Good while it lasted
222 years ago, today, an amazing set of men signed the United States Constitution.
The Constitution defined the parts and duties of our Federal government and had a set of 10 amendments explicitly restricting the power of the government. It was, and remains, an amazing document well worth celebrating.
I, however, propose a new day… of memorial. I propose we identify 3 Feb 1913 as the day the Constitution was struck down with a terminal disease. Why? That was the day the 16th amendment was ratified.
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration
Unlike other amendments that codified individual rights, or which clarified government operating procedures, the 16th amendment granted expansive new Federal powers to to tax and even included a specific exclusion from the requirement to have equal protection under the law. Its 30 words represent an unfortunate break with the spirit and intent of the Constitution – a break it may not survive.
Funded by the 16th amendment, government grew and grew, and with it a permanent political class that would use unlimited taxing power to punish what they don’t like and reward what the do.
Can the Constitution (and our Republic) be saved? Perhaps. We would have to eliminate or severely alter the 16th amendment. I don’t see how that is possible now because so many people depend on it to extract money from others.
Alas, I suspect our nation just marks time now. We wait for the impact at the bottom and wonder how hard it will be.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
As I have already stated, Glen Beck (and all Fox News) is actively trying to clean up Acorn, Obama, and the entire government.
He is currently asking for 56 men (same number as signed the Constitution) to take on the task of reporting corruption of Congressmen/women he can sic his researchers on to expose on his show. He is also advocating a “don’t vote for incumbent” program nationwide for the 2010 elections coming up. I thought you might know of a few. Sign up for his newsletter to get the details. I do not vote for incumbents and have not for years now. But apparently the lazy Americans who recognize a name or don’t vote just keep bring them back. I do not need their “pork” and honest citizens would not either if they paid attention to what is going on. Use your influence there in St George and start a voting revolution (could start with Matheson). Or become one of the men/women who would be willing to run for office to clean up the corruption.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
As much as I would enjoy running for office, I doubt I would like to be in office. I like to be in charge.
I’m definitely in the “Don’t Vote” for incumbents mode. I haven’t for years.