You know this country's been around for over 200 years. Back in 1776 when they wrote the Declaration of Independence. We still got around on horse back. A single shot musket or long-rifle was the weapon of choice. We didn't even know what most of this country was like but in 1787 we adopted a constitution to hold sway over the newly formed United States of America and to govern it as best they may.

Our constitution has weathered the years and has served us well but lets take a look at it if you will and see if it isn't due for an overhaul if not the very least.

I was shocked at a recent survey that said a proportionate number, I'm not sure of the exact percentage, of school children...

Nearly three fourths of high school students do not know how they feel about the first amendment or admit that they take it for granted.

Seventy five percent erroneously think flag burning is illegal.

Half believe the government can censor the Internet.

More than a third believes the First Amendment goes too far in the rights it guarantees.

 So lets start with the First Amendment:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of Religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; Or abridging the freedom of speech; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

For starters the faith based initiatives and other Bush welfare for the clergy projects kind of put a fine gray line between church and state separation, and as for freedom of speech well it's still there if you have the money to pay for it. Asked the folks who showed up at the GOP convention about the next part, your allowed to peacefully assemble in your own back yard but not theirs. Last but not least, have you ever tried to petition the government? That parts a real laugher.

The second amendment:

"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Thanks to the NRA, Gun Manufacturers, Ted Nugent, and the gun lobby, has survived virtually intact. First off let me say this, I don't think it's right for some one in New York City telling a land owner in Arizona he can't have a high powered rifle, any more than I think it's right for someone in Arizona to force us to accept legislation allowing Uzis in the inner city. Having said that let me remind you that from sea to shining sea the only thing we have to fear that requires guns are other gun owners, we don't need a free standing militia we have an Army bought and paid for and if you think that you and your semiautomatic AK 47 replica will be any match for a government gone wrong , forget it.

Too many people have manipulated this one to the extent that I believe we need to rethink it all together.

Number three:

"No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor int time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."

When was the last time you can remember this being an issue?

Number four:

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Through the hysteria of the "War and Drugs" and the current "War on Terrorism" this amendment has taken some of the worse abuse.

I could go on but I wont, it's too depressing. We hold this banner up as we do the flag but even the paper it's originally printed on is illegal now.

This document has served us well but it's time has come. We either need to reaffirm the amendments so that people know their true meaning or restate them so they reflect the needs of society today, not 200 years ago.