Dakota Beacon

Following a discussion on term limits, I suddenly realized the problems our country is currently experiencing, may not be due to politicians alone.  There is more to the problem.  Basically it is a voter problem.  It is compounded by a lack of knowledge of the constitution.  A mentality that thinks the government guarantees and or owes them something.  A mentality that the constitution is out of date.  A mentality that thinks rights and freedoms come from the government.  Compound this ignorance with politicians who capitalize on it, and it becomes clear, term limits are not the issue.

All elected officials at the state and national level, take an oath, in most instances placing their hand on the bible or book of their religion, swearing to uphold and defend the constitution.  All who have served in the military are familiar with this:  I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).

Think what would happen to the size of government, if elected officials taking the oath actually were people of honor, their word actually meant something and the oath was as sacred to them as the book on which they took the oath.  Fortunately some are, but I suspect a small minority.

I recall a conversation with a ND Legislator some time ago, in which I posed the question:  What percent of our legislators actually read the constitution?  Take a guess.   5% was the answer.

Doug Weed an author and presidential historian, was asked how elected officials see the US Constitution once elected?  His response, ‘they consider it an inconvenience.’
Term limits may not be the issue after all.  We need voters who actually have some knowledge of the Constitution, our history, and how the document came into being.   It is the standard for one of the longest lasting governments ever conceived.  Most voters however, vote their pocket book.  Is that the standard or simply greed?  Pork?  Political posturing (vote buying) by politicians?  Special interest payback?

Lets  require  voters to pass a test on their constitutional knowledge, before being able to vote?  No knowledge, no voting!   That is a standard in the naturalization process.  Voting may be a right, but rights come with  responsibilities.  Why not ask the political parties to co-sponsor training sessions on the constitution.  Care is required here as we have some Constitutional lawyers, who think the document is out of date and an evolving document. (know who I mean?)

Think of the millions spent on political campaigns.  That money alone could fund on-line courses on our history and constitution, giving the voter an opportunity to vote intelligently...Prospective office seekers could should  experience the same requirement....eliminating many of them.

How about teaching the subject in our schools.. accurately portraying or history?  Wasn’t that a requirement in  the recent past?

Term limits sound good, they are a rallying cry, but generate little knowledge for intelligent voting, based on the standard, “The Constitution.”



Herb is a retired conservationist, having worked for the US Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service for 36 years.  He served in the North Dakota Army National Guard for 20 years.   He is a native of the Killdeer, North Dakota, earned a BS degree, from North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU).  He lives in Mandan, with his wife of 48 years, Diane.  They have 1 Daughter. 3 Granddaughters and 1 Great Grandson.