Thoughts on U.S. Constitution

Today I received a phone call from my cousin in Florida regarding my previous blog on health care reform. We had a good conversation and he brought up many valid points which made for a good debate. I agree with him that the current bill has a lot to be desired, but as I said before, at least it’s a start. Hopefully, someday the Republicans and Democrats will set their differences aside long enough to work out a good plan that appeases everyone, but sadly, it’s probably not going to happen.

One thing that he mentioned during our conversation was what he felt was disrespect directed at the U.S. Constitution. He spoke of people who have claimed that the Constitution is out of date and does not apply to us today, and he asked if I felt the same way. Well, here is my response to his question. No, I don’t think the Constitution is outdated and I have the utmost respect for it and for what it stands for. However, I do believe people too conveniently yell “it’s unconstitutional” every time they don’t agree with something. Because just like the Bible, the Constitution is open to interpretation. The Constitution is there to protect “We the people,” but it is also a work in progress, the twenty-seven amendments attached to it indicate that. The original premise of the Constitution obviously still exists, but times change, people change, and technology has progressed to levels that our forefathers could have never even imagined. Our nation has evolved over the last three hundred, therefore, it is necessary for our Constitution to evolve and adapt as well.

So, the next time you find yourself compelled to voice your support for the sanctity of the Constitution just keep in mind that without change to the Constitution it would be illegal to drink alcohol, there would be no freedom of speech, no right to bear arms, no women’s right to vote, and slavery would still be legal.