Each day, someone takes a U.S. Constitution from the public library in Burlingame. The Library Foundation keeps a stack of pocket Constitutions in a plastic stand on the main floor, and folks are welcome to have one for free and take it home. I must admit I find even this small act hopeful — someone placing in a pocket or purse this booklet about how our country should work — for it is important, I believe, for us to understand what we wish to defend.
Mike Nagler
It’s been my job to replace the Constitutions with new ones and, sometimes, as I do this, I think of my mother.
For most of her adulthood, she participated in the political life of San Mateo, holding elected and appointed offices. And one thing she was fond of saying was that politics is a series of cycles — that, though the present may seem as if it may never end, time’s insistent drumbeat ensures that everything is in transit. For my mother, this meant that democracy — her democracy — no matter its present circumstance, is never fixed, so long as its citizens understand their sacred responsibility in standing up and setting its course.
She usually mentioned this when a particular election that she cared about hadn’t resulted in her desired outcome. But, though she was certainly not a religious person, she had a deep faith in the fundamental legitimacy of her country’s political institutions and their sanctity, in all their strengths and weaknesses. She didn’t always agree with the institutions’ decisions — occasionally, it drove her to a strong glass of Scotch — but she believed that our system of government is never a settled thing. That it’s going to be difficult work precisely because it is a democracy and, ultimately, each of us must choose what it will become.
Knowing this, she once said that she had no expectation that a completely unflawed democracy would arrive in her lifetime.
What she did believe was that our political system only promises that each of us shares the responsibility of having a part to play in its continued creation. She lived the idea that the deepest meaning of one’s citizenship is in the going out: to take action, to speak up, to claim as ours the bulwark of vigilance that must lie at the heart of our political freedom.
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After she died, I found a letter she sent to me in college that said we can choose what our country might become, but that the freedom to choose — in our actions, in our voting, in our words — is not a given. She closed by writing: “I am always asking myself what I can do to protect the freedoms we have. I ask myself everyday, Mike. We all should.”
I’ve thought a great deal about, if she were still alive today, what she would say about how the country’s current leadership has diminished the possibilities of our nation’s communion. And, in so doing, has abused the nation’s very soul. Though the passing of the years has whittled away many of the distinct memories I have of her, I have been struck recently that as each day often heralds a constriction of what we have all come to believe America should stand for. Its compassion, its decency, its concern for all who live beneath the cloak of its democratic ideals. I wish that once more the two of us could chat about her cycles, and our responsibility in ensuring that they bend toward the vision of inclusion and freedom that was at the heart of her America.
I never imagined I would come to write so much about democracy, or my attempts to understand my role in it. When friends ask what’s spurred me to do this, I usually answer with something like: “It certainly must be the times we’re living in.”
Which is true. But, I also know, as I type these words, I am not alone in this typing. As I look down at my hands, they are certainly mine, but the words they make are not mine alone. My mother is indeed chatting with me as I write, that even in her absence she is pursuing the never-ending work of maternity. Her particular maternity, a shepherding that touches me each time I watch someone clasp in their hands their pocket-size Constitution, those hallowed pages that helped call America into being.
In this cycle, though the landscape of our nation feels as if it is shifting frighteningly beneath our feet, my mother still resides immovable in my heart. This heart that must beat always with the trust she had in her fellow citizens and their never-ending pursuit of a more perfect Union.
Mike Nagler taught for many years at Cañada College and was a member of the Burlingame Library Board and Foundation
Mike, you make it sound as if this Republic has always been in sync with the tenets of the Constitution, until Trump became President, of course. Like you, I have read quite a bit about our history and I don't see any reason to panic. I was far more worried during the last administration than I am today. As a Catholic, I was branded a threat to our democracy. My son was arrested in front of an abortion clinic for praying. Clearly, personal preference for a political party has a lot to do with how we view the current governance, both in Sacramento and DC. You may recall that even Ben Franklin expressed his concern about the longevity of our Republic, so nothing is new. I, for one, am quite optimistic as Trump is cleaning house and, regardless of this cyclical upheaval, we will be stronger and refocused after his term ends.
Here we go again. Another guest perspective where the first half is used to relate a folksy story but which we all know inevitably leads to an “orange man bad” diatribe. I congratulate Mr. Nagler on providing a copy of the U.S. Constitution but that is only half the story. Perhaps Mr. Nagler should provide a cheat sheet on the purpose of the Constitution and a guide to succeeding documents that support the U.S. Constitution, such as U.S. Codes. BTW, I appreciate that Mr. Nagler’s mother has “her” democracy” since it implies everyone can have “their” democracy. But does it really matter? The U.S. is not a democracy; the U.S. is a constitutional republic.
