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Jeffersonville Evening News
By CHRIS MORRIS - Tribune Managing Editor
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Ninth District Congressman Mike Sodrel doesn't understand how students are able to graduate from college without taking a class in U.S. history.
Yesterday at Christian Academy Middle School in New Albany, Sodrel conducted a history class of his own to eighth-graders as part of Liberty Day which is hosted by the Lions Club.
Each student received a pocket size booklet containing the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence -- similar to the one Sodrel carries with him at all times.
"Being an American is not a state of birth, but a state of mind," Sodrel told the students. "We should always cherish our freedom. We were established by people who value liberty. These folks were determined to achieve liberty."
The goal for Liberty Day is to pass out 10,000 copies of the Constitution in 60 schools throughout the state. Sodrel also spoke to students at Jeffersonville High School.
Liberty Day was designed to honor President James Madison, the president of the constitution. The event is held close to his birthday -- May 16 -- each year.
Sodrel told the students that one misinterpretation of the Constitution is the complete separation between church and state.
"What the founders wanted to prevent was a national religion," he said. "They did not want to create a Godless society. There are people who have been trying to run God out of every school and courthouse. I guess they are afraid of something. God is on our money and throughout the Constitution. God is the foundation of this document. If you take the foundation out of it, what do you have?"
Sodrel was also asked about his transition from business owner to congressman. He spends part of the week in Washington and flies home to New Albany on the weekend.
"One of the most challenging parts is getting used to living in two places," he said. "Also, I had to get used to how the committees work. This was the first public office I ever held so it took the first 45 days to figure everything out. We also work long days. A regular day for me last 12 to 16 hours. But I enjoy the work. I believe I am doing it for the reason the founding fathers had in mind. They wanted real citizens -- someone with real life experiences representing us."
Later this month, Sodrel plans on visiting the 151st Infantry unit in Afghanistan. The 151st is based out of New Albany.
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