MISSOURI WATCH: HOW ABOUT 10 MORE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS?

I suppose anyone who has ever taken American history or freshman political science knows that if the Continental Congress hadn't agreed to demands for 10 amendments guaranteeing personal liberties, Americans might still be arguing over a Constitution. The delegates, it seems, had forgotten that we revolted against King George III not because the British crown was unpopular in the New World but because the monarchy seemed intent on punishing the colonists for their desire to have some degree of representation in the governing councils of the English motherland. Thank goodness, the Continental delegates were more bending than many members of today's Congress or we might have been denied what we today call the Bill of Rights.

As someone who at an advanced age still idolizes the integrity and vision of the Founding Fathers, I sometimes wonder if there aren't a couple of rights our constitutional authors overlooked. Since they could hardly have been aware of how their tiny nation would grow, and prosper, over more than two centuries, it's entirely understandable that Madison, Adams, Jay and all the rest might have overlooked the need to guarantee a few rights that have surfaced over 200-plus years.

Perhaps you'll join me, then, in urging the adoption of another 10 amendments, not to replace the original 10, hut to be added to the colonial ones, giving us 20, or if you prefer a Slightly Revised and Amended Modern Bill of Rights.

Here are the amendments I would propose:

ARTICLE I

Given today's indifference and cynicism, there is hereby constituted an official Day of Appreciation, to be observed annually, at which time every citizen shall give thanks to Almighty God for being a resident of the greatest nation ever conceived by humankind. It will be one day in which each American foregoes his constant bellyaching and realizes how fortunate he is to be living in America.

ARTICLE II

No citizen who votes on any issue submitted by any legislative body shall cast his or her vote unless able to describe its provisions within reasonable bounds of accuracy.

ARTICLE III

All citizens, except those physically impaired, shall be required to spend one hour per week engaged in some form of voluntary public service.

ARTICLE IV

No public official, elected or appointed, shall receive any gift, money or any other enticement while in office. Disclosure of any such gift shall lead to instant dismissal.

ARTICLE V

All publicly funded programs shall be reviewed for cost effectiveness and overall efficiency by the originating jurisdiction every three years. Programs that fail to receive a majority vote will be terminated within 60 days.

ARTICLE VI

All candidates for public office will be given one half their elected term to carry out their campaign promises.

Candidates who fail to honor their pledges to the voters will immediately vacate their office and a special election shall be held to select a successor for the remainder of the term.

ARTICLE VII

Major policy changes, including the right of abortion, concealed weapons and all proposals to increase tax levies, shall be submitted to the voters for final decision. Public funds shall be distributed on a per capita basis, rather than on political, racial, sexual, religious or geographic grounds.

ARTICLE VIII

All legislative bodies, including Congress, shall be organized without regard to political affiliation. Leadership officers will be chosen solely on the basis of ability.

ARTICLE IX

Any citizen who commits a crime against society---murder, kidnapping, treason---shall no longer receive any benefit of citizenship.

ARTICLE X

All elections will be publicly funded, with no candidate permitted to solicit or receive private contributions. During campaigns, the public's airways shall be used to transmit without charge information on the candidates and the issues.

I figure the only opponents to my Second Bill of Rights would be Democrats, Republicans, Protestants, Catholics, feminists, liberals, conservatives, politicians, NRA and ACLU.

Truth is the main problem with a second Bill of Rights is that too many Americans aren't familiar with the first set.

~Jack Stapleton of Kennett is the editor of the Missouri News and Editorial Service.