Posted on Fri, 02/01/2008 - 19:59 — by P5Ret
Ok looking for some opinions here, my question is this: Should a Congressperson or Senator who in their Oath of Office SWEARS to SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, be allowed to attack parts of the Constitution that they do not agree with. In particular the 2nd Ammendment. I do not want to start a gun control debate, just looking for thoughts on the question.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 358
Report RealAmerica
I believe the Constitution has provisions for changing it built-in, so this can quickly become a circular argument.
I believe the framers of the Constitution would frown upon any changes that remove or restrict rights, though. With personal freedom comes responsibility, and I believe the framers were just trying to insure that we would have a level playing field for everyone to explore the relationship of freedom to responsibility.
RealAmerica
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 307
Report P5Ret
I agree as I was taught in school the Constitution is a living document that can be ammeded and added to as time progresses. Like prohibtion the 18th Ammedment was added and removed, through legislative procedure. Should there be a ratification procedure for any changes that restrict or change any of the rights granted under the Constitution.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 85
Report leatherneck2
The capability to change the constitution is built into Article V, wherein two thirds of both houses are required to propose a constitutional amendment and ratification by three fourths of the states is required for enacting the amendment. There are currently 27 amendments that have been ratified.
To the question of opposing and/or attacking a portion of the Constitution of the United States by a Congressman or Senator, I cannot come up with any reason that such action would be a problem unless that individual deliberately violated it or failed to enforce it. Such actions would be in violation of their oath, but trying to change it clearly is not such a violation.
Edited 2/1/2008 4:04 pm by leatherneck2
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 135
Report SJT1
Politicians should leave the Constitution alone, period. To those Leftist politicians who desire a change or two or three that goes contrary to the spirit of our great document, they are not worthy of their position neither are they worthy of being called Americans. If they desire to attack the Constitution, then let them do so on some foreign soil where their safety and well being can be assured if possible.
Edited 2/1/2008 10:03 pm by SJT1