It suddenly dawned on me earlier in the day, this Monday, September 17, that this subject should have been addressed previously so as to appear in publications during the previous week. In my opinion, this date should be given importance comparable to July 4 in observance in the calendars in the United States of America. My apologies for my oversight, brought on by the current news thrown at us constantly in the media campaign to discredit and, they hope, remove PRESDT-45 and block his agenda of bringing back pride in our republic. I have marked the date in my daily book to be transferred to next years and so on in the future.

Unfortunately, the importance, or even the occurrence, was not taught in public schools in the 1930s – at least here in Tulsa. Right here and now begins an attempt to rectify that oversight for future years for so long as the United States of America continues to exist, which many seem determined to make the time short. For those still uninformed, the subject is Constitution Day.  Yes, on September 17, 1787, the original draft of the Constitution of the United States of America (COTOTUSA) was formally signed for submission to the thirteen new states for ratification. The signature list was headed by George Washington as “President and deputy from Virginia” and attested by William Jackson, secretary.

On referring back to my copies of two different publications of this document from the Heritage Foundation and Hillsdale College, it was surprising to note that there were delegates from only 12 states listed as signers, with Rhode Island notably missing. My research turned up that the Constitution was declared ratified by the required nine states and placed in action as the “Law of the Land” on the 13th of September 1788 and the remaining four, on promise of future 12 amendments called the “Bill of Rights” on May 29, 1790.

The signing and ratification of the Constitution was, like the issuing of the Declaration of Independence, a singular event in world history.  The peaceful separation of one area and its population from another had never been known to occur before in history and the Constitution with its guarantee of the “God-given unalienable rights” was just as much a first in history. My unshakable opinion is that these documents are so clear and understandable that the authors must have been truly inspired by Him.  It should be kept as originally prepared and used as intended, rather than changed on mere whims!

Because this is the follow up on our independence and every bit as important to our citizens, it is my firm opinion that this day should be observed just as much and with the same solemnity as we do Independence Day on July 4 and each year. Further, there should be no tinkering to make another three day weekend with this but keep it always on September 17th.

Now that the suggestion has been issued, the carrying out of the laws to firmly establish it will have to be done by the legislative bodies.

Perhaps the Oklahoma Legislature could at the next (2019) session pass the bills for the next governor to execute for observation within the borders of our state. At this time, not knowing who will occupy the chambers and office, my breath shall not be held while waiting. This would be another great first for the State of Oklahoma to show the way for the other 49.

While on the subject of Constitutions, a copy of the Oklahoma Constitution seems to be unavailable to the public. The question becomes: How can we citizens be expected to obey all the laws thus established if there are no published copies available? I have been privileged to receive a published copy of the constitutions of Missouri and Pennsylvania each for free from a member of the legislature of that state. They are in “paperback” style and size and include the U.S. Declaration and Constitution.

Information given me is that the Oklahoma Constitution is the longest in the nation, which indicates that it is far too detailed with minor items and maybe why it has not been published. My friends in the Oklahoma Legislature have told me that on each of their desks is a three-inch thick stack, purportedly to be our Constitution. Maybe it should be reconsidered for clarity and size. Also, there is no mention in the U.S. Constitution of “separation of church and state.” So, lefties get over it and wake up.