Are you smarter than . . .

I'm sure you have either been exposed to or at least heard of a recent popular TV show titled "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?", hosted by Jeff Foxworthy. If you dare to go up against a 5th Grader and try to answer the posed question sometimes you find out that you aren't! Well, how about trying to go up against a 3rd Grader? You think this would be a piece of cake? Think again! My granddaughter Emma is a 3rd Grader at Lakewood Elementary and she brought home a booklet for homework which is titled "Arkansas Activity Booklet", published by Charlie Daniels, our Secretary of State. This particular evening Emma was studying the Greater Seal Of The State Of Arkansas, which caught my eye with its symbols' description and explanations. (I only wish I could convey the picture of our state seal for you but unfortunately I'm not smarter than a 3rd Grader!) The booklet's description of our state's seal follows:

"On the shield of our state seal are a steamboat, a plow, a beehive and a sheaf of wheat, symbols of Arkansas' industrial and agricultural wealth. The Angel of Mercy, the Sword of Justice and the Goddess of Liberty surround a bald eagle. The eagle holds in its beak a scroll inscribed with the Latin phrase "Regnat Populus", our state motto, which means " - - - - - - - - - - - - - -". The seal was adopted in its basic form in 1864, and in its present form in 1907."

Emma had to answer the following question on the Arkansas Quiz Test following her studies. And this is your test question for all the marbles, and to see if you are indeed "Smarter Than A 3rd Grader"! From the civics category the question is: What does the Latin phrase "Regnat Populus", the Arkansas State Seal Motto, mean? The answer is illustrated below. Seriously, it would behoove us all to remember this motto and what it means, especially as we move forward in this election year. And let's bring it down home here to the City of North Little Rock: This year whenever we find ourselves drawn into the local election process for the positions of NLR Mayor, City Clerk and one Alderman from each Ward, or other city government issues, let's focus on the power the average NLR Citizen has to make a difference. After all, we do indeed have this "right" and no one should dare challenge us on this - we have the power of the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas guarding these "rights", and its motto is very clear and concise!

I propose this Latin phrase "Regnat Populus" also become our Northeast Lakewood Associated Neighborhoods Association Motto as well. I believe it should be prominently displayed as part of our letterhead, and also be displayed on our blog's title page header. Having it constantly under our eyes will remind us of who we are, and the responsibilities we all possess as voter-registered citizens of this great City of North Little Rock! At our next scheduled association meeting in May let's come together on this proposal and talk it over . Heck, if you are compelled to express a comment on this now don't wait! I would be very interested in your thoughts. Thank you!
Emma's correct answer: "The People Rule"!
If you are ever on stage and Jeff Foxworthy asks you this civics question you can now just grin him down!
Nate Brandes, President - NLAN