Quote Originally Posted by JMS View Post
It is protected by the constitution but what now protects the constitution?

For more than 30 years now I have seen nothing but growing contempt For our founding principles and the documents that state those principles by none other than our elected officials. "We the people" are this countries last hope.

By the way, I would be honored to have you stand side by side with me if it ever comes down to it.

Ah, great question. What protects it? I'd argue the same thing that always has, three branches of government acting as checks and balances on each other. Granted, those checks and balances do seem to have eroded as balance between the branches has become less important as blind obedience to party/ideological lines (ON BOTH SIDES!!!) has taken over.
Where you and I will fundamentally disagree, I imagine (but would love to hear how/if I am wrong) is whether the actions taken do indeed show that very contempt to which you refer. (I don't, I'm guessing you do!)
I happen to believe that the actions taken by both the courts and the legislature in the past 30 years (or longer, go back to the early Warren court) are an AFFIRMATION of the country's dedication to those very lofty principles, but in so affirming, they must be applied to all equally, so that all people truly are equal under our flag. These so called "activist" judges, IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, are acting in the highest order of good faith, and in their own scholarly minds, believe they are being true to the constitution and ideals by expanding rights to certain groups, and applying laws in ways which were not thought of before their time. In their doing so, I do not see much to fear in the pendulum swinging to the extremes of which you are afraid. Indeed, if it did, we would lose any benefits of what I see as an EXPANSION of the freedoms that the constitution protects.

I am rambling a lot today. Sorry about that. I think I'm OT, but I can't even remember the topic, so I could be wrong.