To Form a More Perfect Union

In a recent column celebrating America’s 250th birthday, I talked about the U.S. Constitution, our charter of freedom establishing the federal government.

As everyone remembers, the preamble to the Constitution says, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union….”

A more perfect union? What does that mean? What would a more perfect union look like? I asked numerous people and here are some of their replies. 

Dave F. says, “A drastic improvement would be less vitriol in the world. We see it every day, in the media, in people we deal with and in various forms of leadership. Personally, I doubt we will ever see a ‘perfect union’ - but a return to years gone by, where people are neighborly and help one another without conditions or expectation of receiving something in return, would be a good start. We have to make an honest effort to find the good in our neighbors. Our State. Our Country and the World. It’s easy to point out the faults of others. Let’s find the good in others and keep a ‘more perfect union’ as a purposeful goal.” 

Henry R. was succinct. “I’d say perfect is when everyone is heard and respected, even when they disagree.” 

Tim J., “How about one where elected officials put the good of the country and their constituents above party? A non-partisan judiciary that issues judgements based upon the Constitution, facts in evidence, where all citizens, regardless of sex or sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, recent immigrant or Mayflower descendent, have the same rights and opportunities, and an America that takes care of its elderly, uplifts its poor and underprivileged, educates its youth and provides essential healthcare for all.” 

Steve S. had a long list. “Decent housing for all; Reasonable income for all; True freedom of speech; No discrimination as to race, ethnicity or gender; Right to vote for all citizens; Citizenship for all those born in the United States; Capitalism, but quasi socialist as we are now, e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Unemployment benefits, Worker’s Compensation, etc.; Universal health care; Freedom from religion; Right to not be under constant surveillance; Right to choose whether to give birth or not; Prohibition of excessive force by law enforcement; Reasonable limitations on firearms.” 

Ellen W. said, “The concept of a more perfect union might be bolstered by limiting the terms of the Supreme Court Justices. The separation of powers isn’t working all that well now. We also have to get out of our narrow silos so we really listen to each other and reach more common ground.” 

“If I had to describe a ‘more perfect union’  I would look to Lincoln who said ‘a government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.’”  Dennis T. 

Rich L., “Perfect would be less rhetoric and more talking intelligently and coming to a compromise.”

“A more perfect union would include greatly improving/run schools, appreciate capitalism and don’t vilify those who do well by it, appreciate and promote merit over equality, limit elected officials terms, fix our convoluted and too expensive health care system, stop being so selfish about everything and serve your country for a period.”  Thoughts of Lew. G. 

Bruce K. thinks the following would lead to a more perfect union: “Age limits for all elected and appointed federal officials, including the Supreme Court, mandatory annual physicals and mental acuity tests for the same, a ‘flat tax’ rate for all citizens with no deductions or loopholes, a moratorium on any more federal holidays, a ‘major’ third party,   elimination of the Electoral College, 1-2 years of mandatory ‘public service’  for all citizens reaching the age of 18, basic medical insurance for all citizens, serious federal campaign finance reform, phasing out of the Social Security system, a complete ban on individual citizens owning assault and similar military grade weaponry.” 

What do you think would make a “more perfect union”?

Contact Rick at dave@tri-citytimes.com