Trump's Bible: Skipping Amendments and Skipping Democracy

 

By Michael Smith

It’s 2024, but we’re seemingly living in an alternate universe where a “Trump Bible” makes its way into Oklahoma schools, skipping some rather critical amendments in the U.S. Constitution. You might think this is dark satire or a storyline from The Twilight Zone, but no—this is reality. The Constitution is being treated like a buffet, with certain rights conveniently left on the plate. Let’s break down what this means, why it’s a big deal, and how Project 2025 ties into this unnerving trend.

What’s in the 'Trump Bible'?

The so-called "Trump Bible" isn’t a literal Bible penned by the former president himself—thankfully, we’re not quite in that dystopian realm yet. It’s a collection of patriotic documents, including the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, but with one notable twist: it selectively skips over Amendments 11 through 17. For example, it leaves out Amendment 13, which abolished slavery, and Amendment 15, which guarantees the right to vote regardless of race. These omissions are significant and intentional.

Why these amendments? And why is this version being used to shape the minds of young Oklahomans? It’s almost like saying, “Yes, kids, you can read about free speech and the right to bear arms, but those pesky amendments about civil rights and voting protections? We’ll just leave those out.”

The Forgotten Amendments—Why 11 Through 17 Matter

For those of you who might not be constitutional scholars, here’s a quick rundown of what Amendments 11 through 17 cover:

• Amendment 11: Limits lawsuits against states, laying groundwork for states' rights.

• Amendment 12: Reforms the presidential election process, including the separate election of the president and vice president.

• Amendment 13: Abolishes slavery—kind of a big deal, right?

• Amendment 14: Defines citizenship, guarantees due process and equal protection under the law.

• Amendment 15: Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude.

• Amendment 16: Establishes the federal income tax.

• Amendment 17: Allows for the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people instead of state legislatures.

Leaving these amendments out isn't just a quirky oversight; it's a glaring omission of the rights that shape modern America. By erasing the amendments that abolished slavery, guaranteed equal protection, and protected voting rights, this version effectively whitewashes our history and erases progress. The broader implications are especially troubling for younger generations, who may grow up without a full understanding of civil rights and the struggles that led to their establishment. This selective education risks diminishing the perceived importance of these rights, potentially leading to a future where the fight for equality is seen as less urgent or even unnecessary.

Project 2025—A Blueprint for Democracy's Disintegration?

Now, let's add another layer of intrigue: Project 2025. This conservative initiative has a clear aim—to reshape the federal government and roll back regulatory measures. Specifically, Project 2025 outlines plans to reduce the size of federal agencies, cut regulations that protect civil rights and the environment, and centralize more power in the executive branch. One proposed measure includes dismantling certain regulatory bodies and shifting their responsibilities to state governments, which could weaken federal oversight on critical issues. But the scariest part is how a selective version of the Constitution could play right into its hands. Imagine a world where pivotal rights—ones that protect marginalized communities and secure democratic processes—are conveniently ignored.

What happens when the “Trump Bible” is the only version young students read? When their understanding of government skips over the safeguards that the 14th and 15th Amendments provide? It’s a world where the very ideals of equality and voting rights seem like an afterthought, setting the stage for policies that threaten to undo generations of progress. The 12th Amendment becomes a tool for questioning the electoral process, a handy feature when you’re considering ways to overturn results.

What Happens if Elections Aren’t Certified?

Now, let’s tackle the nightmare scenario: what if elections aren’t certified? When a state’s election results aren’t certified, it can throw the entire process into chaos. If state officials refuse to certify election results, the matter can escalate to Congress or, in some cases, even the Supreme Court. In a tie or a deadlock, the House of Representatives might end up choosing the president—a frightening prospect if the House is controlled by partisan interests. The stakes are high, and the outcomes are murky. We saw a similar situation in 2020 when officials in Michigan's Wayne County initially refused to certify the results, leading to widespread concern and legal challenges before the decision was reversed. Such incidents highlight how fragile the certification process can be, and how easily it can lead to uncertainty and undermine public trust.

And this isn’t just a hypothetical. We’ve seen tactics like this in Georgia, where efforts to delay the certification process could send a crucial swing state into turmoil. These maneuvers aren’t just about questioning the results—they’re about undermining faith in the system itself.

Why This Matters—And Why You Should Care

This selective presentation of history and law isn’t just an academic debate. It’s a calculated attempt to reshape young minds and future voters, conveniently leaving out the progress made toward equality and justice. It’s a way of planting seeds of doubt about the legitimacy of democratic processes, priming the public for a world where only some voices truly matter.

Rewriting Democracy, One Amendment at a Time

And here's where it ties back to Project 2025. If you’re looking to create a landscape where federal power is weakened, where rights can be rolled back without the annoying presence of, say, the 14th Amendment’s pesky equal protection clause, then this version of the Constitution serves your purpose. It’s not just about reinterpreting history; it’s about rewriting the rules of democracy itself.

So, What Now? A Call for Awareness

Before we wrap up, here’s a thought: it’s not about banning or censoring ideas. It’s about recognizing when those ideas are being twisted to fit a specific agenda. When a version of the Constitution that skips over civil rights is handed out in schools, it’s not just a different interpretation—it’s a warning sign.

So, the next time you hear about efforts to introduce a “Trump Bible” or you see whispers of Project 2025’s vision for America, don’t shrug it off. Remember what’s at stake. Educate yourself. Understand what those missing amendments mean and why they matter. Support organizations like the ACLU and Fair Fight that are working to protect voting rights and civil liberties. Get involved in local school board meetings to voice your concerns about educational content. And most importantly, vote like your rights depend on it—because, spoiler alert, they absolutely do.