Stump Speech...

Had a very good evening watching a couple of episodes of BookTV that I recorded off of C-Span.  The first one was an author named Katie Pavlich speaking on her book, Fast and Furious.  She dove head first into a government scandal during Obama's presidency that surrounds an attempt to "regulate" small gun dealerships, in/near border states specifically, out of business.  It was rather fascinating and alarming at the same time.  My 20 year old daughter and I watched it together, paused when we had points of interest or queries to debate along the way, and overall agreed that we want to keep our right to bear arms as law abiding citizens as opposed to becoming victims to criminals and a government who are above (or below) the law. 

The second episode spotlighted Kevin Bleyer and his new book, Me the People, an attempt at rewriting the Constitution, a satirical attempt at that, but nonetheless.  Bleyer is a writer for The Daily Show, with Jon Stewart.  He has a very lighthearted approach to his view on the lack of ownership we have of our Constitution, especially in the last hundred years.  He also promotes changing that aspect, promoting knowledge and maybe amendments that would be more applicable today.

Have you ever read the Constitution?  Are there specific parts you've memorized from your fourth, fifth, or sixth grade teacher standing at the front of the room with a yard stick dangling near by? (Ok, I've dated myself here... you could even get spanked at school in my day!)  Do you know what year the Constitution of the United Stated was written?  Do you know who wrote or helped guide the writing of the Constitution? 

I will probably buy each of these books as well as get a copy of the Constitution, full or abridged, because it struck me that we all should know, practice, and appreciate the rights we have, the rights we earn, the rights that belong to us as law abiding citizens. 

One of the last things discussed during his interview was the idea of a Stump Speech.  A Stump Speech is the "canned" speech of a political candidate.  Stump Speeches got their name when the candidates would travel around and stand on a stump in the town square, or where ever to present their campaign.  They presented their views/ideas/agendas to so many different audiences that the Stump Speech was the best way to ensure a consistent message.  So, Bleyer was challenged by his interviewer to come up with a Six Word Stump Speech.  His reply:  "Follow the Constitution; Read the Constitution."

I've thought about this for a bit now and believe that is an acceptable challenge.  Put yourself to the test.  Can you come up with a six word stump speech that would encompass your request of our government or your fellow citizens?  I'll have mine figured out for tomorrow's post.