Looking Back To The Future

Ed. Note: This past Saturday was Constitution Day, a time when Americans should ideally come together and commemorate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution.

However, with each year that passes, it seems more of us not only forget the significance of September 17 in American history, but also disregard the example of compromise our founders set forth at the onset of America.

So to help commemorate the occasion—albeit a few days after the fact—Patch would like to reflect on the process that led to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, in this week's Remembered Places.

There's no denying that over the past few years, America seems to have grown increasingly more divided. 

However, as one looks back to the early political history of the United States, it becomes clear that intense political rhetoric in the face of difficult political compromise is perhaps one of the few constants in American government.

A quick study of the Constitutional Convention, which ended on September 17, 1787, with the signing of the U.S. Constitution, really drives this point home.

Particularly when one looks at the writings of delegates like Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, who voiced grave concerns at that time over the process that led to the creation of the Constitution.

“I am exceedingly distressed at the proceedings of the Convention...they will lay the foundation of a Civil War,” Gerry wrote in a commentary on the ratification of the Constitution.

And Gerry wasn't alone with his concerns. In fact, even Benjamin Franklin himself voiced trepidation over his acceptance of the constitution.

“There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them," said a cautious Benjamin Franklin, in a speech given immediately before the signing of the Constitution.

Still, these men, as well as the majority of members at the Constitutional Convention, didn't allow their differences or concerns to outweigh the nations need for compromise.

So what does this all mean? And more importantly, what is the relevance of this story to the readers of Little Neck Patch and Remembered Places?

Last week, David Weprin, a state assemblyman and democrat from Little Neck, lost his bid for the U.S. House of Representative, in a bitter political fight that in the end underscored a growing rift between Americans.

This rift has only been enunciated by the politicos who unilaterally seem to have forgotten that the differences we have as American's don’t necessarily divide us. 

It was George Washington who said during his inaugural speech:

"The foundation of our national policy is laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality."

As American's we believe that all people are created equal and endowed by a creator with inalienable rights—'Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.'

In this time of uncertainty, it's important not to forget that the challenges the nation faces will be met and overcome, if we face them as a nation, guided by these principals.