Changing Values

I have learned a lot during the remodeling of my bathroom. Any thing that involves changes in carpentry, plumbing, electric and pain must be done in certain order to make it work correctly. Even then a small development can throw you off schedule.

The other day the carpenter was about to install a 1 x 4 face board to an original 2 X 4 stud. They had to go buy a 1 X 6 and cut it to four inches wide. This stud was put in place in the 1950’s and it turned out that it was actually two inches by four inches. Today the norm for a 2 X 4 lumber is 1½ by 3½ much small and weaker than the old 2 X 4 of 1953.

In 1953 lumber standards were changed and the 2 X 4 could be cut and sold at 1¾ x 3¾ and still be call a two by four. In 1964 it was reduced to the present size of a half inch shorter. The length has also been reduced. The eight foot board is not two inches shorter. Go figure at this rate how long will it be till the 2 X 4 is really a 1 X 3?

There are many changing values in this world. Many products we purchase today cost more and have less in them. I have an old three pound coffee can that actually held three pounds tightly packed. 

Constitution Day

On this Constitution Day I thought it would be a good idea to celebrate and reflect on the preamble of the US Constitution established 226 years ago.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, Insure Domestic Tranquility, Provide for the common defense, promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

This statement tells us about the purpose of the Government of the United States.

1. Form a more perfect Union: Not that it will be perfect but more perfect than the Articles of Confederation that was then in effect. We have been perfecting and sometimes defecting our union for over two hundred years. It is an ongoing process as you can see from the number of amendments thus far.

2. Establish Justice: Our rights are protected and we have a system to correct wrongs.

3. Insure Domestic Tranquility:  This is keeping the peace between peoples in the country. Law and Order.

4. Provide for the Common Defence: Our Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and in war time Coast Guard. 

5. Promote the General Welfare: A lot of people forget that welfare in in the constitution. Food stamps, Social Security, health care, jobs programs, are all constitutional under this clause.

6. Secure the blessings of liberty:  Personal liberty for every US Citizen is perhaps one of the most important elements of our constitution. 

I invite you to dwell on these thoughts today and give thanks that we have our wonderful 226 year old Constitution of the United States of America.