[Editor’s Note: In honor of December 15, Bill of Rights Day, we present to you the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, collectively known as the Bill of Rights.]

Preamble
Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

The Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution expressed a desire in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.   More »

Chris Fitzsimon 

When last we checked in on the disaster in North Carolina called mental health reform, things weren’t going so well. Families were struggling to find services for loved ones with mental illness, two state hospitals were scheduled to close even though admissions were up and a new hospital is already overbooked and it hasn’t opened yet.  More »

The Guv gets it
Affix blame, if you would, firmly with the campaign class — the pollsters, consultants and money folks — and shame to the candidates who listen to them. I’m talking about the reaction of our gubernatorial candidates to a ruling that allows undocumented immigrants the opportunity to a community college education in the state of North Carolina.

Immigration is the new gay and thanks to the steady work of demagogues, those afeared of being “soft” on immigration are trying to outrun each other to whatever quadrant political game theory says is safest.  More »

Thank you note
EmPOWERment, Inc. would like to thank everyone who made our Build-a-Home Fundraiser on Nov. 13 such a success. The Carolina Inn provided an elegant setting and spectacular food as we celebrated EmPOWERment’s 11 years of service through affordable housing, community organizing and grassroots economic development in Orange and Chatham Counties. More »

Senior theater
The Prime Time Players company will present two one-act plays geared for a senior audience on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Robert and Pearl Seymour Center at 2551 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill. “Life Begins at Eighty” is a play by local writer Charles Stern and deals with themes of infirmity and companionship. A musical interlude by Village Review will set up the next play, a comedy called “Gin and Tonic,” involving a would-be Romeo. Admission is $5. For more information, call 968-2070.   More »

Special Events
Mark Hewitt Pottery Holiday Kiln Opening – Sat, Dec 8, 9am-5pm; Sun, Dec 9, noon-5pm. For directions, visit www.hewittpottery.com or call 542-2371.

Coalition for Peace with Justice – Open house fundraiser with door prizes, items for sale. See the new office and resources available. Sat, Dec 8, 2-6pm. 1821 Green St, Durham (near 9th St). For more info, call 967-5181 or visit www.peace-with-justice.org.

Vigil to Honor Human Rights Week December 10-16: Noon, December 12, Peace and Justice Plaza (corner of Henderson and East Franklin Streets), Chapel Hill.  Sponsored by Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom-Triangle Branch.  Information: 942-2919.  More »

Paul Thornell Baker, Emeritus Evan Pugh Professor of Anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University, died on Thursday, November 29, 2007, at the age of 80 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Baker was a pioneer in the field of physical anthropology and human population biology and ecology. He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Thelma Shoher Baker of Chapel Hill, NC; his son, Joshua (Nancy) Baker of Hillsborough, NC; his daughters, Deborah (James Elkus) Baker of San Francisco, CA; Amy (Carlyle) Carter of Minneapolis, MN; Felicia (Marc) LeClere of Granger, IN; as well as nine grandchildren. More »