The U.S. Constitution almost didn’t reach its 234th birthday, which will occur on September 17.
That was the day in 1787 when the Founders completed and signed the basic text of U.S. government. Amendments, additions, and court rulings have added—and sometimes subtracted—from its basic tenets. But there have been a few times in U.S. history when the Constitution was in danger of dying.
The latest, and the worst since the Civil War, was January 6.
Need we remind you what the invaders of the Capitol intended to do that winter day? They wanted to overthrow the government and install their dictator, Donald Trump.
Their method: Invasion, violent assault, injuring and killing defenders, threats to hang Vice President Mike Pence, and maim or kill House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who were second and third in line for the presidency. And, most importantly, stop the counting of the electoral votes which would certify Democratic nominee Joe Biden beat Trump in the 2020 election.
They failed, narrowly. It wasn’t for lack of organization or trying, and certainly, Trump urged them on. That Oval Office occupant, like all other federal workers—from Army privates on up—swore to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” He didn’t. And the Constitution almost died at the hands of his rebels.
So celebrate the Constitution’s birthday this year, but please, for all our sakes, remember how close it came to death.
As with all op-eds published by People’s World, this article reflects the opinions of its author.
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