Today is the birthday of the supreme law of our land, adopted by the Constitutional Convention on this day, September 17, 1787. What I want to know is, in the 220 years since this baby was signed, has the Constitution of the United States of America ever been as threatened as it is today? From Bush's superfluous (and criminal!) use of signing statements, eroding the balance of power within the government, to the USA PATRIOT Act, stripping us of our rights and liberties, this magnificent document is vulnerable, susceptible to the malevolent forces at work in our government. With this administration, I fear that we may not have another 220 days with our Constitution, let alone another 220 years. Is my fear unfounded? Will our Constitution survive the George W. Bush White House? I hope so. My wish is that I will be celebrating the birthday of our Constitution for years to come. Even if I am doing so as an ex-pat in another country...
Now, on a lighter, albeit related note, while I do not find any levity in the escalating loss of liberty here in the US (thanks to the USA PATRIOT Act and the like), I appreciate that Jack Handy can still make me chuckle in a way only Jack Handy can. Enjoy…
from Deepest Thoughts: So Deep They Squeak
"If somebody told me it wasn't “fashionable” to talk about freedom, I think I’d have to look him square in the eye and say, ‘Okay, you tell me what’s ‘fashionable.’” But he won’t. And you know why? Because you can’t ask someone what’s fashionable in a smart-alecky way like that. You have to be friendly and say, “By the way, what’s fashionable?” ~Jack Handy
1 comment:
Our constitution is in trouble, no doubt. But I'm more optimistic about the ruggedness of our Constitution, because I'm keenly aware of the historical parallels. During most wars, the executive branch has used fear to extend its power and remove rights. I think liberals were as afraid of what Nixon might do in ~1974 as they are of Bush now--a war on, an executive in deepening scandals and highly unpopular. It's arguable that the restrictions of rights during World Wars I and II were far worse; racist concentration camps in WW II, outright suppression of all dissent during WW I. And of course, the suspension of habeas corpus by Lincoln during the Civil War, and imprisonment of US citizens indefinitely.
So I'm optimistic. But the reason I'm optimistic is that in each age, there have been Americans committed to the cause of liberty, who have opposed these restrictions on liberty, and removed them as soon as they could. And they are fighting against the Bush administration now, and are more powerful than they have ever been, in part because of the ability of citizens to use the Internet to join together for the cause of liberty.
Blog for freedom!
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