It is amusing Mr. Nagler attempts to impugn President Trump with generalities but hasn’t it been said that something isn’t unconstitutional unless the Supreme Court says it is. Regardless, perhaps Mr. Nagler can educate us on treasonous Obama and treasonous Biden’s attacks against the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Codes. Mr. Nagler can begin with explaining why it is okay for Democrats to open the border and allow an invasion to our country, siccing the FBI and DOJ to go after conservatives and a former president, doing more to divide than unite America, taking two knees and gifting a country with $80 billion in weapons and cash while also stranding Americans behind enemy lines. We’ve seen the solution to the treachery by Obama and Biden. Electing President Trump to Make America Great Again, again.
Let's not forget the Russian hoax that Obama orchestrated with the help of Hillary and shifty Schiff oh and Obama's IRS Director Lois Lerner singling out conservatives for audits.
Well that was a minute or so of my life I won't get back. Lots of flowery language to say absolutely nothing.
DJ, can you start publishing op-eds of substance rather than pieces like this? Where actual policies are discussed and we can have nuanced conversations regarding pros and cons of ideas, both left and right? Too much to ask?
Michelle states, “ DJ, can you start publishing op-eds of substance rather than pieces like this? Where actual policies are discussed and we can have nuanced conversations regarding pros and cons of ideas, both left and right? Too much to ask?”
Nuanced discussions with this group??? Surely you must be joking, Michelle!!! I happened to look today for the first time in months because of yet another pseudonym in latest comments section on the home page, “CA is Burning,” only to find more of the same cut-and-paste propaganda that is written here in the Comments section **every day of the week.**
In case it is not clear to the “Conservative Cabal,’ the SMDJ readership has given up trying to hold a “discussion” with this group. Of course, every now and then a new reader shows up, but in most cases they quickly learn what a waste of time it is arguing against “infallible logic.”
Congratulations to Michelle and CA Is Burning for getting called out by DK. It means you’re both doing great jobs. It is quite hilarious my old friend, DavidKristofferson, emerges to play the victim and blame others, yet again. Here we have DK blaming those who don’t agree with him (and seriously, who would, when his emotions take precedence over logic and common sense) because DK is unable to provide convincing arguments for any of his positions.
Remember, this is the DK who gives a get-out-of-jail free pass for folks such as COP climate attendees who burn carbon to their hearts’ content while, ironically, lecturing us about reducing carbon emissions. Surely DavidKristofferson must be joking! Where’s the logic and common sense? BTW, folks who feel it is a waste of time to argue against a position are usually those who have no arguments. Instead, they resort to victim blaming instead of offering any convincing dialogue. Sad. Let’s hope DK ends his copy-and-paste contributions (if you can call them that) and returns behind the woodwork.
He doesn't want discourse either. I tried with him once on an email thread but he just wanted to send out articles that he thought proved his points but not engage in any discussion.
Perhaps, Michelle, you forgot that the premise of that discussion group was to meet ***in person,*** as these online exchanges were quickly devolving into intemperate exchanges. The articles that I sent out were supposed to be background for the next luncheon that Ray Fowler and I were trying to organize in an attempt to find common ground. As usual, once the emails started flying, things rapidly went south on both sides. That is the only reason I refused to conduct an online exchange. I would also have been happy to talk face-to-face with TY, but he inexplicably didn’t wish to show his face in public…
Hey MichKosk, did you realize DavidKristofferson (if that’s who he really is) passed out homework? Hilarious. Did any “next” luncheons occur? If not, we have to wonder why no common ground was made. Perhaps because the right side is based on facts and common sense and the other side is, well, not, and is based on emotion.
And here we go again with DK’s complaints about meeting in person. Hey DK, I’ve asked in the past what you can say in person to convince me of your positions that you can’t do on-line and to a larger audience. Based on past history, I can imagine why you don’t want to discuss issues online as it hasn’t worked out well for you. I’m happy to have an online record of positions so we can see whether they evolve or stick to the same debunked talking points. BTW, what makes you think I haven’t met others face-to-face?
Hey DK, I’ve asked you in the past to explain why you and fellow Democrats continue to support Democrats who prioritize criminals and terrorists over American citizens or why Democrats support and celebrate political assassination or why Democrats support biological males competing against biological females. I would hope you’d have the courage, unlike your fellow Democrats, to step up and give us answers but I feel you’ll disappoint me and our dear readers by ghosting us. Again. Only to pop up in the future playing the victim and complaining about people not agreeing with you. Rinse and repeat. Have a Trump-tastic day! And how about that gift from King Charles?
