Almost everyone in America has an opinion on the Supreme Court and what its role should be regarding the Constitution and legislation. The problem, of course, is that very few people in America have ever really read the Constitution, that document framed in 1787. Its writers created a mechanism for making changes, called Amendments, but apart from a few of them, most Americans have no idea what the Constitution or Amendments actually say.
One of the great debates is between the so-called “originalists,” those persons who claim they interpret laws as the 18thh century writers intended. But they stretch their interpretations just as much as the so-called “modernists.”
The great Chief Justice John Marshall once wrote, that the purpose of the “Necessary and Proper” clause was to ensure that the Constitution was to endure and would be “adapted to the various crises of human affairs.” Those crises have changed over the years, and now we face a Court in the name of so-called originalism may not adapt itself to such crises in an impartial manner but based on partisanship and narrow thinking..
Prayer for the Day
Eternal Spirit of justice and mercy, we pray for your help,
For in this time we feel there is little justice and less mercy;
We confuse justice with vengeance and mercy with pity,
And we need a vision of your mercy to keep us on the steady path.
Stir us by the power of your Spirit and soak us in the water of your love,
So we have the strength to live as you would have us live.
In the name of him who showed us the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it.
Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer (1828-1910)
Since when do you have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?
Lillian Hellman, American writer (1905-1984)
Partiality in judging is not good. Whoever says to the wicked, “you are innocent,”
Will be curse by peoples, abhorred by nations;
But those who rebuke the wicket will have delight
And a good blessing will come upon them.
One who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips
Proverbs 24: 23-26