In September of 1787, thirty-nine men met in Philadelphia to finish and sign a document we now know as the United States Constitution. They pledged their ‘lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor’ to the cause of liberty and the principles contained therein.

On September 17th, we celebrated Constitution and Citizenship day-a time to commemorate the brave signers and bold words that entrusted to us a Constitutional Republic. The birth pangs, initiated by the Declaration of Independence finally brought forth a new nation unlike any the world had ever seen.

Unfortunately, some people don’t see this document or the story behind it as something to celebrate. Democratic candidate for President, Beto O’Rourke, recently told a crowd that “We can mark the creation of this country not at the Fourth of July, 1776, but August 20, 1619, when the first kidnapped African was brought to this country against his will and in bondage, and as a slave- built the greatness, and the success, and the wealth, that neither he or his descendants would ever be able to participate in or enjoy."

Admittedly, it took America a while to recognize her duplicity concerning the slave system, but perhaps O’Rourke has forgotten that over 350,000 (mostly white) men died to free the slaves, and that the fourteenth amendment was added to the Constitution which guaranteed their full rights as American citizens.

So, what does that mean for us today? Can we rewrite history for the sake of a politically correct narrative? Does the Constitution still deliver on its promise to protect the life, liberty and happiness of ALL American people?

This program explores the history, intent, and current application of the US Constitution

Host: Sam Rohrer
Co-host: Gary Dull
Guest: David New