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Reading the the U.S. Constitution

Watching fireworks last night, I wondered about the distance between modern July 4th celebrations and what we’re actually celebrating (more ranting on holidays here). In my lifetime I don’t remember any hint of recounting what happened or why at any July 4th event – it’s just a BBQ, beers and fireworks – that’s the entire substance of the day as far as I can recall. Which is great fun, for sure, but shallow in light of what happened and why.

I asked folks around me when the last time they read the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution. No one could remember. Few knew they’re so short – 1300 and 7600 words long respectively (about 15 pages) and can be read easily in 15 minutes.

I woke up this morning and read them both. They’re easy reads and I wish somehow reading these things would be part of the July 4th tradition. Can you rally a nation in 1300 words, or define a government in 8000? Now that’s writing.

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