215 years ago today

[Little-Acorn]

215 years ago today, on Dec. 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified, to become part of the U.S. Constitution.

It mentioned some of the more important rights of the people, and laid down specific prohibitions against government infringing on those rights. It also pointed out that those weren't the only rights people had. Finally, it declared that the powers of government listed in the Constitution, WERE the only powers the Fed government had.

215 years ago tomorrow, on Dec. 16, 1791, lawyers who wanted bigger government than the Constitution allowed, began arguing that the Constitution and Bill of Rights didn't really say those things, and/or could be ignored. And they've been trying to make people believe it ever since.

 

[Dr Grump]

The US Constitution is a living document. Such is life....

 

[Hobbit]

The US Constitution is a living document. Such is life....

That's just a lame excuse for treating it as toilet paper.

 

[BaronVonBigmeat]

It is a living document, in the sense that it has an amendment process. But that's like, hard and stuff. It's much easier to just appoint politicians to the supreme court.

Next time I get a speeding ticket, I will try and argue that the anti-speeding statutes are a living document.

 

[Dr Grump]

That's just a lame excuse for treating it as toilet paper.

In what way?

 

[Dr Grump]

It's much easier to just appoint politicians to the supreme court.

And therein lies the rub....

 

[Little-Acorn]

The US Constitution is a living document.

It is better referred to as an "enduring" document. It says very little that was particular to colonial times when it was written, but puts forth general philosophy and boundaries instead. It describes offices and their functions, and basically says that the Fed govt can have certain powers but is forbidden all others. All others are left for the state and lower governments to exercise, if they wanted them exercised at all.

And that philosophy and boundaries are as valid today, as they were in 1789-91. They just get ignored a lot by the people (in both parties) who want big government and don't mind violating the Constitution to get it.

 

[Dr Grump]

It is better referred to as an "enduring" document. It describes offices and their functions, and basically says that the Fed govt can have certain powers but is forbidden all others. All others are left for the state and lower governments to exercise, if they wanted them exercised at all.

And that philosophy is as valid today, as it was in 1789-91. It just gets ignored a lot by the people who want big government, from both parties.

Yep...