On Sept. 17, 1787,The Constitution was signed by 39 men. It is defined as the written set of fundamental principles by which the United States is governed. It is the document that allows us to be free to do what we want, when we want—or so the theory goes.

But the Constitution has reached the point in its 219th year when it no longer seems real or tangible. It is as if it is more myth and fairy talelike, something parents tell their children to entertain them- wild thoughts of men fighting for freedom from oppression. What we forget is the Constitution is real. It is the governing document of the United States. It’s not made up, it’s not a joke and it doesn’t have an expiration date. What was established in the late 1700s still goes for today. We forget this in modern America.

Since the attacks on Sept. 11, United States citizens have been more focused on what fears they have instead of what rights they have. The Patriot Act was passed by Congress 45 days after the attacks. The Patriot Act says that government has power to view everyone’s medical records, financial records, tax records and even keep tabs on the books we buy. Even after many Americans were upset by the Patriot Act, it was renewed in March with little publicity. This is just what the terrorists want.

They know they don’t have the to fire power to beat the United States themselves so they rely on us beating ourselves. To them it is about taking away our freedom. And by giving away individual rights we are giving into their demands. This is the last thing the framers of the Constitution would want. The delegates and original framers went back to the Constitution in 1791 to add the Bill of Rights because they felt the original Constitution lacked individual rights. Now these rights are being overtaken by concern about protecting ourselves from outsiders when it seems we need to protect ourselves from ourselves.

With Constitution Day being celebrated earlier this week, we should take this time to not just “remember” the Constitution, but put to use the freedom it gives us. The First Amendment sets up a fourth estate. That would be your newspaper. The Spectator may not always have a letters to the editor page but we have unlimited space on the Web that can be your home for questions and concerns—your dialogue. Anyone can attend SGA meetings and almost anyone can become an SGA member.

Also, anyone can sign up to be a writer for the Spectator and anyone can try and become an editor. There are several student groups to participate in and you can even start your own student club if you have a particular interest. Practicing good citizenship and appreciating the Constitution starts right here at VSU. We at the Spectator hold these truths to be self-evident and we hope our fellow students will too.

This editorial was written by Adam MacDonald and it expresses the opinion of the entire editorial staff.