The Goal Is Freedom: Was the Constitution Really Meant to Constrain Government

intended by the Constitution, have been under assault since its ratification. There are so many provisions and key phrases that have been judicially interpreted into a non-functional classification, for generations now. That intepretive mechanism continues to this day.

In one of the more famous (infamous?) citations issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. 137, 174 (1803), the court noted that: "It cannot be presumed that any clause in the constitution is intended to be without effect". If so, then what is the "effect" of Article 1, Sec. 10's prohibition regarding a State's acceptance of any Thing but Gold and Silver coin as a tender in payment of debts? If it has no effect, which it clearly does not have, then it has been amended. How was it amended? By one of the mechanisms provided in the Constitution? No; it was "interpreted" into a non-functional legal state, little by little. This is just one of a number of examples, discussions of which have filled entire libraries. Try to raise this argument in a court of law and see how fast it gets shut down. Try making the argument at some mixed social gathering and see the stares as the audience recoils at the notion that "judges" (lawyers wearing a $25.00 black robe) could be so ignorant or corrupt in carrying out their oath of office.

Where were the protests from the citizens, over so many generations, as restraining phrase after phrase was weakened a little, here and there, over time until they became little more than historical artifacts with little or no practical force in the "modern" operation of the Constitution? There were protests. There were those who issued warnings of dire consequences that would eventually result in straying from the clear wording and intent of the Constitution. This is not to say that the entire fault lies with some group of 9 individuals who depend upon the operation of the government in order to secure funds to pay their compensation. There is plenty of blame for everyone.

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"An economy built on fiat money is a society on its way to ashes."

Also could you please tell me where the potholes are?

I don't believe in "intellectual property" but still, it is good manners to identify who wrote something being posted. I'll take the credit (or the blame).

Sheldon Richman

....the reason "why are we in the mess we're in now?" , is because we have not been following the Constitution for a very long time. Since at least 1913 our government (Congress) has been shirking thier duties. No, the government has not been replaced, they just were not following the rules. The Constitution is a rule book, enumerating what the governments ( federal and state) responsibilities are, and what (more importantly) is not within thier purview. Our Congress, President, Supreme Court and Attorney Generals have been ignoring and (intentionally or unintentionally) misinterpreting the contents of the Constitution. Is the Constitution a perfect document, no, it is not. But it is quite possibly the most important paper ever written. It is left vague for specific reasons. (I could go on, but I have to go to work). Peace, out.

It does seem that the politicians can wiggle around every constitutional clause imaginable. I think the founders certainly underestimated the slimeeness of future office-holders. The problem lies I think not with the concept of written constitutional government, but with our current constitutions vagueness. Our next constitution must have complete bluntness in regards to such issues as gun-rights, civil-liberties, sex-rights, etc

most people here have not read it. In fact most Ron Paul supporters have yet to read it. If you can read but don't read, you will know no more than someone who can't read!
But if you read the constitution you need to know some basics. One is that we have a congress that derive their power from the constitution and "powers not specifically granted to the congress by the constitution they do not have."
Nowhere does it say that powers and duties charged to them they can assign to the president. Such as declaring war for instance.
But there is a loophole a big loophole. Because in article 1 section 8 clause 17 there is a country within a country. This country is supposed to be a republic. The country within is a democracy. That is the district of Columbia (The Federal) and their jurisdiction covers only the district of Columbia 10 miles Square. When the congress is in session which jurisdiction are they under. Well all you have to do is look at the flag and if the US Flag is flying then you know. But do you know? Do you? Do you really know what the US Flag looks like. Have you noticed that more and more you are seeing what looks like the US Flag with Gold fringes around three edges. You should know that this flag is not the US Flag but it is the Admiralty flag. That flag represents maritime law (international law). The law like on a ship at sea.
When the house or president pass laws or make laws they can pretty much do what they want under the Constitution as long as they do it under the democracy in Article 1 section 10 clause 17. But they do not have jurisdiction in the states, only on federal territory and enclaves.
But now if you go in to a court any court you will see the gold fringed flag
because they have established jurisdiction by the dumb people who surrender to their jurisdiction and by the Governors and state attorneys selling out and not kicking them out.
The feds should not own any land. the land belongs to the states and it's Citizens. But the Governors have sold out and some don't understand their duty is to protect you and keep you under the jurisdiction you are in.
There is just too much to write to get the point across but at least this is a beginning. One more thing, remember you are a Citizen with a Capital C.
Not a citizen with a lower case c as described in the 14th amendment which was never ratified but illegally adapted by the congress. this was intended to create a new type of citizen totally under their control without any constitutional protection which is what most people now function as without their knowledge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INOjGMELryw