Judge Herndon to address Constitution study club

U.S. District Judge David R. Herndon will be the guest speaker at the first anniversary of the Constitution study group, "ELL" (formerly known as the First Tuesdays Club).

Earn It, Learn It or Lose It, will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7 at St. John's Methodist Church, 201 St. Louis St., in Edwardsville. It is free and open to the public.

Club founder Tad Armstrong, an Edwardsville plaintiff's attorney, launched the club to encourage the public to gain a clearer understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Approximately 45 people of diverse interests regularly attend the monthly meetings, Armstrong said.

Becuase of the club's success, there is interest in forming more clubs throughout the county, he said.

The group was renamed to be more reflective of its purpose and so that new clubs can form with the same name, Armstrong said.

In the first year, a great deal of study focused on the First Amendment, Armstrong said. In his study preparation materials, he is emphatic about the importance of understanding the law.

"If Thomas Jefferson was correct when he said, 'A democracy can never be ignorant and free,' then, in my humble estimation, this democracy could use a healthy dose of education.

"The percentage of 'We the People' in the dark about the meaning of freedom is far too high.

"I believe you agree with me that learning about this democracy is the least we can do in honor of those who have given life and limb to provide us with its freedoms."

For more information about the club, contact Armstrong at 618-656-6770.