Pataki emphasizes Constitution’s importance

By Brian Pawelko

The Constitution is one of the most historic documents in America’s history, according to Gov. George Pataki, R-N.Y.

In his address to a half-full Bart Luedeke Center Theater on Wednesday, Sept. 20, the governor of New York outlined the importance and meaning behind this document.

Pataki highlighted how the Constitution came as a result of the people and talked about the true meaning behind its existence.

“It is a profoundly important document in that its fundamental goal is to prevent the abuses of power not by individuals, but by government,” he said.

Pataki emphasized the significance of a limited government. According to him, the separation between the Constitution and all other historical documents and its origins by the people made the Constitution the document it is today. Other historical documents such as the Magna Carta came as a result of power resting in the hands of Parliament and the king, as well as their distribution of power.

Pataki stressed the system of checks and balances, and said it is a safeguard against governmental abuse of citizens’ rights. He talked about how, in the legislative branch, member of Congress are more accountable to the public because they serve two-year terms, while senators serve six years.

Although the system of checks and balances limits corruption and keeps government from stepping on the public’s rights, Pataki explained to the audience how the Bill of Rights continues to ensure that government in no way could trample those rights.

“Adding safeguard upon safeguard, not what the government can do, but telling the government specifically that in addition to all the things you couldn’t do before, you can’t do these as well,” said Pataki.

The governor was asked his stance on a few controversial issues pertaining to the Constitution, one of them being gay marriage.

“I don’t believe that gay marriage should be the law of our land and, I happen to think that marriage is between a man and a woman,” said Pataki.

Senior SGA Vice President Nick Barbati felt disappointed in Pataki’s response to gay marriage.

“I found the governor’s response ironic, because he talked about how everybody is free and equal in the Constitution, yet he felt one group was better than another.”

However, according to senior and campus life intern Karson Langenfelder, audience members appreciated Pataki’s honesty.

“He was surprisingly charismatic, very honest, and I thought it was great to see a conservative speaker on this campus get such warm reception by the campus community,” he said.

Dave Keenan, director of Campus Life and chair of the Lecture Series Committee, agreed that Pataki’s speech had a tremendous impact on audience members despite his opinions about some controversial topics.

“Although many of the students and staff I have heard from did not share Governor Pataki’s views, they felt the lecture provided a lively discourse that too often is not engaged in anymore within higher
education,” he said.

Pataki was invited to speak at Rider because he is a “nationally spotlighted politician” who might be running for the White House in 2008, according to Keenan.

“We felt this would be a great opportunity for students to hear from a potential presidential candidate,” he said. Keenan added that Pataki’s speech benefited the students who attended.

“I think Governor Pataki gave the students a very eloquent view of the United States Constitution and provided a lively debate on the current issues of the day,” he said.