.jpg)
"I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of inspiration, but I am satisfied that it is as much the work of a Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament." ~ Benjamin Rush *
What is the Constitution?
The Constitution of the United States is the most important document in United States history following the Declaration of Independence. It was signed September 17, 1787 by George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and thirty-five (35) others with "the Unanimous Consent of the States" in order to "establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty" for "We the People of the United States."
The Constitution establishes the legislative powers that govern our nation via Congress "which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives." It also establishes the power of the President, Vice-President, all civil officers, the Supreme Court, and how each State and it's citizens shall be governed by those powers.
Just two years later in 1789 the Bill of Rights was established "in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers" by adding ten (10) Amendments to the Constitution. Over the next 200+ years, seventeen (17) more Amendments have been added for a grand total of twenty-seven (27) Amendments. These include such notable favorites as the 22nd Amendment which limits a President to no more than two (2) terms, and the 26th Amendment (Passed by Congress March 23, 1971; Ratified July 1, 1971) which allows citizens the right to vote at age eighteen (18).
Time for a New Amendment?
Now there is a new idea circulating amongst U.S. citizens on the internet: A 28th Amendment to the Constitution. It has sprung out of a very real need for the politicians in Washington D.C. to have the same rights and privileges as the people they represent. No more and no less.
It only makes sense that those men and women, who are a mere sampling of the people they represent, be United States citizens who are subject to all of the same laws and rules under which United States citizens live.
Therefore the 28th Amendment could read as such:
AMENDMENT XXVIII
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply
equally to United States Senators and those of the House of Representatives; likewise, Congress
shall make no law that applies to the Senators or Representatives that does not apply equally to
the citizens of the United States."
How This Concept could be Applied
In relation to such controversial topics as Government-run health care, we need not fear that our elected officials will pass into law that which they themselves have not approved out of due diligence for themselves and their loved ones. And if by law our elected officials are entitled to health care for the rest of their lives, we their fellow citizens can be assured that we will too shall receive the same health care for the rest of our lives.
Sticking to our Principals
If we still operate under the principals of our Declaration of Independence and believe "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed", then whatever power these Government officials have, that power is derived from us, those who are governed, and we acknowledge that these officials are equal, not inferior or superior to us.
So for those who ascribe to the concept that some people are more equal than others, this 28th Amendment to the Constitution will help to ensure it simply is not so - at least, not here in America.
What do You Think?
Submit your response in the Poll below (no sign up necessary):
photo credit: Eagle and American Flag by Bubbels
* quote taken from "If You Read Just One Book This Year ..."
Comments
this should have been the first ammendment
The most important line in the US Constitution: "Congress shall make no law", would make a great amendment all on its own.
From Federalist 57 Paragraph 12 /13
“The Alleged Tendency of the New Plan to Elevate the Few at the Expense of the Many Considered in Connection with Representation”
New York Packet Tuesday February 19th, 1788
James Madison
I will add, as a fifth circumstance in the situation of the House of Representatives, restraining them from oppressive measures, that they can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interests and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates into tyranny. If it be asked, what is to restrain the House of Representatives from making legal discriminations in favor of themselves and a particular class of the society? I answer:
I have to disagree with the aspects of a 28th Amendment, simply because it is our responsibility to insure that WE elect persons of High Moral Values and Virtues. We are to blame for this mess, so now we have to get busy an get others involved in returning our Republic back to its original form.
Because the electorate is increasingly detached and ignorant to the process of their government, I would be all for this amendment. Before it is too late!
Yes this ammendment should be passed. So should a balanced budget ammendment, a term limits ammendment, and an ammendment that nullifies that 17th ammendment and returns the populating of the Senate back to the originial Constitutional way, appointment by the state legislatures so the Senate can again enforce some common sense and not be exposed to raw electoral politics.
First - it's spelled a-m-e-n-d-m-e-n-t! Sorry, but misspelling is a 'thing' with me! Anyway, I have to agree with "battleforce" - WE are the government, and WE need to make sure that WE vote people in who honestly follow the ideals of the Constitution. If there is displeasure with the Senate and House, then WE are to blame, but WE can also fix the situation. Vote - don't start messing with the Constitution for something that is already inherently in the document.
It is bizarre to me that our elected officials can just opt out of following the same rules as they declare we must follow. LAME and WRONG.
It is a great concept would Love to see it happen, I bleieve it has the chance of a snow ball in H of happening.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!