Essay from Asadbek Yusupov

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.
  6. Rasulov, A. “Hukumat va jamiyat o‘rtasidagi munosabatlar.” Toshkent: Huquq, 2022. – 88-bet.
  7. Soliyev S.S. “Huquqbuzarliklar profilaktikasi.” Darslik. T.: Fan, 2023. – 22-bet.
  8. Xo‘jaev, A. “Demokratik jamiyatda huquqiy burchlar.” Toshkent: Akademnashr, 2018. – 60-bet.

Poetry from Doug Holder

Image c/o Gieseke Penizzotto Denise

“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

Poetry from Pat Doyne

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.

         

Jacques Fleury reviews Lyric Stage Boston’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy

Image of a Black woman with curly dark hair and a blue top and red pants reaching out to grab a cookie. She's on a balcony at sunset or sunrise from a brick building. Below her are images of actors and actresses in the play.

Lyric Stage Boston
presents: Crumbs From the Table of Joy

Performances begin Friday, Jan. 10 and run through Sunday, Feb. 2.

“I enjoyed the play but as a “black” male in America, I found it at times painful to watch. Reminiscent of Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 play “A Raisin in the Sun”, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage’s play “Crumbs at the Table of Joy” (both play titles were inspired by poems from Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes) is a germane, prescient, at times, biting and raw adaptation of atavistic racism of the civil rights movement and post-civil war Jim Crow era, mediated with sporadic sidesplitting comic relief and adolescent idealism through day dreams of movie magic of the 1950s, providing complex historical context for dialogue, understanding and compassion in confluence with the racial and sociopolitical disunity manifesting in present day society. A vibrant and illuminating depiction of the “Black” working-class struggle for equality and inclusion replete with dramaturgical artistry”

                                                                                                                             —Jacques Fleury, Patch News-Boston

                                                                                                                                Synchronized Chaos Literary Journal

Crumbs From the Table of Joy

Two sisters and their recently widowed father struggle to find their place in the world while holding tight to the love they have for each other.

Boston, MA: Lyric Stage Boston begins the new year with Lynn Nottage’s touching portrait of a family longing to find the light and spark that has been dimmed in their everyday lives. Directed by Tasia A. Jones and featuring a cast of new talents and Boston-area favorites, Crumbs From the Table of Joy is the perfect way to warm your heart and enrapture your mind this winter season.

Adrift in Brooklyn during the racially charged 1950s, two teenage sisters Ernestine and Ermina live with their devout, recently widowed father, Godfrey, who follows the teachings of spiritual leader Father Divine. Almost to the point of obsession, Godfrey’s staunch beliefs cause his girls to heal their wounds with Hollywood films, daydreams, and lots of cookies. Their humdrum lives are turned upside down with the arrival of their vivacious Aunt Lily, who brings with her a few bad habits and a taste for rebellion. When Godfrey makes a shocking decision that involves a German woman named Gerte, can the family find new meaning in what makes a home?

Director Tasia A . Jones says. “We may find ourselves scrounging for crumbs from the table of joy, as we search for something to help us get from one day to the next. As we watch the Crumps wrestle with many questions of identity, love, faith, and belonging, I hope we can let the theatre be a sanctuary. I hope it can be a place for us to find our own answers to our deepest questions. I hope we can let it be a sacred space to feel whatever we need to feel, and I hope it can also be a space for us to forget if that’s what we need right now.”

Young adult Black man with short shaved hair, a big smile, and a suit and purple tie.
Jacques Fleury

Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured Haitian American Poet, Educator, Author of four books and a literary arts student at Harvard University online. His latest publication “You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self”  & other titles are available at all Boston Public Libraries, the University of Massachusetts Healey Library, University of  Wyoming, Askews and Holts Library Services in the United Kingdom, The Harvard Book Store, The Grolier Poetry Bookshop, Amazon etc…  He has been published in prestigious publications such as Wilderness House Literary Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, Litterateur Redefining World anthologies out of India, Poets Reading the News, the Cornell University Press anthology Class Lives: Stories from Our Economic Divide, Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene among others…Visit him at:  http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury.

