Since the election went south for a particular party, we've heard criticism of President Obama over a statement over the fallibility of the Constitution. I've heard comments ranging from misguided sarcasm to gullible nonsense. Here is why I believe he is, in fact, in the right to view the constitution as fallible and flawed.
First, we have multiple amendments that have changed the original document. Amendments also change or nullify each other. Now, I can here my skeptics now. "Those are AMENDMENTS they are not part of the original." Our greatest freedoms come from the amendments. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the prohibition of illegal search and seizure. Despite the gravity of these amendments, that fact that time has shown the need for more amendments to be added and the need for amendments that nullify other amendments proves that the American people themselves do not truly believe that the constitution is perfect.
Second, the nature of portions of the Constitution shows that our society evolves. We periodically decide that certain aspects do not align with our view of human rights. Article 1 Section 2 Paragraph 3 states that those bound to service only count as 3/5 of a person. Flaw. The Constitution is not flawless. We count everyone has whole people. This document is not sacred or perfect. It is ethnocentric of us to equate the constitution into terms used for the Christian's holy scriptures- infallible.
Third, many conservatives like to point out their right to bear arms. This is the hot button Obama is looking at. We've already established that we have seen cases when we learn new things, or change out views. We then evolve our constitution to match. When Obama challenges the conservative view on the right to bear arms, a sea of glorious outrage ensues. However, when people like Tommy Chong are faced with jail time because of illegal search and seizure, violations of his privacy, and entrapment, we hardly hear a soft whimper in the night. Conservative also cry out when the 10th Amendment (limitations on Federal power) is violated. States rights is a powerful aspect of the conservative party. I am personally for states rights to some degree. However, the same people will push for Federal intervention when a state votes in favor for the legalization of marijuana or gay marriage. It's all the same cookie jar folks, either the hand stays out or that hand is in wiggling around on all the cookies.
So, in short, the Constitution has its flaws. Also, the application of it has always been a hot sweaty mess we'll forever engage in. I would prefer to live in a nation that values debate and entertains the possibility that the ol' powdered wigs were short of gods.
