In 2001, Gary and Jill Cox’s two sons enlisted in the Army Rangers, which sparked an interest in the couple to pay more attention to what’s going on in the United States. 

 

They had homeschooled their sons and had always talked about citizen’s rights and the constitution, but now they started to get concerned about how things were going in the country.

 

Realizing most people don’t understand the Constitution of the United States, Jill Cox took it upon herself to begin a series of classes to teach citizens about the constitution and what their rights are. The couple began offering the classes at Wreckless Driving Academy in Becker at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights.

 

“There’s a lot of political discussion about our constitution and making changes to it,” said Palmer Twp. resident Barb Aaberg when asked why she was taking the class. “How do you have an intelligent, educated conversation about it if you don’t know the constitution?”

 

The Cox’s first series of classes is at the half-way point. The couple envisions it will run eight to 10 sessions long.

 

“I think it’s a good thing to know about our constitutional rights since they’re getting trampled on left and right,” said Kelly Adamek of Ramsey. “And people listen to you when you know what you’re talking about.”

 

The course the class is following is called Constitution Alive, which includes videos and a workbook by Rick Green. Green served two terms in the Texas Legislature, and currently consults and advises state officials and candidates in various capacities. He believes the United States system of freedom depends upon “we the people” staying involved in the process.

 

“You can sit in a class for just one night and get something out of it,” said Cox. “You don’t have to take all the classes if you don’t want to.”

 

For example, students learn the difference between democracy and republic; which one is the United States? 

 

It’s a republic.

 

“The best illustration I can give you is to envision the wild west days,” explained Cox. “A posse goes out after a criminal and catches him. They take him to the nearest tree and vote on whether to hang him or not. They all vote yes, so they hang him. That’s democracy.” 

 

“A republic is the same except now a sheriff comes out before they hang the criminal and tells them to wait, because the criminal has the right to a fair trial. So, the posse instead brings him to jail and he has a trial.”

 

“It’s more just, more fair,” said Cox.

 

Former state legislator Mark Olson attends each class, giving insight into what attendees are learning with the experiences he’s had in government.

 

Jennifer Jopp attends the classes with her daughter, Emma, who wants to be in the legislature as a career when she grows up.

 

“I want to learn the constitution so I can put it into effect in my community,” she said.

 

Jennifer Jopp stated she feels it’s important to understand our government and that it’s our responsibility as citizens.

 

“The most important thing to me is the Christian foundation the constitution was built on,” said Gary Cox. “People are really unaware of it.”

 

Although the classes are currently being offered at Wreckless Driving Center, Gary Cox said they were thinking about moving locations when the next round starts up again in the fall, possibly at the Becker Community Center.

 

The Cox’s goal is to offer the series of classes twice a year.

 

“We truly desire to educate all people with accurate knowledge of their rights as citizens and to equip and empower patriotism,” said Jill Cox. “We will honor God with our minds as we strive to share the truths of the constitution while influencing the course and culture of America.”

 

Anyone interested in signing up for the next series of classes in the fall or just learning more about the program can contact Jill Cox at jillcox77@hotmail.com.