Around this time in 1215 C.E., England’s King John placed his royal seal on the “Great Charter”, more commonly known as the Magna Carta. The signing came after a revolt by English nobility against John’s rule. The document guaranteed the king would respect the rights of individuals and uphold the freedom of the Church – among other things.
The charter was a key element in the establishment of democracy in England and ultimately across Europe. It also became critical in the creation of the United States more than 500 years later. The framers of the U.S. Constitution highlighted the essence of the Magna Carta in their discussions.
The anniversary of King John’s signing is notable here in the U.S. since last weekend the indefatigable Donald Trump staged a parade in Washington, D.C., to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Army and his 79th birthday. The festivities were more for him and his overbearing ego than to celebrate the Army. But it was also important in that thousands of “No Kings” protests occurred across the nation – a direct response to Trump’s totalitarian attitude.
Fortunately, the Magna Carta – and the U.S. Constitution – will outlast any political ideology.
Chief Writing Wolf 