Most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence also participated in the framing of the Constitution. The first document, the Articles of Confederation, resulted in states fighting over western territories and trying to regulate interstate commerce, so the Founders went back to the drawing board and ended up with the Constitution.
It wasn’t perfect, of course; that’s one reason we have amendments, addressing issues not in the original document, such as freedom of speech, religion, the right of people to assemble, protection against unlawful search and seizure. Those brilliant so-called originalists have managed to realize that there weren’t cell phones in the 18th century, but still rule on gun regulations as if we were all shooting muskets.
One obviously has to wonder what people like Adams, Jefferson, or Franklin must think when they see how the Supreme Court has twisted it like a pretzel. For example, saying that an ephemeral waterway is not a stream so industry can pollute it is utter nonsense. Of course, those midget minds probably only drink bottled water.
Prayer for the Day
You, who summons the earth from the rising of the sun
And keeps us in your heart until the sun sets no more,
Impart to us your wisdom, immerse us in your justice
So we reflect your will as we strive to care for others.
Engage us into conversation with the One
Who calls us to reflect your righteousness.
In the name of the One who calls us to justice,
Even Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The chemistry of water is dependent on how you manage the entire watershed, not just pieces of it. These streams are a critical source of water and pollutants and have to be regulated.
Peter Raymond, Oastler Professor of Biochemistry, Yale University
When the Supreme Court narrowed the scope of the federal Clean Water Act, it did so by referring to abstract dictionary definitions rather than science. This research underscores the impact of that approach since, by our estimate, over half of annual discharge from U.S. drainage networks will no longer be protected by the Act.
Doug Kysar, Yale Law School
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled with all pleasant and precious riches.
Proverbs 24:3-4