Let’s Celebrate the Value of the Constitution

Lincoln spoke wise words about the meaning of the Constitution. Still a lesson for Holland.

The self-evident way in which the candidates for the American presidency display their patriotism raises admiration. In an idiom borrowed from the Declaration of Independence – ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal…’, the Constitution – ‘We the people, in order to form a more perfect Union*’ -, speeches from the founders of the republic, the Founding Fathers, and of important presidents (Lincoln, Roosevelt) given in crucial periods of the country, the foundations and values of America are remembered and renewed. An attempt is made to answer the recurring questions: Who are we? What is the American dream? What is our task for ourselves and the world? In the otherwise so divided United States, the judicially colored patriotism forms the cement of society and brings the much needed unity: E Pluribus Unum (from many one, the national motto).

The rich American rhetoric concerning the ‘holy trinity’ – Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Flag – sits in stark contrast with the arduous attempts in Holland to give the Constitution a stronger meaning. Because there is no doubt about the correctness of the diagnosis: the Constitution, which contains values and norms that exceed the differences between societal groups, could be more than it is now, be a colossal binding force.

The introduction of the constitutional trial right which the Senate is currently voting on, would give this a strong impulse. Then we would have a usable, national covenant with a catalog of constitutional laws which the judge can use to stop a lawmaker if needed. However, to let this constitutional acquirement be part of a ‘living judicial state’, that people are passionate about and that they fully support, requires more.

A Verfassungpatriottismus as it was promoted for Europe some years ago by Jurgen Habermas, has had little effect outside academic circles. It breathed too much the smell of the study for that. It is also too ‘bald’ because it is too little connected with a recruiting story and political ceremonies, as is the case with the American Constitution.

That ‘story’ does not always have to be a hagiography. In his beautiful speech on Constitution Day, Barack Obama pointed again to the serious flaw that was initially in the American Constitution by allowing slavery – albeit in weakened form.

Abraham Lincoln, the big political example of Obama, held an inspiring speech on a high school in 1838, so long before he was elected president, following a racial riot. To keep the constitution alive, we have to work on it daily. Knowledge of and respect for the constitution, Lincoln argued, needs to be taught from childhood on: ‘Let reverence for the laws, be breathed by every American mother, to the lisping babe, that prattles on her lap. Let it be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges. (*) In short, let it become the political religion of the nation*’.

Worshipping the constitution as ‘political religion’ will not arise easily in Holland. But the American example forms a fertile source of inspiration, especially relating to concrete, daily practices. Using them wisely can help strengthen and maintain the community ties. That way, the buffer is strengthened on which we can rely in societal crisis situations.

The United States have a Flag Day (June 14), a Constitution Day (September 17) and an Independence Day (July 4). Let’s start by implementing the Day of the Constitution. We will celebrate it together with the new Dutchmen on December 15 during the National Citizen Integration Day.