Gaza and the New Year

The world is preoccupied in 

Preparing for the New Year celebrations

The Gazans are engaged in 

Looking for crumbles of bread,

a bottle of potable water,

A shelter from coldness,

And tarpaulin to protect from the rain.

The world launches the fireworks 

That symbolize the so-called civilization

But the Gazan children are killed with the bombshells

That scatter their soft flesh

And the dogs snatch their bodies.

The world turn on the lights and music

That turn the world into deep darkness

And lead to craziness.

While the Gazans have no light

To see each others in tents

And their music is the sound of drones and jets.

The world shares  the beauty of the family

While the Gazans are either homeless or martyrs.

The world feels the warmth of home

But the Gazan children die from the severe coldness.

The world distributes gifts

On children 

However the Gazans’ gifts are heavy lethal bombs and rockets.

That dismember their limbs,

Kill their beloved 

And demolish their homes.

The world gives  children sweets

And the Gazan children receive the white coffins.

The world is celebrating the new beginning of the year

Whilst the Gazans are waiting for the end of their misery.

If you’d like to support poet Ahmed Miqdad and his family at this time, please feel welcome to support and share his GoFundMe here.

CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LEGAL STATE

KONSTITUTSIYAVIY BURCH HUQUQIY DAVLAT VA FUQAROLIK JAMIYATINI RIVOJLANTIRISHNING MUHIM OMILI SIFATIDA

КОНСТИТУЦИОННЫЙ ДОЛГ КАК ВАЖНЫЙ ФАКТОР РАЗВИТИЯ ПРАВОВОГО ГОСУДАРСТВА И ГРАЖДАНСКОГО ОБЩЕСТВА

Annotation: This article explores the role of constitutional duty as a significant factor in fostering the development of a legal state and civil society. The introduction defines key concepts and highlights the necessity of understanding constitutional obligations within the context of societal progress. The methods section elaborates on comparative legal analysis and interdisciplinary approaches utilized to examine the subject. Results indicate that constitutional duties significantly influence the formation of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and active citizenship. The discussion emphasizes the interconnection between individual responsibility and societal stability, proposing actionable recommendations for enhancing constitutional awareness. The conclusion underscores the importance of embedding constitutional education in public and professional spheres. This research contributes to legal studies and policy-making by providing insights into the integration of constitutional principles in civic life.

Key words: Constitutional duty, legal state, civil society, democratic institutions, active citizenship

Annotatsiya: Mazkur maqola konstitutsiyaviy burchning huquqiy davlat va fuqarolik jamiyatini rivojlantirishdagi muhim omil sifatida o‘rnini o‘rganishga bag‘ishlangan. Kirish qismida asosiy tushunchalar aniqlanib, jamiyat taraqqiyotida konstitutsiyaviy burchlarning ahamiyati yoritiladi. Metodlar bo‘limida mavzuni tadqiq qilishda qo‘llanilgan huquqiy taqqoslash va fanlararo yondashuvlar tushuntiriladi. Natijalar shuni ko‘rsatadiki, konstitutsiyaviy burchlar demokratik institutlar, qonun ustuvorligi va faol fuqarolik shakllanishiga katta ta’sir ko‘rsatadi. Muhokamada shaxsiy mas’uliyat va jamiyat barqarorligi o‘rtasidagi uzviy bog‘liqlik ta’kidlanib, konstitutsiyaviy ongni rivojlantirish bo‘yicha tavsiyalar beriladi. Xulosa qismida konstitutsiyaviy ta’limni jamoatchilik va kasbiy sohalarga joriy etish zarurligi qayd etilgan. Ushbu tadqiqot huquqshunoslik va davlat siyosatini shakllantirishga oid yangi qarashlarni taklif etadi.

