By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Wednesday, September 17 marked the 227th anniversary of the adoption of the United States Constitution. Several of Alabama’s elected leaders took time out from their busy days to comment on this key moment in American history.
Congressman Mike Rogers (R from Saks) said in a prepared statement, “Today marks the 227th anniversary of the ratification of the United States Constitution. I join my fellow Americans in celebrating this important document which continues to serve as the blueprint for America written over two centuries ago by our Founding Fathers. Like all East Alabamians, I will fight for and defend our Constitution. Americans expect their government to adhere to the principles laid out in this important document. As Americans, we cherish our freedoms and we must protect them.”
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R) from Alabama said on Facebook, “On this day in 1787, the Constitution of the United States of America was signed in Philadelphia.”
U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne (R from Montrose) said in a statement, “Constitution Day was formally established by federal law in 2004, but schools, colleges, and civic organizations have been recognizing this special day for decades. Constitution Day is a great opportunity to highlight America’s most important and oldest living document. Our Constitution has always been a symbol of freedom for the United States, as well as people around the world.”
Rep. Byrne wrote on Facebook, “In honor of Constitution Day, I held a video chat conversation with students at Baldwin County, JU Blacksher, Foley, Davidson, Baker, and Saraland High Schools. It is important that our future leaders understand the meaning of our Constitution, so they can continue to protect and defend our nation’s founding document.”
U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R) from Huntsville said on Facebook, “Today we commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and honor the document that guides our nation. I encourage everyone to re-read the Constitution today.”
Rep. Byrne wrote, “It worries me when elected officials today try to ignore or disregard the Constitution in order to advance certain political goals. The Founders included a clear system of checks and balances to make sure no one part of the government becomes too powerful. When that system is broken or compromised, it runs in the face of our Founding Fathers. From birth we have been a nation that guarantees our citizens’ very basic rights. And our government, as its very core function, is supposed to keep these rights secure. Our government does not create its own powers. Our government only gets its powers from the citizens’ consent. That is why our Constitution is so important.”
The Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mike Hubbard (R from Auburn) said on Facebook, “Despite what President Obama says, no pen will ever take the place of our Constitution. It was, is, and always will be the law of our land.”
