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Great post! There are those in my lineage that hailed from Tennessee... and some of them were Cherokee.

Since I am a bone-picker, I'll just pick a little bit... ;)

I think that anyone can and should, if they want to, feel qualified to write about what they believe to be true, and what the Constitution means to them. Arguments may follow, but they follow when writers are "highly qualified" to be writing about these things! You know, it's the First Amendment.

I read somewhere a long while back that the American Indians, or the Native Tribes, whatever they wish us to call them, have a distinct and separate DNA from any other peoples of Earth... They lived in the Americas for perhaps tens of thousands of years, maybe longer! They are truly unique. Just a tidbit there, and I can't verify whether it's true or not, but it's interesting.

Technically speaking, we may not be any longer threatened by monarchies, but the monarchy of the UK is also part of the "Black Nobility" that is kind of a monarchy of sorts, and we are most definitely threatened by THEM. That's one bone I'll pick-- maybe you know this already...

Second bone is that the US Constitution is only the messenger of our Freedom... our "inalienable" rights are just that... given by the SACRED that sometimes is referred to as "God," or however we choose to think of it. No piece of paper or idea or group of people can guarantee what our RIGHTS are, because if we say that, then that would imply those rights can be withheld or taken away. They are INALIENABLE... absolute. Can't be revoked.

Third and final bone: Thomas Jefferson was a poet and had a wonderful way with words, but the man behind this country, and behind our Constitution and behind sooooo much of the thinking of the TRUE American Dream, was Benjamin Franklin, a towering giant of history, all history, and certainly towered over Mr. Jefferson, rather a spoiled pretty boy, in my humble opinion, but no matter. I just want Franklin to get his due. Let us remember that NO ONE, for any reason can UNDO the Constitution. They can force the People to be enslaved, or to be harmed, deprived, beaten down, unseated, etc etc etc, but the Truths that we hold to be Self-Evident can NEVER be undone, by anyone or group of anyones. Any time these Inalienable Rights are threatened, or any attempt to shut them down, means we must stand and repel those forces-- it is our DUTY to ensure these rights are not infringed upon. And WOMEN should be EQUAL in legal stature and legal citizenship.

There's my sermon for you, I like your post muchly, even BIGLY, lol, and commend you as a citizen that you wrote even if you felt unworthy to do so...

CHEERS! Good job! And Keep it up! xo

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Yes Tennessee is an interesting state. Lots of creative energy for European settlers and Native Americans. Good point on Jefferson & Franklin - together despite their disparate natures as fellow architects of Constitution and government structure. In our diversity is our strength. All the rest of your points I agree with. Thanks for the votes of confidence. That was my very first post. Very few read it. I think write, therefore I am.

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As much as I understand the need for acknowledgement, JUST DO IT and don't pay attention to the "likes." It's like when movie stars read their reviews and let it determine their sense of self-worth. Just listen to a few people (like me!) that will give you an honest bark back...

Ya do just FINE. xo

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Yes, I learned long ago to apply nose to the grindstone and do the work. Having people read is an important balance and as important to me as the ideas. Numbers are not important. I care nothing for fame or fortune. They are empty of meaning. I work day in and day out with real workers including musicians and deal makers. They keep me grounded and I work hard to reciprocate. Working in Nashville with all the movers and shakers means rigorously holding ones own council.

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Yeah, behbeh. You are well-grounded. I like that! Come on over for a cuppa tea.

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It is amazing to me how we all have managed to take hold - and to continue to speak - and through speaking out - prevail. Albeit the plain fact we are "ordinary citizens" - our thought and word and deed - is the foundation of it all.

In light of this early November of 2024 - I have now come to see Jefferson as the poet - yes- but as the very best definer of the heart and soul of America.

In contrast to several years ago - when we first had this exchange - I now see Benjamin Franklin as the rather spoiled playboy - in my humble opinion.

But the most important take away from those heroic figures of the Continental Congresses - is the overwhelming fact that in spite of - or maybe because of - the many differences - they walked the hero's journey toward a magnificent goal.

Now we can most definitely see - without a doubt - that what they achieved stands tall in the human experience.

And today we have what they fashioned - and handed down to us - is a great foundation upon which to build.

America - and these unalienable rights - because we are all created so very distinctive and differently by our creator.

Human rights so fundamental and strong we could build a nation upon them.

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