Silhouetted figure leaping off into the unknown with hand and leg raised. Bushes and tree in the foreground, mountains ahead. Book is green and yellow with black text and title.
Jacques Fleury’s book You Are Enough: The Journey Towards Understanding Your Authentic Self

Synchronized Chaos’ First January 2025 Issue: Lazy Susan of Ideas

By GeorgeLouis - While on a tour of China, I took this photo for my own use. Previously published: Never published., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28867244
By George Louis – While on a tour of China, I took this photo for my own use. Previously published: Never published., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28867244

First of all, an announcement from contributor Chimezie Ihekuna, who is seeking an investor/executive producer for the project, One Man’s Deep Words. It is set in the US.

Produced By Vincent Turner, Developed By Robert Sacchi, 115 pages. Phase: Pre-production/Development, Budget Estimation: $23,000-314,000. Pitch deck and budget list available, please email synchchaos@gmail.com if interested.

Charles Griffin, a philosophy professor, is challenged by Adam, one of his students, over his unruly behaviour while lecturing. Though Charles is unhappy lecturing by the books, Adam’s challenge becomes the inspiration behind his nascent philosophy.

The first issue of 2025 presents a Lazy Susan of Ideas. This phrase comes from Desiree Richter, author of The Presence of Absence, about the accidental death of her young son and her journey out of rigid religious fundamentalism, out recently from the University of New Orleans Press.

In a recent interview on the podcast I Was a Teenage Fundamentalist, Richter describes reading a wide variety of books in her time of grief and being exposed to a whole “lazy Susan of ideas.”

This month’s contributors present a whole turntable of thoughts as well. Some, like Richter’s, are in response to personal or larger griefs, while others are philosophical or introspective or academic or celebratory.

Vintage stylized image of a globe with the US in front, biplanes and trains and bridges and city scapes in view.
Image c/o Andrea Stockel

Jack Mellender travels on a lyrical romp through many decades of wild living in California. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva celebrates her educational and personal accomplishments. Ashraful Kabir conveys the journey of self-discovery with a metaphor of a boat ride as Abeera Mizra renders personal awakenings through determined verse and Nick Gunter laments that a person doesn’t recognize his capacity to change. Shukurillayeva Lazzatoy Shamshodovna outlines some pathways towards building new and positive habits while Robiya Ismailjonova brings a spiritual perspective to her call for moral accountability and repentance.

Nathanael Johnson highlights the internal struggles of a boy as he figures out how to grow into a man. Jessica Hu illustrates the self-destructive urges that can come with moments of despair.

Linette Rabsatt’s poetry prepares us for comfort, then joggles our mind with clever contradictions. Marc Frazier’s introspective poetry probes childhood, memory, desire, mortality, and our search for meaning. Noah Berlatsky humorously explores the sometimes-vague boundaries between whimsy and reality. Mark Young’s postwoman pieces frame the world’s many random offerings as gifts to be opened and explored. Susie Gharib speaks to the stories we take from history, mythology, literature, and science. Peter Cherches’ humorous story highlights the wonder, curiosity, and humor that emerges as very different beings meet each other.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews Jeanette Eureka Tiburcio, president of a women’s intellectual organization, on how her new book is a fulfillment of a childhood dream and on her wishes for the world.

Older man in a suit and coat and top hat with a beard examines an Impressionist oil painting of two peopel and some flowers.
Image c/o Omar Sahel

Yahia Lababidi’s book What Remains to Be Said shares aphorisms and blurbs of his wisdom. Gulsora Mulikboyeva reflects on the impact of a teacher who inspired her to better write in her native Uzbek language.

Farangiz Abduvahidova outlines the life and literary works of Uzbek poetess Mohlaroyim and her importance to Uzbekistan’s literary heritage. Maftuna Bozorova honors the cultural legacy of Uzbek poet Alexander Feinberg. Aziza Burkhonova discusses various pedagogical techniques for language learning. Olimova Shahina explores creative ways to teach English. Eva Lianou Petropoulou outlines the accomplishments of Italian Naive panter Nino Camardo. Mamazoirova Rayhona regales us with poetry on the beauty of the colorful Uzbek flag. Federico Wardal interviews Dr. Ahmed Elsersawy on his renewed efforts towards cultural partnership between Egypt and the United States.

Rachida Belkacem’s bilingual poetry evokes a transcendent spiritual companionship. Gabriela Peinado Bertalmio elucidates the beauty of the love between a mother and child. Rahmiddinova Mushtariy pays tribute to her wise and caring father. Duane Vorhees explores sensual intimacy from a variety of angles and perspectives. Lan Qyqalla jumps ahead to Valentine’s Day and autumn in his metaphoric and mythical love poems. Graciela Noemi Villaverde, within intricate verse, compares her love to a sunset and to the dawn.

