The Words That Launched A Nation

by Kimberly A. Cook         (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Next week is our Nation’s birthday. I got to thinking about how this country came to be with ideals and dreams written down on paper. The Founding Fathers, and the Founding Mothers who supported them, were all rock stars and boy could they write.

They fought for independence for our people, nation and a new way of life by signing their names on a document which amounted to treason against the crown. Talk about independent publishing. So what are some of the actual words they used?

The Constitution of the United States

Preamble

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.  

That is a great opening. Tight writing, clear stated purpose and a nation was born. One very important Amendment for all writers is the First, added in 1791.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.  

The Founding Fathers could not predict social media and blogs, but their words still ring true. In these day when corporations own media companies, it makes me smile to know there are hundreds of thousands of rookie reporters around the world observing and documenting with digital video, photos and words.

Another Amendment I’m pretty fond of is the 19th added in 1920.  The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

So a mere 93 years later women are in combat and getting ready to go into Special Forces and Special Operations. Citizenship confers a duty and responsibility on all to not only defend our nation but to make sure we protect the rights which so many have paid the ultimate price to protect.

Writers are the storytellers of every generation. Never underestimate the power of words and your role in that legacy. Write Free!