Voice of the People: In Defense of the Constitution by Doug Wilson - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

FEBRUARY
S M T W T F S
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
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: 27

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

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:24pm. Views: 773

The highly-anticipated annual soup luncheon: Curbing Hunger: Serving Hope.

Photo Courtesy of: Assemblymember James C. Ramos Official Website

By Maria Lopez, Contributing Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 506

James C. Ramos is a California State Assemblymember representing the 45th District, known for his leadership on public safety, education, and Native American issues as the first California Native American elected to the Legislature.

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Library

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 409

An illustrated promotional graphic shows an open book at the bottom with colorful paint splashes bursting upward, paintbrushes and books emerging from the colors, and bold text in the center reading “Design a Bookmark Contest! 2026,” alongside the San Bernardino County Library logo in the upper corner.

Photo Courtesy of: NSAWMF

By Vanessa Vizard, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 537

NSAWMF Leadership Team: NSAWMF leadership pictured at the Jus Be Great™ Community Kickoff. From left to right: Dr. Jei Pearcey, Chief Sport & Performance Psychologist; Sammy Knight Jr., Chief Member Relations & Advocacy Officer; Hassan Faggett, Programs and Fundraising Advisor; and Gregg Knight, President of the National Sports Association of Wellness & Mental Fitness.

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino Symphony Library

By Anne L. Viricel, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 684

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, will open their 97th performance season on Saturday, February 21 at 3 p.m. at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Jill Henderson, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 809

An illustration generated by AI using ChatGPT shows a dog and its owner at a baseball game, representing the pet-friendly atmosphere of Waggin’ Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 677

45 years in operation is a wonderful accomplishment for Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

Photo Courtesy of: City of San Bernardino

By Jeff Kraus, Contributing Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 504

In the photo are Kim Knaus, Sandra Ibarra, Mayor Helen Tran, Congressman Pete Aguilar, Mario Flores, Treasure Ortiz, and Fred Shorett.
Congressman Aguilar, Mayor Tran, and 5 council members stand shoulder to shoulder inside a police department room, smiling while holding an oversized ceremonial check, for $1,031,000, made out to the City of San Bernardino for a mobile crime prevention program. A police badge emblem as well as U.S. and California flags are displayed on the wall behind them.

Photo Courtesy of: Dignity Health

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 3

Dr. Mir Wasif Ali, Chief of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery at Dignity Health St Bernardine Medical Center, smiles warmly at the camera, depicting his medical portrait. Dignity Health is spotlighting the vital importance of proactive heart health, urging individuals to prioritize understanding their cardiac risk factors through comprehensive screenings.

Photo Courtesy of: Tumisu

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Columnist

February 11, 2026 at 01:43pm. Views: 457

With shifting Real Estate prices, Interest Rates, the rising costs for Insurance and maintenance; today’s housing decision requires a closer look at lifestyle, finances, and long-term goals. Home ownership is a great investment but is it right for you?

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:02pm. Views: 573

This month, our iconic “M” on Box Springs Mountain shines in red, black, and green as a visible sign of recognition and respect
Two women writing on a board while in a classroom.

Photo Courtesy of: Gene Valdez

By Vivian Johnson, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 805

South Colton Diversity Committee Chairperson Gene Valdez with Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. at the Agua Mansa Frontier Cemetary in Colton

--> -->