Keep on thinking you are “winning,” “Terence.” We’ll see what happens in the November elections. Orban’s defeat is a sign of things to come. As expected, after his win in Venezuela, Trump’s feelings of invincibility led him into a bigger conflict that may be much harder to resolve successfully. Time will tell regardless of what gets written here.
You can continue to bait people for responses with your misrepresentations, but most of what is written in this Comments forum is of little consequence (except for creating ad views for our local paper 😁), and, as illustrated copiously above, the comments consist of the same people talking continuously to themselves. I have more productive things to do with my time, so I will crawl *out* of “the woodwork” and let its denizens get on with their wood munching… see you later!
David's in person discourse would most likely be talking over those who disagree, getting frumpy and then throwing his agitator whistle across the diner.
It is amusing that DK complains the Comments forum is of little consequence and he has more productive things to do yet DK feels the need to take the time to contribute to the forum. It appears DK was misrepresenting his thoughts on the value of the Comments forum. Sadly, it appears DK’s not-in-person discourse includes getting frumpy (to borrow from CA Is Burning) and then taking his agitator whistle back home.
And as predicted, because DavidKristofferson (if that’s who he really is) has no convincing arguments, he is burrowing back into the woodwork and ghosting us. Don’t worry folks. I’m positive DK will grace us with his presence by re-emerging from the woodwork to complain about others while continuing to play the victim. Dasvidaniya, David! BTW, any day treasonous Obama or treasonous Biden is not in office mean we (yes, we) are all winning.
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(13) comments
Mike, you make it sound as if this Republic has always been in sync with the tenets of the Constitution, until Trump became President, of course. Like you, I have read quite a bit about our history and I don't see any reason to panic. I was far more worried during the last administration than I am today. As a Catholic, I was branded a threat to our democracy. My son was arrested in front of an abortion clinic for praying. Clearly, personal preference for a political party has a lot to do with how we view the current governance, both in Sacramento and DC. You may recall that even Ben Franklin expressed his concern about the longevity of our Republic, so nothing is new. I, for one, am quite optimistic as Trump is cleaning house and, regardless of this cyclical upheaval, we will be stronger and refocused after his term ends.
Well said Dirk, thank you.
Here we go again. Another guest perspective where the first half is used to relate a folksy story but which we all know inevitably leads to an “orange man bad” diatribe. I congratulate Mr. Nagler on providing a copy of the U.S. Constitution but that is only half the story. Perhaps Mr. Nagler should provide a cheat sheet on the purpose of the Constitution and a guide to succeeding documents that support the U.S. Constitution, such as U.S. Codes. BTW, I appreciate that Mr. Nagler’s mother has “her” democracy” since it implies everyone can have “their” democracy. But does it really matter? The U.S. is not a democracy; the U.S. is a constitutional republic.
It is amusing Mr. Nagler attempts to impugn President Trump with generalities but hasn’t it been said that something isn’t unconstitutional unless the Supreme Court says it is. Regardless, perhaps Mr. Nagler can educate us on treasonous Obama and treasonous Biden’s attacks against the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Codes. Mr. Nagler can begin with explaining why it is okay for Democrats to open the border and allow an invasion to our country, siccing the FBI and DOJ to go after conservatives and a former president, doing more to divide than unite America, taking two knees and gifting a country with $80 billion in weapons and cash while also stranding Americans behind enemy lines. We’ve seen the solution to the treachery by Obama and Biden. Electing President Trump to Make America Great Again, again.
Let's not forget the Russian hoax that Obama orchestrated with the help of Hillary and shifty Schiff oh and Obama's IRS Director Lois Lerner singling out conservatives for audits.
Well that was a minute or so of my life I won't get back. Lots of flowery language to say absolutely nothing.
DJ, can you start publishing op-eds of substance rather than pieces like this? Where actual policies are discussed and we can have nuanced conversations regarding pros and cons of ideas, both left and right? Too much to ask?
Michelle states, “ DJ, can you start publishing op-eds of substance rather than pieces like this? Where actual policies are discussed and we can have nuanced conversations regarding pros and cons of ideas, both left and right? Too much to ask?”
