What can we add to the Constitution which will make it more effective as an instrument in the protection of life, liberty, and property for us here in America?
Remember, we the American people can add anything to the Constitution that we wish. Nineteen amendments to the Constitution have already been adopted by the people. Do not feel discouraged because it takes a little time to secure the adoption of an amendment. The Constitution should not be amended hastily, but only after grave thought and earnest consideration.
If we can only think of something to add to the Constitution which would be a good thing for the whole people of America, I will guarantee that we will have no difficulty in having it added to the Constitution. Of course it will take earnest effort, but shaping the destiny of more than 105,000,000 people is a grave matter. The Constitution is the protection of the rights of each individual and therefore any change in the Constitution merits most earnest consideration upon the part of each one of us.
Think it over and advise me some day or inform your teacher of anything that you can think of which, if added to the Constitution, would improve this Nation as a country in which the people rule, anything which would make the rule of the people more complete. That is the big thing after all--the rule of the people, because when the people can rule themselves, they ought to get out of life everything which they are entitled to by their individual merits, ability, and effort. Always keep in mind that there is no way by which a government of the people and by the people can equalize opportunity for those who will not seek the advantages which are open to them. No Constitution and no law can equalize industry and idleness. No scheme of government can provide bread for those who will not toil. It is impossible that human happiness can be guaranteed to those whose lives are spent in wickedness and wrongdoing.
So, my friends, after due thought and deliberation, prepare your amendments to the Constitution of your country. Do not hesitate because you may think that you cannot put them in proper form. The form is not important; the idea is the great thing. Perhaps it may be that out of the mind and out of the heart of some pupil in this school may come some day a great idea which, incorporated into the Constitution or the law, may bring added blessings to the American people.(100) I know of no power on earth which can tie the hands of the American people in any effort toward enlarging the powers of the people, which will better guard life and liberty. We have seen how many safeguards were adopted by the framers of the Constitution to protect each and everyone of us against the abuse of power by the government maintained by the people. We have seen how earnestly the framers of the Constitution guarded each individual against wrongful conduct on the part of any servant of the people in any official position. _Perhaps some one in this class may discover an additional guaranty which would be helpful. If so, duty demands that the same shall be made part of the fundamental laws of our country, the Constitution of the United States._