Voice of the People: In Defense of the Constitution by Doug Wilson - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ SEPTEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Voice of the People: In Defense of the Constitution

By Doug Wilson, Community Writer
December 21, 2016 at 01:15pm. Views: 59

GRAND TERRACE>> On Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 three freshly-elected Councilmembers recited the Oath of Allegiance before assuming office. Each Councilmember swore to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States. To the best of his or her ability, each Councilmember promised to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. The United States Constitution is the supreme law of our federal government, and it is the authority that all state, county and city governments get their powers from. After winning independence from England, inspired patriot leaders outlined what the President, Congress and Supreme Court could do and could not do. The Constitution also drew a clear line between federal and state rights and responsibilities. After 42 state delegates approved the Constitution in 1789, ten clarifications were adopted within two years that preserved individual liberties and restricted government powers. What became known as “The Bill of Rights” granted freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and right to petition for redress of grievances; rights to maintain a state militia, and bear arms; protection against lodging soldiers private homes during peacetime, unreasonable search and seizure, warrants without probable cause, trial for a major crime without indictment, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, judgment without due process, unjust compensation, excessive bail and/or fines and cruel or unusual punishment. The Bill of Rights amendments to the Constitution also granted rights to a speedy, local and public trial by an impartial jury, notice of the nature and cause of the accusation, accuser confrontation, compulsory process in defense, defense counsel, Miranda rights and a jury trial for federal civil suits; limited Federal powers to those specifically granted by the Constitution; and protected the non-specific fundamental rights of the individual. Seventeen more amendments have been adopted expanding individual civil rights. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and a prominent Constitutional Convention contributor, firmly believed that government was originally instituted among men by their permission, and that the true office of a representative is to declare and to enforce the natural rights and duties of a person. As citizens, it is our privilege to defend the Constitution of the United States as the supreme law of a free nation.

Related Articles

Barney Barnett to Share Early Historic Pictures of Highgrove
Photo Courtesy of: Highgrove News

By Margie Miller- Publisher, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 55

Barnett has served as the publisher of the Highgrove Happenings newspaper since 1994.Barnett will hold a free event, titled “Early Historic Pictures of Highgrove,” will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Norton Younglove Community Center, 459 Center Street in Highgrove.

Inland Empire Called on to Play Part in Hunger Action Month
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 209

According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, including more than 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. Of the communities FARSB serves, we see food insecurity range from a low of 13.8% in Riverside County to a high of 15.6% in San Bernardino County.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Annaleya Flores
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 125

GTHS Senior and student-athlete Annaleya Flores is making her mark on the field and in the classroom while helping lead the Lady Titans during their inaugural GTHS Girls Flag Football season.

Assemblymember Ramos Launches County's Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
Photo Courtesy of: Office of Assemblymember James Ramos

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 197

California Assemblymember James Ramos is the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff celebration, the official launch of the 2026 Christmas fundraising campaign. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Bear Springs Event Center in Highland, California.

From Dishwasher to Restaurateur: Mike Miller Brings 52 Years of Experience to Timber Ridge
Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller- Publisher, Community Writer

August 28, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 1454

Mike Miller & Lori Miller, Restaurateurs of Timber Ridge Steakhouse, the newsest restaurant on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino located in the familiar spot previously occupied by Claim Jumper, and for those of us "older folks", Bobby McGees. You can find Mike & Lori at 1905 Commercenter E San Bernardino CA, 92408

It's Time to Get SOARING!
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 996

Fall 2026 Soaring Activity Guide is hitting the mail this week, and it’s chock-full of all the exciting things the City has planned throughout the Fall.

Stay Cool This Summer at a MoVal Cool Center
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 821

When temperatures climb to 97 degrees and above, heat-sensitive residents may seek refuge at the City of Moreno Valley's designated cool centers.

Moreno Valley Receives CMTA Investment Policy Certification
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By WIlliam Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 871

he City of Moreno Valley has received the California Municipal Treasurers Association’s Investment Policy Certification, recognizing the City’s commitment to responsible and transparent management of public funds.

FARSB Makes the Advocacy High Honor Roll for 4th Year in a Row

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1067

Targeted Crime Suppression – Operation Consequences: 5 arrests, 10 firearms seized
Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1123

Between Aug. 3 and Aug. 9, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, along with deputies from patrol stations and personnel from partnering agencies, served 16 search warrants and contacted suspects throughout the county.

Ayala Park Celebrates New Improvements

Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 933

Bloomington residents gathered at Ayala Park on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new improvements designed to enhance accessibility, safety and comfort for children and families.

City Council Appoints Kimberly Huerta Youth Commissioner
Photo Courtesy of: Dr.G  (Dr Luis S González)

By Dr.G  (Dr Luis S González), Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 955

Kimberly Huerta, Youth Commissioner and Chair of Colton Youth Council and Dr.G, Council Member and Advisor to the program.

--> -->