by G E Barr

Created on: October 20, 2009   Last Updated: October 21, 2009

The Constitutional Scope Of Citizenship

Before one ever gets into the specific legal rights of an American citizen, the preamble summarizes the intent of the Constitution.

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic 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 United States of America."

Within the preamble, are statements which are legally inclusive of all citizens without regard to sex or gender and those statements are, "...provide for the common defense...", "...promote the general welfare...".

The first amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion...", and the first amendment states such to emphatically get the point across that no religion within the United States will receive favorable treatment over another and no religion will become so powerful that it absorbs itself into the government process, thereby becoming and enforcing a national religion.

The Constitution itself was meant as a balancing agent and in the beginning, that balancing agent was meant for white men. However as time has worn on, the intellect evolved and the Constitution could not deny the rights, responsibilities and freedoms of white women, black women, black men and any other race of people to come to these shores.

If Congress will make no law respecting an establishment of religion, then why would it make law respecting one race or sexual activity over another? Further, the dangers inherent in States passing law which voids the Constitutional philosophies of individual freedoms could lead to a great disharmony within this country.

Common sense tells us that the Constitution is a translation of the highest ideals of western humanity. Unfortunately, not all embrace those highest ideals. I have seen laws broken in the course of seeking good. I have seen laws broken in the course of seeking bad. Human beings are fallible and as such, often cannot follow their own rules, much less the rules of God.

In Article IV, section II of the Constitution, it says, "The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states."

Clearly, Article IV, section II is stating "citizens". Not black citizens, not white citizens, not male citizens, not female citizens. But citizens.

Therefore, the Hate

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