Each morning, as I drive my wife to the train, we listen to our local news talk radio station, WIND AM560 in Chicago. Their morning team, John and Cisco, offer a solid discussion on most issues presented, much more balanced and cerebral than the other talkers in Chicago. On this day, and, in fact, for most of the week, they have been addressing “Earth Week.” Today, as we made our way to the train, Cisco said something that struck a chord with both of us. To paraphrase, he said that he was a bit annoyed that Earth Day had morphed into Earth Week. To which my wife, Nancy, said, “You know, they have a week for the Earth but just one day for the Constitution.”
Nancy's statement is true, not only for Earth Week but for a multitude of celebratory causes and events. We have Arthritis Week, Eating Disorders Week, Contraceptive Week, Celebrate Your Name Week and Let's Talk About Sex Week. We even have entire months that are dedicated to causes and ideologies. There is National Prune Breakfast Month, Black History Month, Boost-Your-Self-Esteem Month, National Social Workers Month, National Salsa Month, Gay Pride Month, Lasagna Awareness Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender History Month, Wear Brown Shoes Month and National Toilet Tank Repair Month.
But when it comes to the study and appreciation of the document that allows us all to celebrate and expand our awareness of these “important” issues we halfheartedly designate one day in September. US Constitution Day is September 17th.
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Frank Salvato also serves as the managing editor for The New Media Journal. His writing has been recognized by the US House International Relations Committee and the Japan Center for Conflict Prevention.
