The Constitution of the United States and Other Patriotic Documents
“the Constitution and Declaration are included, but the other selections are well balanced between more recognized and obscure documents to tell the story of America . . .”
The promise and greatness of America are under siege today. Americans seem to be losing their patriotism and forgetting, or choosing to forget, the principles and ideals that both founded this country and have made us the nation that we are. It is sometimes useful to look back at where we have been and how we have developed as a nation, however imperfect, that is striving for a more perfect Union that provides liberty and justice for all. Author Gregg Jarrett has collected a book of some of the greatest speeches and documents from our past to remind us of who we are as a nation and maybe give us a hint of where we need to go.
The collection offered in this book is a blend of written documents and speeches, so the first thing a reader notices is the remarkable distinction between an address meant to be delivered to an audience, like Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and one meant to be read, like Washington’s Farewell Address. Not only do both these written and oral documents offer timeless insights into American government and democracy, but they also offer fascinating illustrations into just how well read our ancestors were and how much power they put into language.
For example, many Americans have probably heard of Thomas Paine and his seminal pamphlet, “Common Sense,” published early in the Revolution as a chronicle of colonial thought on the roles and means of government, particularly the inherent evils of a monarchy, and why the colonies should be independent. But most have probably never heard of John Adams “Thoughts on Government.” Mr. Adams was more than a little upset that his work was overshadowed by Paine’s, although his work is focused far more on the mundane matters of making a representative government work rather than Paine’s more lofty arguments against the British monarchy.
Another excellent example of the powerful writing and common threads you can see through many of these documents is the “Declaration of Sentiments” written by Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1848. Echoing the style of the Declaration of Independence, it lays out a series of grievances and demands equal rights for women, particularly the right to vote. Followed immediately by Frederick Douglass’ “Hypocrisy of American Slavery” speech on July 4, 1852, where he also expresses the aspirations of African Americans to be fully granted the principles expounded upon by the Declaration, it is clear that there was still a great deal of work to be done to fulfill the intentions of the Founders.
As the U.S. emerged on the world stage, the author presents some of the formative documents of America’s role in the 20th century and our entry into both world wars. The early ideals of American foreign policy are seen in speeches by Woodrow Wilson and FDR, particularly their vision for a just and lasting peace after both devastating wars. While America was emerging as a global superpower, there was still work to do at home to grant full participation in the American dream for women and minorities in the post-World War II era. For anyone who has never had the opportunity to actually see them, the author highlights two of the finest speeches of this era- Ronald Reagan’s “A Time For Choosing” speech supporting Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign, long considered the moment Reagan emerged as a serious political candidate; and Lyndon Johnson’s Address to Congress upon the passage of the Voting Rights Act, one of the most significant pieces of legislation of the last half century.
Sorting through almost 250 years of history to determine which documents to include in a book such as this is a daunting task, and the author clearly had to make some tough choices to provide as much breadth as possible. The obvious documents, like the Constitution and Declaration are included, but the other selections are well balanced between more recognized and obscure documents to tell the story of America and its continuing journey toward liberty and justice for all.