Monday morning I caught a conversation between two British gentlemen, Harry and Oliver who were curious about the recent Impeachment Trial in the United States.
Harry says to Oliver, Ollie, did you pay attention to that trial of former American President Trump?
Oliver responded, “Yes, I did and the result has me confused because it seems that while the majority of the Senators found him guilty he was acquitted. How does that work?”
Harry says, “It’s their Constitution which says 2/3 of the jurors have to say “guilty” to convict.”
Oliver responds, “So, Not Guilty doesn’t necessarily mean innocent in America?
Harry agrees saying “Yep. Americans have some interesting rules. Do you remember that when that same President Trump was elected in 2016 he did not receive the most votes? Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, but Mr. Trump won what they call the Electoral College vote.”
So what’s that?” asks Oliver.
“It’s another strange rule coming from their constitution, I believe,” opined Harry.
Oliver was curious asking, “so, how old is this “Constitution” and why and how did Americans come up with it?”
Harry says, “I checked with Google for that answer.
It says, “By 1787, the union between the states was unraveling. To save the young nation, delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia and, with George Washington presiding, created a new form of government.
Nothing like it had ever been done before!”
After learning the U. S. Constitution is almost 400 years old Oliver asks, “so, the American’s are governed by a document that was created in 1787 and it still works?”
“Absolutely! It was a unique idea then and it’s working. There is a way to amend it and that has happened a few times, but by and large, the U.S. Constitution is the same document agreed to in 1787. Many say that’s why America is America. In the end, Americans turn to the long-standing rules in their Constitution and succeed because they adhere to them.” offered Harry.
Oliver astutely concludes, “Harry, that’s one hell of a story!”
I’m Steve Sauder
