The glue that binds America

“Star Trek: “Space: The final frontier! These are voyages of the Starship Enterprise. To boldly go where no man (as in human) has gone before!” One futuristic episode in particular paid tribute to the United States Constitution. The episode was televised in 1968. It was the “tumultuous decade” wherein the integrity of this precious document was tested. The Civil Rights movement, the counterculture movement and a host of other legal issues stood at the forefront on what democracy ought to look like. Thus, the show gives tribute to this “living document” in a futuristic episode depicting how it ought to be viewed.

It’s just this simple: a 23rd century Captain Kirk had come into the knowledge of “holy Words” and it was also known as the “greatest of holies.” Kirk discerned that those holy writs were the U.S. Constitution. It was at that point that he enlightened the elites that the words therein were meant for everyone, or it was meaningless.

The 23rd century science fiction shows another planet in a faraway galaxy valued that living document. In contemporary times, other nations from around this planet look to the United States as a beacon of light because of that Constitution. History has shown that it does administer justice when rightly used. The 13th Amendment didn’t just free Black slaves, it inherently means no one of any color can be forced to be a slave. The 14th Amendment did not just provide equal protection for former slaves, it means no one’s Constitutional rights must be violated. The 15th Amendment said every man has the right to vote. It did more than just give the former slaves the right to vote. It was finally cleaned up by the 19th Amendment by giving women the right to vote.

Constitutional history should be taught in schools and colleges. It’s as great as it’s interpreted. It’s the glue that binds America.

Bill Barrett

New Haven