Gene Healy has a fantastic post over at the CATO institute regarding the recent debate over trying to get Congress to actually read legislation before they vote on it (which I think is an excellent idea)
But, as Healy points out, there’s something closer to the root that we should be demanding first – the Constitution itself. Here’s an excerpt:
If congressmen can’t be bothered to read a law that directly affects them, should we be surprised that they’re not planning to read the health care bill, which won’t?
But, even assuming we could force legislators to read the bills, would that lead to better government? Maybe not.
Federal law has become incomprehensible because Congress has inserted itself into every area of American life. As James Madison explained, though, Congress’s constitutional powers are “few and defined…. [to be] exercised principally on external objects,” like foreign policy and international trade.
Read the bills? It’s more important for congressmen to read the Constitution. They’ll be pleased to learn that it’s short and written in plain English.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Great commentary Michael.
Until congress reverts back to Consitutional Law vs. Case Law…their reading the text is actually useless – but we still need to expose this! At the same time, we must hold them accountable to the Original Intent of the Cconstitution (defined during the Consitutional Convention and events shortly thereafter). If they will not take a pricipled stand regardless of party affiliation (and do a 180), we must elect representatives who will adhere to our Charter Documents. The 10-4 Pledge (and the much anticipated Forgotten Men gamechanger) will help us do that.
-Joshua
http://www.ForgottenMen.com
November 5th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Well said, sir! I agree – it's essential to expose the proper role of the government under the constitution….while at the same time, I hold virtually no hope that the federal government will ever choose to limit its own power. Thus, the nullification push on a state-level as Jefferson, Madison and others recommended.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
As Governor I will implement the constitution even if they have not read it… Colorado; The new frontier for free markets and freedom…[youtube 1l20mgDhN64 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l20mgDhN64 youtube]