What I’ve Learned About the Constitution (So Far)

By Jordan Sarmo

Published: December 16, 2021 Noon EST

(4 minute read)

As many of you know, I was one of the silent majority until the beginning of this year. What I saw, first on November 3, 2020 and then on January 6, 2021, really woke me up to the seriousness of our country’s situation.

The integrity of our elections had been compromised; and we couldn’t get a straight answer as to how someone who couldn’t gather a crowd of 20, earned 81 million votes.

In Genesis, Joseph is betrayed by his brothers. When they meet again after many years, he says to them, “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” We find ourselves in similar circumstances; we have been betrayed by our own countrymen, and although they intended to cause us harm, God has used it to bring about positive change. 

It has been an impetus to spur millions of Americans into fighting for our children and our country. The inalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness are being valued once again.

As I began to listen, I heard time and time again that people felt completely alone. They were hopeless, because they didn’t know their rights, and how to fight back against an out-of-control government. I felt called to fight the isolation and demoralization, so I started Speak Truth Without Fear. My mission was a focus on community, connection, and education.

One of the first aspects of this new Fearless Community was a class to study the Constitution. Initially I planned on gathering with other like-minded individuals over video chat, to watch segments from a Hillsdale course, and talk about what we learned. However, as the team and I began to talk it out, it didn’t exactly fit our vision, so we crafted something completely unique, and called it Constitution Simplified.

Every Wednesday night, our community comes together to study our nation’s most important governing document. It has truly become my favorite night of the week.

Last night was Week 8 of 12, and in just two months, I’ve learned more about our system of government than I have in my entire life.

I am in awe of the brilliance of our Founding Fathers. Their foresight and wisdom has laid before us a way to restore our Republic. We don’t have to throw off a tyrannical monarchy and establish a new rule of law, it’s already been done!

We simply need to follow our Constitution. But we can only do that if we actually understand what they wrote. Our government has gone rogue because we have allowed it! Because we don’t know the history or the government’s limitations, we don’t hold them accountable.

What I’ve learned is this: Despite the mainstream voices saying otherwise (even conservative ones), we are a Republic, and not a democracy. We do not make political and legislative decisions based on a system of majority rule. We elect others to represent us. 

The states came first. They formed the federal government when they ratified the Constitution, and therefore they are sovereign entities with the higher authority. They are legally allowed to operate as they choose, so long as they follow the United States Constitution. When the federal government passes law that conflicts with the Constitution, it is illegal; in the words of James Madison, States are “duty-bound” to ignore such violations.

Lastly, I’ve been shocked to learn how limited the federal government is in their rule, and the focus and power really is concentrated at the local and statewide level. I felt lied to and deceived into thinking federal races were most important. We have been distracted as to where the real power lies! As it turns out, if we are following the Constitution, we are more affected by the electeds in our state than we are by Congress or the President.

If Congress passes unconstitutional laws, or a President signs an unconstitutional Executive Order, it only has power if our states comply. When I look around the country, I see illegal mandates from governors and city councils, not Congress.

Armed with this knowledge, I’ve felt myself become more equipped for the battle at hand. I’m able to point out what the government is doing wrong, and why. 

I am empowered! I have shared this information with others, and in doing so, we are getting closer and closer to restoring the ideas that made American society great; the truths enumerated in the Declaration. “All men are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Lies do not prevail over truth. Continue to fight the good fight and finish the race. There is always hope.

To get more information about our weekly Constitution class and Community membership, click here to try it free for 7 days.

 

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