Kalit so‘zlar: Konstitutsiyaviy burch, huquqiy davlat, fuqarolik jamiyati, demokratik institutlar, faol fuqarolik

Аннотация: В данной статье рассматривается роль конституционного долга как важного фактора развития правового государства и гражданского общества. Введение включает определение ключевых понятий и подчеркивает необходимость осознания конституционных обязанностей в контексте общественного прогресса. В разделе методов описываются сравнительно-правовой анализ и междисциплинарные подходы, применяемые для исследования темы. Результаты показывают, что конституционные обязанности оказывают значительное влияние на формирование демократических институтов, верховенства права и активного гражданства. В обсуждении подчеркивается взаимосвязь между индивидуальной ответственностью и стабильностью общества, а также даются практические рекомендации по повышению конституционного сознания. Заключение акцентирует внимание на важности внедрения конституционного образования в общественную и профессиональную сферы. Исследование вносит вклад в юриспруденцию и разработку государственной политики, предлагая новые перспективы интеграции конституционных принципов в общественную жизнь.

Ключевые слова: Конституционный долг, правовое государство, гражданское общество, демократические институты, активное гражданство

A constitution is the supreme law of a state, laying the groundwork for its governance, legal framework, and the relationship between the government and its citizens. Within this framework, constitutional duties hold a significant position, representing the obligations every citizen owes to their state and society. These duties are not merely legal mandates but also moral imperatives that shape societal harmony, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen democratic governance.

The concept of constitutional duty transcends individual responsibilities, acting as a unifying force that binds citizens to their shared values and collective goals. In democratic societies, fulfilling constitutional duties ensures not only the stability of the state but also the advancement of civil liberties and social justice. However, despite its importance, constitutional duty often remains overlooked in public discourse, overshadowed by a focus on rights rather than responsibilities.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, where the principles of governance face new challenges, constitutional duties offer a pathway to balance individual freedoms with societal needs. By fostering accountability, active citizenship, and respect for laws, these duties contribute to the resilience of legal states and the vitality of civil societies.

This article delves into the multifaceted role of constitutional duties, analyzing their legal and moral dimensions, their influence on state-building, and their capacity to empower citizens as active participants in democratic processes. Through a comprehensive exploration of these themes, the article aims to shed light on how constitutional duties can serve as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable governance and societal progress.

Constitutional duty serves as a bridge between individual behavior and collective societal needs, making it a cornerstone of both governance and civic life. The significance of these duties lies in their dual capacity to enforce legal compliance and inspire moral commitment. This duality ensures that constitutional duty not only preserves order but also cultivates a shared sense of purpose among citizens.

Legal dimension of Constitutional duties

From a legal standpoint, constitutional duties are obligations mandated by the state to maintain its stability and promote the welfare of society. These duties encompass a range of responsibilities, including:

1. Adherence to laws: Respecting and following the law is fundamental for maintaining public order and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
2. Payment of taxes: Taxes provide the financial backbone for state functions, enabling the development of infrastructure, public services, and national defense.
3. Military or Civil service: Contributing to national security or public welfare reinforces the collective strength of a nation.

Failure to uphold these duties can lead to legal consequences, but more importantly, it weakens the social contract between the state and its citizens, eroding trust in public institutions.

Moral dimension of Constitutional duties

Beyond legal obligations, constitutional duty reflects the moral relationship between individuals and their society. It underscores the importance of:

1. Patriotism: A commitment to one’s nation, expressed through active participation in its development and defense.
2. Civic engagement: Involvement in democratic processes, such as voting, advocating for justice, and participating in community initiatives.
3. Social Responsibility: Recognizing and addressing societal issues, such as inequality and environmental degradation, as collective challenges.

These moral obligations foster unity, social cohesion, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for the long-term stability and prosperity of any state.

Impact on State and Society development

The fulfillment of constitutional duties plays a crucial role in the evolution of a legal state and civil society.

1. Strengthening Democratic institutions: When citizens actively engage with their duties, they reinforce democratic governance and the legitimacy of public institutions.
2. Promoting Rule of Law: Constitutional duties ensure that laws are respected and applied uniformly, creating a fair and just society.
3. Encouraging Active Citizenship: By participating in civic duties, citizens become agents of change, addressing societal challenges and contributing to progress.

