Observances, observations

Today (Sept 16) marks the first observance of Constitution Day, per Public Law 108-447, signed by President Bush on 12/8/04. Today is devoted to the consideration of our Constitution and efforts to educate young people about its qualities and virtues, including the First Amendment to that document, ratified in 1791 along with the 9 other Amendments comprising the Bill of Rights.

The text of the First Amendment begins: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..."

In other news, President Bush has declared today a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This follows our National Day of Prayer after the 9/11 terrorist attack and several such days in 2002 and 2003.

Today's National Day of Prayer follows another National Day of Prayer earlier this year and a long weekend of National Days of Prayer only five days ago. An obvious priority of the administration, President Bush's first proclamation as President was of a National Day of Prayer.

I look forward to more faith-based Homeland Security, War on Terror, Disaster Preparedness and Recovery, Energy and Environmental Policy, Economic Policy, etc.