On The Constitution [Weirddave]

There is always a lot of talk about ways to "fix" the Constitution. I've always thought that Bill Whittle had the best answer to that: "We don't need to fix the Constitution, we need to follow it". He's exactly right, but only if we are dealing with the same quality of men as the founders. I think history easily demonstrates that we're not. We now have 230 years of experience with the document in practice, we've seen the loopholes and machinations used to subvert the intent of the founders. The purpose of this thread is to discuss what changes we can make to bring it back in line with what the founders intended.

Things I'd clean up

There's nothing wrong with the wording of the 2nd Amendment at all, but the preamble gives room for all kinds of mischief from activists. I'd get rid of it.

The 17th has to go.

The 14th needs to be clarified that just being born on US soil doesn't give you citizenship. I'm not sure how the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" could be any clearer, but we need to make it so.

The last three words of Section 1 of the 24th should be dropped.

Things I'd add

Term limits for Congress. No person shall serve more than 4 terms in the house and 2 in the Senate. 20 years in DC is more than enough, go get a real job.

Congress shall pass no bill of more than 4500 words. That was enough for the Constitution itself, it's plenty for any laws.

Any regulations proposed by any agency of the U.S. Government must be individually passed by a 60% majority of both houses of Congress before it goes into effect.

The SCOTUS may only issue a ruling of "yes" or "no" regarding the constitutionality of any law. No dissent. No commentary. No anything, just yes or no. If the ruling is no, it's up to Congress to rewrite the law. If the SCOTUS doesn't like it, they can strike it down again.

All laws expire after 5 years. If it's a good law, you can pass it again for another 5, and so on.

The 16th Amendment shall be changed so that it allows only a flat tax, applicable to EVERY citizen or legal resident and business with no deductions allowed. Whatever the rate is (I'm thinking 15%), it takes a 4/5th vote of both houses of Congress to raise it. It can be lowered with a simple majority vote.

Laws can only bear on the actions of an individual, not on his or her thought process. No such thing as a hate crime.

A person's race can not be used as any type of qualification, positively or negatively, for any position in government.

Clarify that the Constituion prohibits the establishment of a state religion. It does not prohibit religious expression by public officials or entities.

Things I'm thinking about

Term limits for SCOTUS.

A third branch of Congress whose sole job is to repeal any legislation or regulation it desires.

An exclusion of religious entities promoting violence or crime from 1st Amendment protections.

Giving Congress the power to vote to overturn court decisions.

What would you add?

Edited to add I forgot to say no withholding of taxes from the paycheck. Everyone has to write a check for their 15% every month.

posted by Open Blogger at 08:57 PM

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