Conversely, neglecting these duties can result in political apathy, social fragmentation, and weakened governance structures.

Challenges and Recommendations

Despite their importance, constitutional duties are often underappreciated or misunderstood. Several challenges hinder their implementation, including:

1. Lack of Awareness: Many citizens are unaware of their constitutional obligations and their significance.
2. Mistrust in Institutions: Corruption and inefficiency in governance discourage citizens from fulfilling their duties.
3. Focus on Rights Over Responsibilities: Public discourse often prioritizes individual rights, sidelining the equal importance of responsibilities.

To address these issues, the following measures are recommended:

1. Constitutional Education: Integrating lessons on constitutional duties into school curricula to build awareness from a young age.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Promoting the importance of these duties through media, community programs, and public events.
3. Institutional Reform: Enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance to rebuild trust in public institutions.

By fostering a culture that values constitutional duties, societies can achieve a balance between individual freedoms and collective well-being, ensuring sustainable development and resilience in the face of modern challenges.

In conclusion, Constitutional duties are integral to the foundation of a legal state and the advancement of civil society. They provide a framework for balancing individual rights with societal responsibilities, fostering social harmony, and strengthening the democratic fabric of a nation. These duties, encompassing both legal obligations and moral commitments, encourage active citizenship and collective accountability, essential for sustainable development and governance. Ultimately, a society that values and upholds constitutional duties creates a resilient and progressive nation, where citizens actively contribute to the prosperity of their state and the well-being of future generations.

REFERENCES:

1. Ergashev, M. “Huquqshunoslik asoslari.” Toshkent: O‘qituvchi, 2020. – 41-bet.
2. Jumaev, Sh. “Fuqarolik huquqi va burchlar.” Toshkent: LexPress, 2017. – 52-bet.
3. Karimov I.A. “O‘zbekistonning o‘ziga xos taraqqiyot yo‘li.” Toshkent: O‘zbekiston, 2015. – 35-bet.
4. Nazarov, Q. “Fuqarolik jamiyati: nazariya va amaliyot.” Toshkent: Adolat, 2019. – 78-bet.
5. O‘zbekiston Respublikasining Konstitutsiyasi. Toshkent: O‘zbekiston, 2021. – 5-bet.
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“I Will Wait For You”

Poem by Doug Holder, inspired by a painting by Gieseke Penizzotto Denise

sunflowers

gold petals

a bit of

haberdashery

for a bluebird

of happiness

whose heart

and no doubt,

feathers

flutter

to be swept off

by her angel-winged

lover.

Doug Holder…

Board of Directors of the New England Poetry Club

Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene   http://dougholder.blogspot.com

Ibbetson Street Press  http://www.ibbetsonpress.com

Poet to Poet/Writer to Writer  http://www.poettopoetwritertowriter.blogspot.com

Doug Holder CV http://www.dougholderresume.blogspot.com

Doug Holder’s Columns in The Somerville Times https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/?s=%22Doug+Holder%22&x=0&y=0

Doug Holder’s collection at the Internet Archive   https://archive.org/details/@dougholder

LIVES ON FIRE

LA is a forest of lives

now feeding carnivorous flames,

flames that cremate neighborhoods, and grow.

It’s a painful choice—stay, spray, and pray?

Or run for your life–

taking only kids, pets and meds?

What about looters? Water damage?

Grandpa’s first editions?

How can we live without heaped-up trivia

that tells us who we are?

Then add critics.

You’re living in a desert, dummy.

Now you want bail-out?

Trump says the fire is California’s fault, anyway.

As LA incinerates,

the face of homelessness changes.

It’s no longer the curse of drugs and crazies.

With homes, jobs, and banks in ashes,

the homeless are now doctors, teachers, plumbers,

people who lived charmed lives—

lives eaten up by equal-opportunity flames,

flames that treat everyone alike;

flames that leave everyone alike

bereft, betrayed, and defeated.

Palisades, Eaton and Hurst are war zones:

drought and dense construction

in no-holds-barred battle with

consequences.

Infernos always win.