Posts by Charlotte – Speaking of Polygamy…

The Constitution of the United States of America requires leaders to promise to defend it, limits their power if they don’t, and enshrines the God-given rights of the People, just in case. The Constitution promotes liberty and remains relevant today.

“I can if I want to. It’s a free country.”

I heard this spoken many times in my childhood. When one child tried to stop another from doing something, they would often appeal to the fact that this “is a free country.” They seemed to understand that they had rights no one could take away.

The Constitution enumerates certain government powers, delegated by the people, and includes a list of rights it’s forbidden to abridge. Even when a leader wants to trample our rights, the Constitution limits his power. The first line of defense is that every elected official promises to defend the Constitution. Let’s consider three built-in safeguards of liberty.

First, the oath of office. Article VI states that elected officials “shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution.” This keeps the Constitution fresh in their mind. Hopefully, we elect honest men who keep their promise.

Inevitably, dishonest men get elected who have no intention of defending the Constitution, but there is a second safeguard against power-hungry men: the limit of their authority. If the oath of office was the only safeguard of liberty, it would quickly fail. It is almost always the nature of men to abuse power. Therefore, the wise framers put limits on government and those holding positions within it. Limiting flawed humans in power is the only way to create a free society.

The division of the government into three branches keeps anyone from having too much authority, which limits the potential for abuse, even by malicious politicians. Each branch is limited to the powers explicitly delegated to it. Even the President has only a short list of delegated powers. The inclusion of checks and balances between branches also prevents abuses.

When leaders do try to abuse us, the Constitution contains a third safeguard: the Bill of Rights, which explicitly lists some rights that tyrants are likely to trample. Such a list makes it simple and obvious for the people to recognize many things the government shouldn’t touch. We know we have free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to bear arms, for instance. When the government attempts to abridge any of these, we know sinister things are happening, and we can civilly disobey, rather than let our rights be trampled. In other words, we can say, “I can if I want to. It’s a free country.”

The framers understood that men are not angels. From Cain murdering Abel to today’s news headlines, it seems like nothing changes. As long as there have been humans, there has been abuse. Fortunately for those who live in this “free country”, the Constitution has built-in protections for the liberty of the people.

As long as human nature doesn’t change, the Constitution will remain as relevant as ever.

Happy Constitution Day.

My sisterwife left today. She took her children, got on an airplane, and flew across the country.

She’ll be back in a week. She’s just gone to visit with and help some family members.

My sisterwife had told me her intention to leave for the airport at a certain time this morning, but because of the snow, she got out the door earlier than planned. I was surprised when I learned she’d left because she hadn’t said goodbye. I texted her and lovingly reprimanded her for not letting me give her a proper fare-thee-well.

Having her gone is weird. I’m so used to her being here. Even when we’re not in the same room, I still know she’s there when I need her. When she’s home, I also know any of my children can also go to her when they need her. Having her gone takes recalibrating on my part. But we still text each other and share photos and keep in touch.

Having Melissa’s children gone is also really weird. They’re so cute and fun, and I love the way they address me: “Mama Charlotte, can I have batteries for my RC car?” “Mama Charlotte, can I have some blueberries?” “Mama Charlotte, will you please get me a drink of water?” “Mama Charlotte, may I go with you on your walk?”

My children play with Melissa’s children constantly, so they will have to find other ways to occupy themselves for the next 7 days, especially my youngest son. He sleeps in the boys’ room on Melissa’s side of the house, and often eats breakfast with her and her children before I even realize he’s awake for the day.

I always miss all of them when they’re gone, and the house doesn’t feel right. Whenever they get home, even if it’s late at night, we usually have a mini party: hugs and kisses all around, some kind of special beverage or treat, maybe some decorations, lots of stories and catching up.

Another weird part about having Melissa gone is that Joshua will be with me every night. That includes me making dinner for him every single day, instead of only half the time. I suppose I used to do that, but it isn’t something I’m used to anymore.

In fact, altho the whole family officially only shares one dinner per week (Friday night dinner, for Shabbat), we regularly eat each other’s food or (even more often) the children eat what their “other mother” is serving. Our diets are going to be more boring for the next few days!

Melissa didn’t leave us completely empty-handed, however. Last night she cooked corned beef and cabbage (for St. Patrick’s Day) and served it to all of us, and we ate the leftovers with lunch today.