Nuanced discussions with this group??? Surely you must be joking, Michelle!!! I happened to look today for the first time in months because of yet another pseudonym in latest comments section on the home page, “CA is Burning,” only to find more of the same cut-and-paste propaganda that is written here in the Comments section **every day of the week.**
In case it is not clear to the “Conservative Cabal,’ the SMDJ readership has given up trying to hold a “discussion” with this group. Of course, every now and then a new reader shows up, but in most cases they quickly learn what a waste of time it is arguing against “infallible logic.”
Congratulations to Michelle and CA Is Burning for getting called out by DK. It means you’re both doing great jobs. It is quite hilarious my old friend, DavidKristofferson, emerges to play the victim and blame others, yet again. Here we have DK blaming those who don’t agree with him (and seriously, who would, when his emotions take precedence over logic and common sense) because DK is unable to provide convincing arguments for any of his positions.
Remember, this is the DK who gives a get-out-of-jail free pass for folks such as COP climate attendees who burn carbon to their hearts’ content while, ironically, lecturing us about reducing carbon emissions. Surely DavidKristofferson must be joking! Where’s the logic and common sense? BTW, folks who feel it is a waste of time to argue against a position are usually those who have no arguments. Instead, they resort to victim blaming instead of offering any convincing dialogue. Sad. Let’s hope DK ends his copy-and-paste contributions (if you can call them that) and returns behind the woodwork.
He doesn't want discourse either. I tried with him once on an email thread but he just wanted to send out articles that he thought proved his points but not engage in any discussion.
Perhaps, Michelle, you forgot that the premise of that discussion group was to meet ***in person,*** as these online exchanges were quickly devolving into intemperate exchanges. The articles that I sent out were supposed to be background for the next luncheon that Ray Fowler and I were trying to organize in an attempt to find common ground. As usual, once the emails started flying, things rapidly went south on both sides. That is the only reason I refused to conduct an online exchange. I would also have been happy to talk face-to-face with TY, but he inexplicably didn’t wish to show his face in public…
Two for one…
Hey MichKosk, did you realize DavidKristofferson (if that’s who he really is) passed out homework? Hilarious. Did any “next” luncheons occur? If not, we have to wonder why no common ground was made. Perhaps because the right side is based on facts and common sense and the other side is, well, not, and is based on emotion.
And here we go again with DK’s complaints about meeting in person. Hey DK, I’ve asked in the past what you can say in person to convince me of your positions that you can’t do on-line and to a larger audience. Based on past history, I can imagine why you don’t want to discuss issues online as it hasn’t worked out well for you. I’m happy to have an online record of positions so we can see whether they evolve or stick to the same debunked talking points. BTW, what makes you think I haven’t met others face-to-face?
Hey DK, I’ve asked you in the past to explain why you and fellow Democrats continue to support Democrats who prioritize criminals and terrorists over American citizens or why Democrats support and celebrate political assassination or why Democrats support biological males competing against biological females. I would hope you’d have the courage, unlike your fellow Democrats, to step up and give us answers but I feel you’ll disappoint me and our dear readers by ghosting us. Again. Only to pop up in the future playing the victim and complaining about people not agreeing with you. Rinse and repeat. Have a Trump-tastic day! And how about that gift from King Charles?
Keep on thinking you are “winning,” “Terence.” We’ll see what happens in the November elections. Orban’s defeat is a sign of things to come. As expected, after his win in Venezuela, Trump’s feelings of invincibility led him into a bigger conflict that may be much harder to resolve successfully. Time will tell regardless of what gets written here.
You can continue to bait people for responses with your misrepresentations, but most of what is written in this Comments forum is of little consequence (except for creating ad views for our local paper 😁), and, as illustrated copiously above, the comments consist of the same people talking continuously to themselves. I have more productive things to do with my time, so I will crawl *out* of “the woodwork” and let its denizens get on with their wood munching… see you later!
David's in person discourse would most likely be talking over those who disagree, getting frumpy and then throwing his agitator whistle across the diner.
It is amusing that DK complains the Comments forum is of little consequence and he has more productive things to do yet DK feels the need to take the time to contribute to the forum. It appears DK was misrepresenting his thoughts on the value of the Comments forum. Sadly, it appears DK’s not-in-person discourse includes getting frumpy (to borrow from CA Is Burning) and then taking his agitator whistle back home.
And as predicted, because DavidKristofferson (if that’s who he really is) has no convincing arguments, he is burrowing back into the woodwork and ghosting us. Don’t worry folks. I’m positive DK will grace us with his presence by re-emerging from the woodwork to complain about others while continuing to play the victim. Dasvidaniya, David! BTW, any day treasonous Obama or treasonous Biden is not in office mean we (yes, we) are all winning.
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