The US Constitution

[moosmom]

I'll pass. I'm not in the mood for argument or debate this morning. Trying to interpret what was written hundreds of years ago would be literally impossible, as times they are a changing.

[blue]

I'll pass. I'm not in the mood for argument or debate this morning. Trying to interpret what was written hundreds of years ago would be literally impossible, as times they are a changing.

Exactly why the Constitution shouldnt be interpreted.

If its not enumerated and isnt cut and dried as to why its a Right, the Constitution should be amended.

The 1rst and 2nd Amendment are a perfect examples of the Constitution being "interpreted" and the abuse that follows.

[Puckstop31]

I'll pass. I'm not in the mood for argument or debate this morning. Trying to interpret what was written hundreds of years ago would be literally impossible, as times they are a changing.

<sigh>

This kind of complacency is why we get what we have.... Overbearing "Fedzilla" running every little portion of our lives.

And YES, indeed... The times, they are a changing. Is this the change (I assume, correct me if I am wrong) you voted for?

[moosmom]

While I usually do not reveal how I voted, because I think it is a personal choice, I will answer, yes, I voted for Obama and am proud of it. Up until Obama took office, this country was in shambles. I'm glad Bush is outta there and finally we see the light.

Times they are a changing and yes, I'm ready for that change.

[Grace]

We the People –

As long as the people were white, male, landowners. No women, non-property owners, native Americans, or African Americans (slave or free) allowed.

As Justice Marshall once said –

For a sense of the evolving nature of the Constitution, we need look no further than the first three words of the document’s preamble: ‘We the people.’ When the founding fathers used this phrase in 1787, they did not have in mind the majority of America’s citizens.

The men who gathered in Philadelphia in 1787 could not . . . have imagined, nor would they have accepted, that the document they were drafting would one day be construed by a Supreme Court to which had been appointed a woman and the descendant of an African slave.

The Constitution was ratified in June 1788, but it took the Bill of Rights before the last state would sign on.
North Carolina and Rhode Island refused to approve the Constitution and take part in the new government until Congress agreed to add a bill of rights.

As I said earlier, changes to language and intent were made from the very beginning.

It took another 173 years to correct all the voting inequities.

I don’t believe in a strict constructionist view. But you already figured that out

Remember - No right or wrong answers here . . . . .

[Puckstop31]

We the People –

As long as the people were white, male, landowners. No women, non-property owners, native Americans, or African Americans (slave or free) allowed.

As Justice Marshall once said –

I disagree with Justice Marshall... I belive that most of the founders could indeed see a day where all adult citizens could vote. Further, a lot of them understood the almost certain and dire consequences of the compromises necessary on slavery issues, to get the Constitution ratified. The Constitution is not perfect, nothing man can do ever CAN be. But is pretty darn close, IMO.

As I said earlier, changes to language and intent were made from the very beginning.

It took another 173 years to correct all the voting inequities.

I don’t believe in a strict constructionist view. But you already figured that out

I know change was intended. I have no problem with change. But change should come in the form of Amendments. The Federal government was granted a very finite list of powers. It, has VASTLY expanded that scope of power, at libertys peril. As for words and wording... My earlier quote from Madison is important I think. Just because a word changes meaning does not mean the intent of the law should.

Remember - No right or wrong answers here . . . . .

I know... LOL I am enjoying this discussion. But you bring to light another reason why a overbearing Federal government is a bad thing. If the 10th Amendment were respected, individual states could "experiment" with radical social and economic policy, without effecting the nation as a whole. Oh how I would love to let that happen. California and New York versus South Dakota and Texas. LOL Lets see whos policy works better for its people.

A man can dream, can't he?

Again, thanks Grace.

[blue]

We the People –

As long as the people were white, male, landowners. No women, non-property owners, native Americans, or African Americans (slave or free) allowed.

As Justice Marshall once said –

For a sense of the evolving nature of the Constitution, we need look no further than the first three words of the document’s preamble: ‘We the people.’ When the founding fathers used this phrase in 1787, they did not have in mind the majority of America’s citizens.

The men who gathered in Philadelphia in 1787 could not . . . have imagined, nor would they have accepted, that the document they were drafting would one day be construed by a Supreme Court to which had been appointed a woman and the descendant of an African slave.

The Constitution was ratified in June 1788, but it took the Bill of Rights before the last state would sign on.
North Carolina and Rhode Island refused to approve the Constitution and take part in the new government until Congress agreed to add a bill of rights.

As I said earlier, changes to language and intent were made from the very beginning.

It took another 173 years to correct all the voting inequities.

I don’t believe in a strict constructionist view. But you already figured that out

Remember - No right or wrong answers here . . . . .

Exactly the reason I think the amendment proccess was genius, it can be changed.

Besides the living under the Constitution is better then living under Sharia law.

[smokey the elder]

Oh, you have that right! At least you can change the Constitution. Sharia is an invention of the devil, IMO.

[Puckstop31]

I'm glad Bush is outta there and finally we see the light.

Times they are a changing and yes, I'm ready for that change.

I too am glad GWB is gone. But what light do you speak of? What change? Obama's economic policies are the same, only on steroids. We are still in Iraq, will be in Iraq and are increasing our presence in Afghanistan.

Are we really prepared to bankrupt our posterity?

[RICHARD]

I had a wonderful conversation w/a Canuckian who said to me, ?You mericans are anal about your patriotism'.

I loved it she was comfortable enough to say that to me.
Later on I thought about all the Yahoos who want to give some of our rights to scummy pirates and terrorists.

No Thanks, I am too brainwashed with patriotism to let some Jackhole share my Constitution.

They can have yours.