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their protector, not their oppressor.

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In a diverse group of citizens which included

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a cross section of the population of this State there

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arose questions on which the delegates differed. Some

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proposals were included or excluded to the disappointment

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of their advocates, who sincerely believed them to be

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vital and important.

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Nevertheless, out of the careful study by each

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delegate, the unfettered and fair debate by all who wished

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to be heard, we have forged a new Constitution that has

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commanded the support of the overwhelming majority of the

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delegates.

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The majority has spoken, and in our nation,

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that is the will of this assembly.

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In this document there is to be found the

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common group on which all of us, the weak and the strong,

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the poor and the rich, the black and the white, the believer

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and the non-believer, can march forward together in progress

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in this State, toward our duties of life, liberty and the

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pursuit of happiness.

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As we sign this document we are confident that