National Chairman's Letter

Platform - U.S. Constitution

January 2004

Dear Independent American friends,

I desire to comment on the U.S. Constitution section of our IAP National Platform. The ninth belief point of the Introduction section of our Platform states:

9. [U.S. Constitution] We believe that the Constitution for the United States was prepared and adopted by men under inspiration from Almighty God; that it is a solemn compact created by the people of the states of this nation; and that it was made only for a moral and religious people.

George Washington, early in the Constitutional Convention, said: "Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God."

James Madison wrote in the Federalist, No. 46: "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone."

John Quincy Adams said: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

The U.S. Constitution, or ninth numbered section of our Platform, includes the subtopics Inspired Document, Branches of Government, Bill of Rights and Constitutional Convention, and begins:

9. U.S. CONSTITUTION

Inspired Document. We believe that the Constitution for the United States was prepared and adopted by men under inspiration from Almighty God. We believe it is a solemn compact created by the people of the states of this nation, which all officers of government, at all levels, are duty-bound by oath to protect and defend. We believe that the separation of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches must be restored and remain well defined. We believe that concentration of power into one branch will destroy the Constitution and human liberties.

We recognize the Constitution, not the government, as the supreme law of the land designed specifically to assist the people in ruling and restricting the government. We reaffirm that the Founders established a representative Constitutional Republic, not a democracy, believing in the rule of law as the best protection of God-given rights against infringement by the rule of man or majority will.

When the "Grand Convention" was called in 1787, fifty-five of 73 delegates — choice men raised up by God — met in Philadelphia. The delegates were deeply divided on issues of representation of small states, strength of a national government, slavery, and such. Their chances of success were slim. But they relied upon their own experience at writing state constitutions, their knowledge of governments past, and upon divine inspiration.

Branches of Government. We consider all laws that delegate legislative authority to regulatory agencies, and other organizations or branches of government, as unconstitutional. We favor repeal of the 17th Amendment that destroyed one of our checks and balances, by transferring the election of senators from the state legislatures to the populace. We oppose congressional legislation in matters rightfully falling under state jurisdiction.

We favor voiding all executive orders that conflict with the Constitution or represent abuse of power. We favor the repeal of the so-called USA Patriot Act, Homeland Security Act, and other legislation, that in any way represents an attack upon state's rights, the Bill of Rights, or the U.S. Constitution.

We favor limiting the courts to their proper function of adjudication. We oppose the widespread illegal practice of judicial legislation. We favor Congress utilizing its authority (Article III, section 2) to prohibit the courts from hearing cases it deems outside the scope of federal jurisdiction.

The Constitution contains principles of: Limited Powers for each branch of government. Federalism — a balance of power between state and national governments. A system of checks and balances between all entities of government. An armed citizenry — as an ultimate check against tyranny. And Sovereignty of the People, or Consent of the Governed.

But there is erosion of the original articles: Congress legislates in matters reserved to the states — such as business, health and education. Our Presidents usurp the powers of Congress through executive orders; and by engaging in war without congressional consent. The Judiciary bypasses Congress by legislating via judicial decrees; and tramples the Bill of Rights in matters of religion and life of the unborn.

Bill of Rights. We hold that all rights are God-given and intended as inseparable from the people. We therefore demand the restoration of all rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, which have been trampled upon unconstitutionally by government; such as the right to school prayer, Bible study in schools, public posting of the Ten Commandments, private ownership of guns, protection of life for the unborn, and all other rights belonging to the states and to the people.

Thomas Jefferson said: "A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference."

But there is erosion of the Bill of Rights: The First Amendment is trampled on with bans on Christian songs in school Christmas programs, high school graduation prayers, protests at abortion clinics, and maybe now the Pledge of Allegiance. Our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms is threatened by efforts at gun control. Our Fifth Amendment rights to life, liberty and property are shunned by legalized abortion, Homeland Security, and excessive taxation. Our Tenth — or States Rights — Amendment is ignored by a federal government that far exceeds its enumerated powers.

Constitutional Convention. We oppose any attempts for a Constitutional Convention (or Con-Con) for any reason, because of the potential to rewrite the entire Constitution by less than inspired men. We are opposed to any Conference of States that may be used as a veiled Constitutional convention.

James Madison, the father of our Constitution, said: "Having witnessed the difficulties and dangers experienced by the first Convention, which assembled under every propitious circumstance, I should tremble for the result of a second."

The agenda of the New World Order includes the destruction of US sovereignty and the US Constitution, and the establishment of a world government.

It is our duty! to save our God-given Constitution by all means within our power. It is our duty! to learn the principles of the Constitution; have faith in its divine purpose; abide by its moral precepts; support and defend it; and to pray for it!

For God, Family and Country!

Bruce Bangerter
IAP National Chairman