NARA Goes Online

TeachingMachines writes "NARA, the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, has gone online. NARA's self-described mission is 'to ensure ready access to the essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience.' A very relevant site for the times, with transcripts and images of the most politically important documents of the United States. Included are the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. Check out the list of available documents. The site is pretty large, with some incredible exhibits, and even an image of the original Magna Carta. Definitely worth a look."

Comments

But who watches the watchers?

[Spazholio]

According to the blurb, the mission of this is:

to ensure ready access to the essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience. (bold mine)

Last I checked, the archive is run by the government (www.archives.gov), so how upfront are they going to be about the "actions of the Federal officials"? This seems like a good idea, but it could easily become little more than a "rah-rah-look-at-how-great-we-are" propaganda machine. I truly hope not, because it seems like a great idea.

Magna Carta

[Talking Goat]

I remember seeingone of the original copies of the Magna Carta when I was in the 2nd grade, while on a field trip. And now I can look at the original, online... I still like going to the museum best.

Excellent site

[esconsult1]

For those of us who were not born here and are behind a little bit on why we are really here.

We leave our country and move to the United States because of the nebelous thing called "Freedom". Having all the relevant documents in one spot that can be studied is a fine thing.

For you who were born here, perhaps the Gettysburg address has lost its thrill, but for me, when I heard it on a recent "Civil War" showing on PBS, my hair stood on end and a shiver ran down my spine.

Especially these days, readers should re-acquaint themselves with the constitution, the bill of rights, and some of the famous speeches of past leaders. It takes a little digging to find what you need on the new site, but it's all there.

Maybe i'm a little off topic, but just thinking about what this adopted country that I love so much stands for, and the fight that we on the home front are doing to make sure that our freedoms and rights remain intact in the face of so many obstacles -- makes it all worthwhile.

Re:Excellent site

[dalamcd]

For you who were born here, perhaps the Gettysburg address has lost its thrill...

Lost its thrill? If you asked a random person on the street about the Gettysburg address they'd likely give you a blank look. If you then said, "You know, fourscore--" they would finish "and seven years ago!" and maybe give a you a great big sloppy grin, but 99 out of a hundred wouldn't be able to tell you anything beyond "our forefathers".

dalamcd

Voting Records of Reps

[Speare]

Maybe this exists somewhere I've not found. I'd like to see a nice searchable voting record for Representatives, which is indexed against Presidential Vetos and Supreme Court rulings. If a bill was originally drafted by a non-legislator, I'd like to see that, too. Then on top of that, summarize certain interesting tallies.

Rep. Harry Careless (X-SS) has sponsored 2 and voted in favor of 18 bills, subsequently Vetoed or Struck.

Re:Fantastic!

[schmink182]

Anyone that claims to have gotten out of high school without learning these concepts and our rights as US citizens must've been the most complete fucking moron on the planet

It is just as easy to sit through an American Government class without learning anything as it is to sit through Algebra or English and not learn anything. The only precondition is that you have to not care, which is easily met.

...and shouldn't be allowed to vote.

Agreed.

Strange Typo

[LaCosaNostradamus]

If the National Archives and Records Administration keeps the US Constitution, it's a museum, not an archive.

With the way things are going, they may as well put all of the federal government's documents and operations online, since there will be no practical way for any alleged citizen to get into the soon-to-be-made W3S (Washington DC Special Security Sector).

You can pick any event in American history to show the downfall starting (my favorite is Shay's Rebellion), but after the events of 1913 (Federal Reserve and income tax), 1933 (overblown socialism and anti-gun law), 1945 (atomic/nuclear bombs and OSS/CIA), the Cold War, the War on Poverty, the War on Drugs, and now the War on Anything Islamic ... well, it's time to say that the Republic is long dead.

Get over it. Adapt and survive. Buy weapons, ammunition, reloading equipment, tools, books ... I know I am. As Bruce Sterling has implied, life moves in clades, and if we need something solid and dependable around, we'll have it orbit ourselves.