Read the Virginia Constitution lately? All elected and appointed officials of the Town of Christiansburg
must complete the oath of office before taking office. They use this
standard form of that oath as set forth in Article II Section 7 of
the Virginia Constitution.
I,
(enter name here ) do solemnly swear that I will support the
Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the
Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially
discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as (elected/appointed position). According
to the best of my ability. So help me God.
The words of this, alone, mean little. True value comes from reading the Constitutions. In particular, I took time to look at the Virginia Constitution to see some of what our elected and appointed officials were taking upon their shoulders.
Some of the most interesting items were found in Article I of the Virginia Constitution, The Bill of Rights:
Intro.:
"A
Declaration of Rights made by the good people of Virginia in the
exercise of their sovereign powers, which rights do pertain to them
and their posterity, as the basis and foundation of government."
Section
2. People the source of power.
That
all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people,
that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times
amenable to them.
Section
3. Government instituted for common benefit.
That
government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit,
protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all
the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is
capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and
is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration;
and, whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to
these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable,
inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it,
in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.
Section
7. Laws should not be suspended.
That
all power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any
authority, without consent of the representatives of the people, is
injurious to their rights, and ought not to be exercised.
Section
12. Freedom of speech and of the press; right peaceably to assemble,
and to petition.
That
the freedoms of speech and of the press are among the greatest
bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained except by despotic
governments; that any citizen may freely speak, write, and publish
his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of
that right; that the General Assembly shall not pass any law
abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, nor the right of the
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for the
redress of grievances.
Although only 1 small portion of a fairly large document (See Article 7 if you are looking for specific information pertaining to local jurisdictions.) These sections contain some pretty important information.
The introductory statement clearly shows the intent of the Virginia Constitution is to function as a guide for governance that is strongly rooted in the rights of the people. (Note the word people, not person, not group, not voters, not political party, not any other subset of the 'people'. Section 2 further denotes that it is the 'people' who represent the power of government. It is government that serves the people, not vice versa.
Section 3 discusses the responsibility of government to provide from the 'common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community". Furthermore, it is noted that the best form of government is that "which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety ...". This section also provides guidance for what the people can do if government is "found inadequate or contrary to theses purposes".
I found Section 7 particularly thought provoking as I pondered whether selective suspension or execution of laws would be acceptable so long as the 'representatives of the people' approved. Does this imply that so long as elected/appointed officials approve of something, it is right and proper? If so, then Section 3 and Section 7 would be in direct conflict with each other. It you take Sections 3 and 7 together, you see that it would be through the fair and equal application of codes that things would be okay. For instance, selectively apply certain Town Codes to one party and not another would not be acceptable.
Lastly, and most importantly in my mind, is Section 12 that covers Freedom of speech and of the press; right peaceably to assemble, and to petition. All of the other sections mentioned above would be pretty useless if individuals/groups did not have the right to speak or write of those things which they believe to be incompatible to their basic rights.
Keeping people uninformed and misdirected has become common practice in government and in business. Through the decades, people have been taught to trust where perhaps trust has not been earned. Being a good citizen means taking responsibility for your actions/inactions and accepting your role in monitoring the government that represents you. It is not about political parties, it is about generations of habits that need to be changed and taking an active interest.
More on the topic of the Virginia Constitution will be forthcoming so keep checking back.