Two and a half years ago, I was co-teaching a sophomore English Lit class, and we were studying the works of Richard Blanco. If you’re not familiar with his works, he writes a lot of poetry that really gets you thinking about a variety of topics some of which people don’t like to mention. At the time that I was teaching about him, our country was in the middle of much turmoil itself. Covid was still RAMPANT, and vaccines were just starting to be given. There was a lot of rioting spurred by attitudes focused around the sentiment of “You can’t tell me what to do! Unless I don’t like what you’re doing then I’m going to tell you what to do!” With encouragement provided by the media, everything happening in the world felt like it was close to imploding. Inspired by Blanco, I found myself writing the following:
Constitutional Rights?
The Constitution says we have freedom of religion. This isn’t a right to use religion to exclude others. This isn’t a right to persecute those with different beliefs. This isn’t a right to act superior over others because of religious differences.
The Constitution says we have freedom of speech. This isn’t a right to allow students to cuss their teachers. This isn’t a right to give permission to use racial slurs. This isn’t a greenlight for verbal assault.
The Constitution says we have a right to bear arms. This isn’t a justification for needing assault weapons in your home. This isn’t an excuse for taking lives in the name of “self defense.” This isn’t a reason to make a mockery with photos of children holding guns.
The Constitution says no soldier shall be quartered in any house without owner’s consent. This isn’t a way of saying don’t open your home to those in need. This isn’t a reason to avoid helping homeless Veterans. This isn’t indicating that we should keep all people out of our lives.
The Constitution says we have a right to not be a witness against ourselves in criminal cases. This isn’t a way to get out of admitting when you’ve done wrong. This isn’t designed to be said as an excuse with a shit eating grin. This isn’t a justification to do as you damn well please without concern for others.
The Constitutions says we have a right to a speedy public trial with an impartial jury. This isn’t a right for “the law” to convict unequally based on race, gender, economic class, or sexual orientation. This isn’t a vehicle for inflicting personal prejudice on a possible criminals. This isn’t a process to apply unequally because of someone’s biased reason behind their actions.
The Constitution says we have a right to peaceful protest. This isn’t a weapon for silencing those who don’t agree with your biased opinion. This doesn’t mean you can riot violently in the name of Civil Disobedience. This isn’t a way to further your unconstitutional agenda.
Until recently I had forgotten that I wrote this. Then I found the handwritten copy in a stack of other papers on my desk. I kept putting it to the side, and it kept resurfacing. Finally, I took that as a sign that this is meant to be shared. When I wrote it, I didn’t have the confidence to share this with anyone because I hate to stir up conflict. However, I want those around me to never be afraid to voice their truths, and I believe in leading by example.
XOXO,
The Great Kaysby
The Great Kaysby 