It’s Constitution Day again.
I didn’t need the results of a June 2011 Pew poll to know that there is an ideological chasm over the interpretation of the Constitution.
I was reminded of this past summer when some House Democrats recommended that President Barack Obama should invoke a “little-known constitutional provision to prevent the nation from going into default if Congress fails to come up with a plan to raise the debt ceiling.” The 14th Amendment states that the validity of the nation’s public debt “shall not be questioned.” Could you imagine the drama if the President, THIS President, had invoked that clause, for which there was no historic precedent?
Meanwhile, there was talk by some House Republicans calling for a balanced budget amendment. It seems that, in every session of Congress, there are always Constitutional amendments suggested. Most don’t even make it out of committee, and not everyone that passes both Houses of Congress will be ratified by three-fourths of the states.
Now here’s a Constitution amendment I could get behind; it too shall never pass in this political climate.
Anyway, I urge Americans to read their Constitution. It’s not usually filled with pretty words like the Declaration of Independence. In fact, people, including at least one running for President of the United States in 2012, have confused the documents. (Hint: the Constitution is NOT the one with “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”) But, if you’re looking for a shortcut, know that the 18th and 21st Amendments cancel each other out.
***
Til the 19th Amendment Struck Down That Restrictive Rule from Schoolhouse Rock.
Sorry, Roger! That is too complicated for me!
Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment;o)
¤ Have a great weekend¤
Roger, I am a great fan of reading the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration (my hub and I both watch “1776” every July 4). It’s amazing how many folks, especially (sorry to pick them out) Tea Party members, who should be the MOST informed about our basic principles, have no clue that we were not formed on Judeo-Christian principles; that most of the Founders were Deists at best… sort of Universalists, really.
As far as amending that insane “corporations are people” rule, I have one question for the Supreme Court… If, say, GE is a person, where are its vocal chords and lungs? Does it have a gender? Clearly, the right wing is drunk on Koch/Heritage Foundation jaunts, let alone Alito not recusing himself from the Cheney case after playing 18 holes of golf with him, or Thomas’ wife profiting from her husband’s position.
Prohibition (the only one we have had to repeal, see your notes above) was a failure; therefore, I believe that, at the very least, hemp should be grown IN THE U.S., not imported; it should be controlled re: THC content; and, most importantly, it should be taxed, with a percentage of the profits designated for drug treatment centers.
I never saw one spouse beat another when the were stoned. I’ve witnessed plenty at beer binges. Also, Phillip Morris, et al., could convert their deadly tobacco crop to Hemp quite easily… and the whole plant is useful!
Loved this post, Roger. Thanks for being a REAL patriot – one who exercised his first amendment right to speak out. You’re my kind of American. Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/tightwire-3ww-sun-scribs/