“There’s nothing mysterious
about our Constitution”

 

Published November 20, 2007

 

In a recent letter “Rather than secede, clarify the Constitution” the author suggested that we hold a constitutional convention to “….rewrite the Constitution…..in modern-English terms that would be understood by all.”

 

The notion that the Constitution is some mystical, magical document, indiscernible to all but a small group of wizards wearing pointy hats and hiding in a forest has existed for a long time. I suspect this perception was fostered by politicians and college professors who seek to be recognized as “Constitutional Experts” so that they can act as “gatekeepers” of constitutional knowledge, thereby enabling them to “interpret” the Constitution in ways that support their own views.

 

While I would never claim to be an expert, I have, on several occasions, innocently approached men who spoke as such with the information I had gleaned from the writings of the Founders.  In EVERY case, it seemed as though as soon as my listener realized that I might actually know what I’m talking about, he would begin to blather about his “learned opinion” while crab-walking toward the nearest exit.

 

The Constitution is VERY clearly written and is, in fact, a very simple document.  Questions about certain parts of it are more than adequately addressed in the Founders’ VOLUMINOUS writings.

 

I’ve written an essay in which I explain, IN THE FOUNDERS’ OWN WORDS, the reasons behind having an appointed Senate and the Electoral College, as well as dispelling several myths such as the Supreme Court being the highest authority on the Constitutionality of laws and the notion that the ”general welfare” term grants Congress extensive leeway to do whatever it wants.

 

Anyone interested can read “Democracy Versus Freedom” on the “Politics and Government” page at http://www.mississippimusclehead.com/

 

Or, you can continue believing the “experts,” and keep wondering why things seem so crazy.