The Honorable Judge John Stevens was introduced by his colleague Cindy Cherry, our President Elect.  He has a long list of honors, degrees and accolades, and in recognition of the holiday and our Flag partnership, it was noted that he is an Eagle Scout, was chosen for the Order of the Arrow Honor, and also received the Silver Beaver Award with Boy Scouts of America.  Judge Stevens is also very proud to report that the success rate for those under the supervision of the Jefferson County Adult Probation office is 85% - higher than the national average.

 

Judge Stevens is a constitutional scholar.  He believes the Founding Fathers put down on paper the beliefs that have served this Republic well and has stood the test of time.  His video of students on a university campus was uncomfortable and alarming.  The simple questions of “Who won the Civil War?” and “Who is the Vice President of the Unites States?” indicate that our upcoming generations are politically challenged.  Only one student interviewed knew the answers to either of these questions but 100% knew who Snooki was and who was married to Brad Pitt. 

                                                                                         

We were taken on a journey of how we obtained our independence, the gathering of the original thirteen colonies, the Articles of the Confederation, the first Continental Congress, the role of James Madison (known as the Father of the Constitution) and the election of our first president George Washington.  Principles such as free speech, protection from unreasonable search and seizures, right to a speedy and public trial were influences by James Madison and are found in the Bill of rights.  The Preamble is credited to Madison:

 

 

The Constitution was approved by a 5/4 vote with Massachusetts providing the swing vote.  Almost all (55 out of 57) of the delegates signed the document and thus established self government of the Republic of the United States.  The Constitution established the three branches of government – the Judicial, the Legislative and the Executive.  It was not a perfect document.  It did not include the right to vote for women, slaves and American Indians.  It did offer the hope of a more perfect union.

 

Judge Stevens offered a visual tour of the monuments that attest to the honor, strength of character and sacrifices of those who came before us.  He left us with a final point that was given to him by his mother.  To all Brothers and Sisters – Life is what we make of it.   It is clear that Judge Stevens has made a life of service and commitment to the values and principles of the Constitution of the United States.  He carries the message that we are all responsible for our country and our future.  Thank you for your service and hopefully the students in the video clip will be interested enough to find out who won the Civil War.