Thursday, December 4, 2008

The "Equal Opportunity to Govern" Amendment

Hmm...I found this reading to be particularly interesting. I really didn't expect to be hung up in my decision at all. When I was presented the topic I honestly thought I would say: the Constitution is the Constitution so how could that holy piece of paper ever be wrong? While I could really see both sides of the argument (and had a tough time choosing which side to be on), I think the following sentence really summed it up for / struck out to me as I was gnawing over which side to support:

"Many constitution scholars argue the Constitution should be amended only for pressing reasons, and amendments should be construed with a view to the well-being of future generations...Until the American people determine otherwise, the clause should remain."

This all goes back to what we were discussing in class today. While the framers of the Constitution were not perfect or almighty during their time, they weren't dumb. I think that until there really is a pressing reason to have this amended (as the framers intended it to be--changing the Constitution only when it was a real necessity), it shouldn't even be a real worry.

So, for now, leave it the way it is. Although I've gotta admit I really thought the "20 year requirement" along with testing was a great idea.

The framers must've been pretty swell guys.