April 25, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: Sixty years ago, when sworn into the Georgia Bar as a new attorney, I took an oath to uphold and protect the U.S. Constitution. It was a significant moment for me.
Those with birthright citizenship are not required to take an oath, but their allegiance to the Constitution is assumed. Immigrants, however, take an oath to uphold the Constitution when sworn in as citizens. This is also true for those serving in the military or holding public office. Our constitution is the foundation on which we have built a strong, resilient nation. Its power lies in our mutual agreement to honor and abide by its principles and our willingness to work out our differences within the boundaries it sets forth.
I am grateful for a long life lived in a free country where, though a woman, I could vote, get an education and work in my chosen profession. Sadly, this is not the case for women living under repressive, autocratic regimes. .
Today, I am proud to reaffirm my oath in support of our constitution and I urge others to join me. Together, we can assure that the constitutional principles of equality and justice will protect all of us now and in the future.
COLQUIITT MEACHAM Rockbridge County
