Penick Village
for retirement living
Penick News
September 14, 2007
Dempsey Speaks to Penick Village Residents
Dr. John R. Dempsey, President of Sandhills Community College (SCC), spoke with Penick Village Residents about the U.S. Constitution, on Sept. 13.
Dempsey, who currently teaches a course in Political Science at SCC, began his talk by announcing that next week is “Constitution Week.”
During his talk, Dempsey spoke of the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, about the importance of the separation of powers to create a system of checks and balances, and how the amendments to the Constitution actually dictate what the government can and cannot do.
Dempsey elaborated on the rights of individuals given in the Constitution by citing several landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped our laws today.
“We appreciate Dr. Dempsey taking the time to come share his passion and knowledge of U.S. History with us. He knows several of our residents and is a good friend of the Penick Village Family,” stated Jeff Hutchins, CEO of Penick Village. “Dr. Dempsey is also a very light-hearted and engaging speaker. It was just amazing how many of the Penick Village residents were able to recite the preamble of the U.S. Constitution in unison with him.”
After his talk, Dr. Dempsey gladly answered questions from the audience. One resident, Patricia Rosenthal, asked if he could, “explain how the interpretation of the separation of church and state has gotten so messed up.” Dr. Dempsey responded by explaining the current state of affairs and how 9-11 has changed the view of religion and the role of the government but maintained the position that government should always take a neutral position and not interfere with a person’s religious beliefs.
In closing, Dr. Dempsey ended his talk by asking the audience, “If we were given the task to ratify the Constitution today, what would you change in 2007?” A question that left many of the residents with wide eyes and understanding smiles.
Contributed by Mary E. Petersen, Community Relations and Development Director for Penick Village
Dempsey Speaks to Penick Village Residents
Dr. John R. Dempsey, President of Sandhills Community College (SCC), spoke with Penick Village Residents about the U.S. Constitution, on Sept. 13.
Dempsey, who currently teaches a course in Political Science at SCC, began his talk by announcing that next week is “Constitution Week.”
During his talk, Dempsey spoke of the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, about the importance of the separation of powers to create a system of checks and balances, and how the amendments to the Constitution actually dictate what the government can and cannot do.
Dempsey elaborated on the rights of individuals given in the Constitution by citing several landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped our laws today.
“We appreciate Dr. Dempsey taking the time to come share his passion and knowledge of U.S. History with us. He knows several of our residents and is a good friend of the Penick Village Family,” stated Jeff Hutchins, CEO of Penick Village. “Dr. Dempsey is also a very light-hearted and engaging speaker. It was just amazing how many of the Penick Village residents were able to recite the preamble of the U.S. Constitution in unison with him.”
After his talk, Dr. Dempsey gladly answered questions from the audience. One resident, Patricia Rosenthal, asked if he could, “explain how the interpretation of the separation of church and state has gotten so messed up.” Dr. Dempsey responded by explaining the current state of affairs and how 9-11 has changed the view of religion and the role of the government but maintained the position that government should always take a neutral position and not interfere with a person’s religious beliefs.
In closing, Dr. Dempsey ended his talk by asking the audience, “If we were given the task to ratify the Constitution today, what would you change in 2007?” A question that left many of the residents with wide eyes and understanding smiles.
Contributed by Mary E. Petersen, Community Relations and Development Director for Penick Village