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As I am an enthusiast of American history and founding
documents, my wife is always diligent about discovery of items that relate to
such interests.
Here I picture a coffee mug upon which is printed the
first ten amendments to the Constitution, also known collectively as “The Bill
of Rights”.
According to the National Archives the first ten amendments
to the Constitution were ratified and became effective on December 15, 1791.
It is worth noting that the U.S. Constitution was
originally ratified June 21, 1788.
This means that a call by some to return to the
original Constitution would then leave us without a First Amendment which
protects speech, religion, assembly and other rights. Such a return would leave
us without a Second Amendment…well, you get my point.
Ah…in light of this awkward piece of information, I
suppose the call would then be modified to original Constitution with the Bill
of Rights.
But then what shall we do with that pesky (and
original) Article V which provides for the amendment process. Shall we amend it
to allow only the first ten amendments?
But, if limited to only those ten, we could not
further be able to amend the amendment Article itself.
Perhaps those who call for a return to the original Constitution could enlist M.C. Escher to help them create
something more toward their intentions!
It appears, committed to living in the practical
world, that we are stuck with what the framers of our government intended: a constitution
which could provide an orderly governance yet also be responsive to the needs
of a growing population and changing of culture.
And for those truly eager to become
acquainted with the Constitution, check out Article VII, the second clause (or
paragraph).My accolades to Secretary William Jacson.
