Keith Broaders is adamant that making sure all people understand the principles of our country’s Constitution is the only thing that will put America back on track and off what he thinks is a collision course with destruction.
“About five years ago I became interested in refocusing on patriotic causes and started doing more study and research,” said Broaders, of Hemet. “I knew something was terribly wrong in this country.
“Our Founding Fathers created a recipe for success, but no one is following it,” he said. “This land is characterized by the American Dream, but somehow it’s turned into a nightmare.”
Broaders said he has spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours studying and researching the beginning of our government and what it was designed to do
“Our Founding Fathers wanted a land where everyone was equal under the law,” said Broaders, a retired teacher.
In an effort to educate the next generation of voters, he reached out to teachers at Hemet High School to get help in organizing a Constitution Club USA on campus. History and U.S. government teacher John McKelvey responded to the request and the club has already been met with enthusiasm from more than 25 students.
“It’s important to teach young people about their rights and responsibilities as an American,” Broaders said. “This is a program where students can earn as they learn. The club offers grants to give them significant motivation.”
Hemet High senior John Redden already is planning his bid to run for state Senate in 2014.
The club is hosting a free seminar on Saturday, Sept. 15, featuring Constitutional scholar and author Joseph Andrews. He will speak from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YMCA facility at 305 E. Devonshire Ave., in Hemet. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Keith is a great guy and an amazing encouragement and resource for our school district and community,” McKelvey said. “We’re very blessed to have a man of his knowledge and passion for the Constitution here in our valley.”
McKelvey said the club lessons differ from classroom curriculum in that it is principle-based, emphasizing the intentions of the founders of our country.
McKelvey shares Broaders’ belief that education is paramount to the country’s survival.
“If we as a nation continue in our ignorance and apathy, we will slowly but surely lose our freedoms and trade them for a promised form of security,” he said.
National Constitution Day is Sept. 17 and will commemorate the document’s acceptance by all 12 state delegations in 1787. A 225th anniversary celebration will be included at Saturday’s program.
