The John Adams Society
G. Larry Colson, Jr. |
Mark Sanquist |
Peder Mewis |
Susan Smith |
| Chairman | Secretary | Chief Whip | Chancellor |
October 2009
I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.
- James Madison
When I use a word, it means what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less.
- Humpty Dumpty
federal disaster relief spending follows every disaster. It is predictable, routine, inept, and unconstitutional. If we reverted to the enumerated powers concept embedded in the Constitution, we would shut down many popular federal programs. But how strictly would we have to follow the written Constitution? Could we make exceptions: To save a city from destruction? In time of war? To avoid or end a depression? To prevent some parents from raising their children ‘incorrectly’?
The answer is clear, if unpleasant. Either the words of the Constitution mean what they say, or they mean nothing at all. We must choose between the rule of law and mob rule. If we wish to have a Constitution, we must abide by its terms even in the face of hardship; even in the face of revolt; even if it means the government must commit suicide.
on the other hand, we have the “constitution” we deserve. We ceased caring about the actual terms of the Constitution when we stopped teaching its words and meaning to our children. We have been bending our interpretation of the Constitution to fit popular whims and liberal fancies for decades. When people claim something is “unconstitutional,” they really mean they want to ban it, and it is quicker and easier to ban something by declaring it “unconstitutional” rather than enacting a law.
THE CHAIRMAN, undecided whether to end it all, or to order another round, has called a debate to settle the question:
Resolved: The Constitution is a Suicide Pact!
The Debate will be held on Wednesday October 21, 2009 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 384-6776 or the Secretary at (952) 887-2553.