More Inspiring Than Television

There's nothing like having a mean stomach flu to cause you to appreciate abdominal muscles you never knew you had! I've been down for the count the past few days, and rather than watch TV all day, I read through the South African Constitution. Nerdy, perhaps, but since I live in South Africa I thought it was high time to know about the foundation for government policy. Besides, South Africa is reported to have one of the most progressive constitutions when it comes to human rights. So, for your reading pleasure (and comparison, if you so choose), here are the preambles of the U.S. Constitution and the South African Constitution:

Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Preamble to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa:

We, the people of South Africa,
Recognise the injustices of our past;
Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land;
Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and
Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.

We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to

• Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights;
• Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law;
• Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and
• Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.

May God protect our people.
Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika. Morena boloka setjhaba se heso.
God seën Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa.
Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika.