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Tuesday marks the 226th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. The HDR asked area leaders and Facebook readers the following:

1. What would you change about the Constitution?
2. What amendment would you add to the Constitution/Bill of Rights?

Community leaders:

Gregory R. Hayes, District Court Judge, 25th Judicial District:
“ As an Eagle Scout since 1973, and a current Boy Scout merit badge counselor of ‘Citizenship In the Nation,’ I would say that the Constitution needs no changes. It has served the United States of America well since it was ratified in 1788, and will continue to do so.
“ I am very well satisfied with the important rights and responsibilities granted to United States citizens in the first 10 amendments to the Constitution known as the Bill of Rights. The remaining 17 amendments also seem appropriate and necessary.
“ I do believe that we ought to consider a discussion about whether we as a nation want an amendment relating to term limits for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. We need to ensure that our members of Congress are in Washington DC to serve the best interests of the people, and not their own political longevity interest.”

Congressman Patrick McHenry, R-10th District
"While I believe the drafters of our Constitution got it right, recent Administrations’ insatiable appetite for spending have led me to believe that a Balanced Budget Amendment is now necessary. A BBA would prevent future Congresses from running the massive annual deficits that have become commonplace. Then we could start to bring down our huge national debt which is threatening the economic security of our nation."

Blair Cody, Attorney: 
“ There is one area -- if I had to pick only one -- that comes to mind with which I have the most disappointment. That involves the interpretation of the rights to privacy; i.e., search and seizure as it relates to the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. Principally because of our drug laws, and the way in which the Government has chosen to attack and confront our citizens who are believed to have violated the laws related to drugs has proven to erode our protections and privacy as citizens.”

North Carolina Sen. Austin Allran, R-42nd District:
“I would add an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring a balanced budget. I would not change the Bill of Rights."

Alex Ward, Social Studies Teacher, Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School:
“ I would update the text to make it more accessible for citizens in the 21 st century. Updating the text to include modern language would make it more relatable for today’s students without diluting its intent. ”

James C. Gaither, Jr., District Attorney, 25th Prosecutorial District:
“ Having the privilege and blessing to be born and raised in the United States of America, I would not begin to change this document. It is not a perfect document but given the complexity and challenges that faced the founders of our country more than 200 years ago, I am in awe of their foresight, diligence and dedication to ‘a more perfect Union.’

“ One Constitutional issue that has discouraged many Americans and created considerable controversy in the past ten years is the federal government's interpretation of their rights and obligations under the 10th amendment as it pertains to the issue of immigration.
“ . . . The inability or unwillingness of the federal government to adequately enforce the laws of our Constitution is not addressed in the 10th amendment . . . While it could be argued that this problem has overwhelmed the resources of the federal government, it is difficult to understand why the efforts of States like Arizona to assist in enforcement are so vigorously opposed by Washington.”

North Carolina Rep. Andy Wells, R- 96 th District 
“I'm not smart enough to second-guess James Madison and George Washington -- though sometimes when I look at Congress I wish they'd included term limits in the Constitution.
I support a Constitutional Amendment to require Congress to balance the budget.”

David Stegall, Superintendent, Newton-Conover City Schools
“Given my pride in our country and its forefathers, I respect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as they are written. I don't know of a specific change that I would be equipped to suggest, but I value the fact that in our country, everyone has the right to disagree and have their own opinion on matters. This freedom to support or disagree on issues pushes us as a country to constantly evaluate how well our laws serve the needs of the citizens.”

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx , R-5th District: 
“ Over the years, of course, there have been times when I have disagreed with how our Constitution has been interpreted, but it stands firm as the legal champion of individual rights and private property in this modern world. It is genius in its brevity, in its endurance, and in its forethought to limit and separate the governing powers established therein. What a privilege it is to live this Republic where government is obliged to follow, and the people and their representative states still may shape and strengthen our Constitutional foundation!”

Facebook readers:

“ I would amend the Constitution to prevent any person or corporation or union from influencing our officials through donations, bribes, stock, or promise of employment. A democracy without fair elections is not a democracy. And a government servant should serve only the people.” -- Linda Hundley Shaffer

“ I would amend the Constitution to establish term limits of 8 years for representatives and 12 years for senators.” -- Tony Cline

“ The only people concerned about ‘updating’ the Constitution are the ones that want to take our rights away. I enjoy being a free American. Thanks anyway.” – L. Stacey Nowell

“ Change nothing!” -- Ben Setser

“ Don't change our Constitution. Change our government. And, for the love of God and country, change our President! -- Shawn Schultz

“ An equality amendment, because to this day, not every American is equally protected by the Constitution. Women should get equal pay as men for equal work. Two people who love each other should be allowed to marry. Just because rich white men wrote the constitution doesn't mean that its purpose should be solely to protect their interests. Liberty is the goal of the document. But we are not free until we are equal.” -- Park Arneson Inglefield

“ Repeal the 16th and 17th amendments.” -- Josh Flowers.

Note: the 16 th Amendment give the government the power to tax, and the 17 th designates two Senators per state, to be elected by state voters.

“ Why change it? Our government can just continue to ignore it.” -- Lela Ann Hoke

“ Leave it like it is and was meant to be. That is what is wrong with our country today -- getting away from the very foundations that were made and worked time and time again until somebody decided that something needed to change. Wrong! Wake up America, and look back on the ways that founded our great country. So many things need to go back to the basics, including our school system and our government. Greed and turning our backs on God are going to bring us down. Dust off your Bibles and get back to using common sense!” -- Dalene Bartle