Friends,

During my time in the Nebraska Unicameral, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the Education Committee. During this time, I’ve strongly advocated for teaching American exceptionalism in the classroom, so that students may foster an appreciation for the God-given freedoms our country protects and defends. This is largely thanks to our founders’ foresight when drafting the United States Constitution, broadly considered to be the world’s longest surviving governing document.

On Saturday, September 17th, we have an opportunity to celebrate that achievement on Constitution Day. It serves as a reminder to all of us, as citizens, to recognize the value of the American experiment, and to celebrate the success of free people who have inalienable rights and liberties that come from God.

Including the bill of rights, our Constitution has been amended 27 times. The first amendment, which came in 1791, protects our right to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and the right to peacefully assemble and petition. The last time the United States amended the Constitution was 1992. The 27th amendment limited the ability for members of congress to receive a pay raise until an election of representatives shall have intervened.

In America, we have always been able to find consensus while sticking to our principles. Our Constitution embodies this. Therefore, our United States and our founding document have stood the test of time. This Constitution Day, let’s come together to be better citizens by celebrating all of the great freedoms our country has to offer. Support teaching about the constitution in our schools. Give time and resources to public service. Support our military and law enforcement. Most important of all, vote in the upcoming election. These are just a few of the ways we can defend the freedoms as enumerated in our U.S. Constitution.

God bless,
Senator Dave Murman

I welcome any comments, questions, or ideas you may have on this or any other issue. Please feel free to email me at dmurman@leg.ne.gov or call my office at 402-471-2732.