Two days ago, I read several articles about people with power and authority in various states that want to re-write the Constitution. So, I posted this...
Good afternoon - looking for some responses to this post. I came across several articles that mention a number of states desire to convene a Constitutional Convention with the idea of changing our Constitution. I am supplying a few links (Some with some 'vintage') for your review (should you be interested). The push has come mostly from Republicans but NOT exclusively... but my simple question is this...
Should the Constitution be changed?
The links I mention will be at the end of this post.
I was surprised at the few responses I received. My favorite from a friend was simply "NO", and I agree with their sentiment. The American Constitution, while an amazing document, is not flawless. Written by powerful, well-educated men of their time it contains implied views and words that in today' jargon may be misconstrued. For that reason, they allowed the inclusion of amendments so that this fine document could evolve over time using a process that allows the people to decide throughout the country if any change is needed. It even has the built-in safeguard of allowing an amendment to correct a badly placed amendment that does not reflect the will of the people. My example of that is the 18th Amendment AKA Prohibition (1919) which restricted alcohol manufacture and distribution for consumption. It was later overturned by the 21st Amendment (1933) because the American people decided that was not what they really wanted... mistake corrected
I was surprised at the few responses I received. My favorite from a friend was simply "NO", and I agree with their sentiment. The American Constitution, while an amazing document, is not flawless. Written by powerful, well-educated men of their time it contains implied views and words that in today' jargon may be misconstrued. For that reason, they allowed the inclusion of amendments so that this fine document could evolve over time using a process that allows the people to decide throughout the country if any change is needed. It even has the built-in safeguard of allowing an amendment to correct a badly placed amendment that does not reflect the will of the people. My example of that is the 18th Amendment AKA Prohibition (1919) which restricted alcohol manufacture and distribution for consumption. It was later overturned by the 21st Amendment (1933) because the American people decided that was not what they really wanted... mistake corrected
Overall, Amendments can give rights and privileges or regulate certain areas of the nation or Government. These Amendments can be implemented at any time but require serious consideration and formal voting from the entirety of Congress, and then the various states of the United States. They allow the Constitution to evolve at a pace and with safeguards to ensure they reflect the true will of the people, sometimes after the people realize they made an error. To change the core of the constitution lends itself to a possibility of not being able to change this fine document. That those in power at the time - or even the mood of the people - may change it so that it can no longer be changed and thus end the America we know.
No, the risk is to great to change the fundamental document. Instead leave the Amendment process. It is rigorous and yet flexible.
No, the risk is to great to change the fundamental document. Instead leave the Amendment process. It is rigorous and yet flexible.
The links mentioned:
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