Constitution Day? Now what’s that?
September 18, 2009 Leave a comment
Once again Constitution Day passed with nary a mention — and small wonder. To draw attention to a day that honors the Constitution might lead to citizens actually reading it. And this is something government officials would likely discourage. You see, while they have long praised the Constitution with their words, they have just as long ignored its authority with their actions. If citizens were actually aware of the principles contained in the Constitution and knew the limitations it placed on the federal government they might begin to ask embarrassing questions.
Can’t have that.
The Constitution authorizes the federal government to perform 35 specifically enumerated tasks. These tasks are delegated to the government by the people of the United States. Anything beyond those 35 actions is prohibited. At least that’s what Thomas Jefferson said. I seem to recall he knew a thing or two about the Constitution and its intent. Anyway, he said…
“Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated [in the constitution].”
But the Obama administration disagrees. Obama has appointed “Czars” (an office not authorized by the Constitution) to oversee various aspects of the government. These “Czars” dictate policy (an action not authorized by the Constitution) that carries the weight of law. Many of these dictates are contrary to the Constitution. Just a few examples include:
- “Czar” Cass Sunstein advocating that Obama, not courts, should interpret the law (in direct violation of the Constitution).
- “Czar” Cass Sunstein seeking to establish censorship in the form of, what he calls, the “New Deal Fairness Doctrine” (in direct violation of the first amendment to the Constitution).
- “Czar” Cass Sunstein wants to take money away from the American’s who earned it and give it to “poorer” nations because he thinks that would be more “fair” (an action with no authorization in the Constitution).
Once was the day when politicians at least pretended to respect the Constitution. This current batch apparently doesn’t see the need. They make no secret of their disdain for the document nor try to hide their intentions to ignore its limitations. They clearly consider themselves above the law and beyond being accountable to the people.
Fortunately there is a move afoot to stop viewing Washington, D.C. oligarchs as having any legitimate authority. There are alternatives — Constitutional alternatives.
Hope you had a good Constitution Day.