our
constitutents, ordain, declare, and establish, the following declaration of rights, and
frame of government, to be the Constitution of this Commonwealth
Since July 9, 1793 Vermont's Constitution hasn't had a Preamble, or it's unfound.
Virginia - WE, the Delegates and Representatives of the good people of Virginia, do
declare the future form of government of Virginia to be as followeth:
Washington - We, the people of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme
Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this constitution.
West Virginia - Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia, in and through the provisions of this Constitution, reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon
G-d and seek diligently to promote, preserve and perpetuate good government in the state of West Virginia for the common welfare, freedom and security of ourselves and our posterity.
Wisconsin - We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to
Alm-ghty G-d for our freedom,
in order to secure its blessings, form a more perfect government, insure domestic
tranquility and promote the general welfare, do establish this Constitution.
Wyoming - We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to
G-d for our civil,
political and religious liberties, and desiring to secure them to ourselves and
perpetuate them to our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
37 mentions of
G-d, 29 with
Alm-ghty, 7 by itself [Rhode Island mentions "...He..."
also]
3 mentions of "Supreme Ruler of the Universe" (Colorado, Missouri [also "...H-s..."],
Washington)
Carolina [now counted twice, also "...Sovereign Ruler of Nations..."])
3 mentions of "...Divine..." (Delaware as in goodness [also "...Creator..."], Hawaii as in
guidance, West Virginia as in Providence)
2 mentions of "...dependence on H-m..." (Iowa [also "...Supreme Being..."], North
1 mention of "...Sovereign Ruler of the Universe..." (Maine)[also "...G-d's..."]
1 state mentions Lord in the date twice (Tennessee)
1 state mentions "great Legislator of the universe" (Massachusetts)
1 state (Vermont) mentions "...Author of existence...," and "...Great Governor of the
Universe..."
4 states found apparently without religious mentions (New Hampshire, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, Virginia)
Note: some of the Preambles may be historic, or repealed, and no longer in use.
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