Quote from ARogueTrader:
Yes, let's use a little common sense.
1. To stick with a rigid literal reading of the constitution without allowing for the social changes that the founding fathers never considered or even thought possible is lacking in common sense.
2. To say that socialism has nothing to offer to society is an extreme and narrow position, equal to saying that capitalism has nothing to offer to society.
3. It is a balance between the needs of the individuals and the needs of the society that should take precedent.
4. How can we be bound by a fixed and unalterable constitution designed for 13 colonies in a day where there wasn't the type of world economy and information exchange there is today?
5. In the days of the colonists, there was no upward mobility for women and minorities, or most of the poor. Education was not available, etc.
6. The Constitution has to grow with our society, and sometimes that means change.
7. I am all in favor of common sense, and if Jefferson and Franklin were alive today I am convinced that they and others would be more of a social activist mind than a pure capitalistic intellect.
8. I suspect they would be properly balanced between states rights and the need for a federal government to protect the rights of the smaller states and individuals...as well as balanced between the ideals of capitalism and the ideals of socialism.
I'm having so many problems with my computer right now I took the liberty of numbering each of your remarks and numbering my response accordingly.
1. The rigid literal reading of the Constitution IS FOR OUR BENEFIT. Donât think that because these men lived over 200 years ago they lacked foresight. While not all the framers of the Constitution were as well versed in ancient history as Jefferson, his knowledge had a profound effect on the body. He studied ancient civilizations, their governments and history like you study the market. Because of inherit attributes of human nature, history repeats itself if left unchecked. The constraints of the Constitution are for own protection. Its what perserves our individual and collective freedom. That document and the impact it has had on the lives of its citizens resenates around the world. What other country do people risk their lives to live in.
2. Donât confuse Socialism with social conscience. Without a social conscience, civilization becomes stagnate. Socialism limits empowerment, while social conscience is actually empowering. Socialism by its very nature robs people of the motivation to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. Capitalism has its own reward. Many elements of the service industry, while capitalistic in nature, are actually the result of social conscience.
3. If I have a need, should I expect you to fulfill that need or take it upon myself? Caring for the sick, elderly, physically or mentally impaired is the responsibility of society. Necessity is the mother of invention. Americans today have relinquished personal responsibility onto the shoulders of government. Consequently, collectively and individually we are taxed to the point that many people are unable to fight their way out of a wet paper bag. Money we have sweated for is given to others who have no appreciation of our toil. It is squandered by the government and eventually finds its way into private hands, either within our own citizenry or other nations.
4. Some elements of the Constitution should remain unaltered i.e. the limiting powers of Government. The problems they encountered 200 years ago were not so very different than what we encounter today. Because weâre dealing on a larger scale, it seems more complex. The complexity is of our own making. The K.I.S.S. method is always the most effective. Instead of looking to change the Constitution, understand what it really is. Every time Congress wants to pass a new law, they should first ask themselves and inform âthe peopleâ where in the Constitution the power to make that law is found.
5. Well now, that is one of those things that had to evolve isnât it. The Constitution does not place limits on access. While not on the scale we see today, education was far more available than we think. Certainly the poor were less educated, but as time elapsed, it became evident that an educated citizenry was essential. There were several Colleges prior to the Revolution.
6. What parts have to change? What hasnât been accounted for? The Constitution isnât whats broken here.
7. Donât place any bets on that. While they were proponents of social equality, Socialism is one of the things they were trying to lead us away from. You can be a social activists and still conform to the Constitution. This is a Republic, not a democracy. There is no stability in true democracies where the will and WHIM of the people prevail. Inconsistancies from generation to generation undermines stability. Each generation has to function with the knowledge that the freedoms they enjoy today will be there
tomorrow.
8. Individual rights are protected under the Bill of Rights. As for the States, the Constitution is quite clear about the role of the Federal Government with regards to its powers over the States. Bear in mind, as far as the Framers of the Constitution were concerned each State (and Indian Territory) is considered a separate Country within the borders of the United States. Thatâs why each has its own governing body. Unfortunately, many Americans either havenât learned this or have forgotten it. Politicians of the past have given up our sovereignty. The Federal Government has exceeded it power.
The Constitution wasnât something just thrown together one summer. Jefferson in particular had been formulating in his own mind for some time the ideal government. Contrasting each idea against ancient history.
Educators are great at espousing the virtues of the Federalists Papers. However it is the Anti-Federalists Papers that will expand your understanding.
