I was invited to speak to a local group recently. My topic was the United States Constitution, the “supreme law of the land.”  I had hoped to engage with the audience and had prepared some questions for discussion but was informed that the rules of the club did not allow for discussion.

Nonetheless, I think we should be discussing these questions with our neighbors, our work colleagues, and anyone else who will engage with us. The Constitution, after all, is owned by the citizens. So here are some questions:

What are the essential elements of a free, democratic society?

What do we mean by the rule of law and why is it important?

Is political party more important than fealty to the Constitution?

How important is privacy?

Is it OK to go after the opposition with the instruments of government such as the IRS, Justice Department, or even the military?

What is the chilling effect, and does it matter?

Can elected officials suspend or eliminate the Constitutional rights of habeas corpus, due process and birthright citizenship?

How do we feel about operatives of the federal government arresting a state court judge and an elected official?

Should we, as citizens, fear our government?

Is compromise in politics a dirty word?

The preamble of the Constitution begins with “We the people” and the 9th and 10th amendments reserve the rights not specifically delegated to the federal government to the states and people. If we do not know and protect our rights, we surely will lose them.

 John Frohnmayer / Medford