Date: July 28, 2003
Subject: The American's Creed

Incredibly, The American's Creed, which follows, opens the current state civics and government standards for the state of Kansas, a copy of which is included in our packets from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). You didn't know there was such a creed, or that it was adopted by Congress in 1918? Me neither! Click here for further background.

I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.

This creed is missing natural law and self-evident truths; and the "principles" of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity are somewhat ambiguous, but it's a good start! Can you imagine incorporating this creed into the Minnesota standards for civics? Me neither!

There are just a few more days until our first meeting, Thursday, July 31.