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.

4 comments:

~CAH said...

I really like how you backed up your idea with the quote in from the reading. That bold part is really powerful.

BBilly said...

I never really thought about it like that. You're right to take an "if it aint' broke don't fix it" approach, but I do also like the idea of tweaking the constitution if we have to. Who knows what the future will bring for this country's rules and regulations... and yes, I'm sure the framers were swell guys...

Lauren Garay said...

Great job backing up your opinion with evidence aka the quote! I really didn't think about it as you explained - but I like it and I agree with your theory. Although the framers couldn't predict the things in the future they had a important reasoning behind this rule. I just basically restated what you said...but yes I agree! :)

Minion47 said...

I'm glad on how you've looked at the situation from both sides. You've obviously thought about the problem,(unlike some)and posted areasonable point that alot of people can agree with. You're an inspiration to us Naturalized citizens. You may not realize it but you are.