General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Amendment 2 Blues [View all]I think that everything in the Constitution is there for a reason. It's worth our while, should we try to be responsible citizens, to learn both "how" and "why" it contains the things it does. I think it's fair to say that the Bill of Rights focuses less on if a specific right existed on its own, and more on the fact that because of human nature, there would be attempts to deny people their rights.
Obviously, it is a good thing that the Constitution, properly understood, was not written on stone tablets. It's not to be worshipped, and kept separate and secret from people in their daily lives. It's the muscles of democracy, in need of constant exercising.
It also provides for some almost humorous contradictions. For example, Amendment 1 provides for freedom of religion. Yet, in 1978, the Congress passed the Native American Religious Freedom Act. Apparently, some viewed Native American belief systems as, well, foreign to the American experience. Thus, these "religions" required something in the way of additional protects in our complex society. And since 1978, the federal courts have been consistent in denying traditional Native Americans religious freedom, and justifying it by way of this law.
Thanks for taking my response in the manner it was intended. I always enjoy civil discussions of even the most emotional of topics found on DU. I appreciate that you do, too.