Kassandra Aguilera illuminates the exquisite agony of unrequited love. After losing love, Taylor Dibbert finds unexpected comfort in solitude.

Stylized woman's face with long eyelashes and two cartoonish people near her, a girl and a guy, with the guy upside down. Flower petals and butterflies in the pink and blue and purple background.
Image c/o Victoria Borodinova

Don Edwards’ poetry deals with themes of love, loss, uncertainty, and the corrosive nature of domination and control on love. David Sapp’s poems critique the ease and sexiness all too many people have given to forms of violence and domination. Daniel De Culla lampoons dictators, and those with the ambition to become such, from around the world, including the U.S. Pat Doyne mourns the recent U.S. presidential election by parodying a famous poem about a loss in baseball.

Fayowole Benjamin’s poetry laments the toll of war on civilians and families. Mesfakus Salahin reflects on how some of the world is still reeling after the two world wars of the past century. Mykyta Ryzhykh evokes wartime and unanswered calls for love. Through his tale of violation and self-defense, Bill Tope highlights the ubiquitous problem of sexual violence. Christopher Bernard explicates and excoriates the violence inherent within neoliberalism manifested through healthcare systems, showing how organizations and procedures can be more destructive than thugs on the street.

Mirta Ramirez’ piece highlights how true romantic love can inspire artistic and intellectual creativity. Abigail George expresses her poetic hopes for peace in the Middle East as Lidia Popa highlights how artistic creation and the sharing of ideas can be noble pursuits bringing people together across cultures.

Z.I. Mahmud digs out the psychological and sociological and spiritual themes embedded within Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot, the tale of two “everymen” condemned, or blessed, with eternal anticipation. Arjun Razdan probes our obligations to each other in his short story “The Misanthrope” and questions what we owe each other and the best ways to do good.

Sepia toned middle aged short haired woman with dark hair and a bag and pants and shoes waiting alone on a bench near a fence.
Image c/o George Hodan

Peter J. Dellolio’s novel The Confession elucidates the psyche of a condemned man who may or may not be guilty. J.J. Campbell’s poetry emanates from the lingering effects of childhood abuse, memories particularly acute around the holidays. Jake Triola’s poetry troubles itself with the state of the world and the speaker’s perceived personal failures, yet finds solace in walking outdoors.

Jumanazarov Zohidjon ponders the calming beauty of rain while Sayani Mukherjee celebrates a beautiful day on the green earth. O’tkir Mulikboyev pays homage to snow, trees in winter, romance, his home country, song, cheer, childhood, and the holidays. Brian Barbeito reflects on nature and his childhood on a still, snowy day. Jacques Fleury revels in a woodland dawn and the diversity and richness of the natural world. Corey Cook’s new haiku chapbook heads held low hallows a sacred moment when a cardinal bird sings in an empty church.

Sunrise outdoors in a clearing of trees. Yellow, orange, pink, light and dark blue sky with cloud cover and black flying birds.
Photo Art © Jacques Fleury All rights reserved

Isabel Gomez de Diego’s photography illuminates the glory of a city lit up at night for Christmas. Marc Frazier’s photography spotlights moments of intersection among nature, urbanity, and the human imagination. In Mahbub Alam’s piece, a couple watches a thunderstorm from indoors through a window, captivated by the effects of the wind. In contrast, Sodiqova Adolatxon’s poetic speaker gets tired of staying inside through a rainstorm and longs to go back outdoors.

Nurmurodova Gulsoda explores elements of trigonometry in her piece, reveling in the beauty of mathematics as one of the languages of nature. Jasur Mulikboyev celebrates the way a gifted chemistry teacher makes the material come alive for students. Ruxshona Toxirova presents some methods for better diagnostics and treatment for children with type 2 diabetes.

Maftuna Mehrojova outlines the need for and progress towards sustainable and green economic development in Uzbekistan. Alisher Muhtarjonov issues a strident call for people of the world to protect nature.

Eva Lianou Petropoulou encourages us to choose care and respect for others in the face of life’s personal and global struggles. Zuhra Ruzmetova celebrates the New Year and the dawning of renewed hope. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa reflects on the meaning of the nativity scene and on starting afresh to choose kindness and a compassionate attitude in the New Year.