Constitution Day -- Sept. 17, 2008

In honor of the original signing of the United States Constitution on this day in 1787 --

What they thought about the Constitution.

JOHN ADAMS:

I first saw the Constitution of the United States in a foreign country. . . I read it with great satisfaction, as the result of good heads prompted by good hearts, as an experiment better adapted to the genius, character, situation, and relations of this nation and country than any which had ever been proposed or suggested.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

The United States Constitution has proved itself the most marvelously elastic compilation of rules of government ever written.

JOHN MARSHALL HARLAN

But in view of the Constitution in the eyes of the law, there is in this country no superior, dominant, ruling class of citizens. There is no caste here. Our constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect to civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law.

WILLIAM GLADSTONE

As the British Constitution is the most subtle organism which has proceeded from progressive history, so the American Constitution is the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.

CALVIN COOLIDGE

Out system of Government mad up of three separate and independent departments, our divided sovereignty composed of Nation and State, the matchless wisdom that is enshrined in our Constitution, all these need constant effort and tireless vigilance for their protection and support.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

As the patriots of Seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and the Laws let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor. . . .

JOHN MARSHALL

The government of the United States, though limited in its powers, is supreme; and its laws, when made in pursuance of the Constitution, form the supreme law of the land, 'anything in the constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding' . . .

JOHN F. KENNEDY

I hold the view that the Constitution is the most revolutionary document, with the Declaration of Independence, ever written, and it should to the new countries serve as a source of stimulation and enterprise. . .

Quotations from The U.S. Capitol Historical Society 1987 Constitutional calendar.

My topical post today at South by Southwest and The Reaction is about politics.

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