The Constitution of the United States of America was great and miraculous at the time of its creation, and has been updated a few times to improve and strengthen it. Its great strength was the compromises made to bring all the States together into a unified whole. Of course, that was also its great weakness.
The periods of U.S. history are generally bookended by Constitutional crises, periods where events and social pressures run smack into the grout between the Constitution’s bricks, and the Constitution says, “Ouch.” The most painful of these frequently result in new Amendments to the Constitution. Unfortunately (and, perhaps, fortunately), a great deal of pain usually is required. The people of the United States don’t move easily, but when the pain reaches a critical threshold, they can spin on a dime, and then you’d best not be standing in the way.
The last five amendments have been added during my life time, which seems close to par for the course, at least for a reasonably lengthy life. But, in my all-too-rapidly lengthening life, it’s become apparent to me that the Constitution is badly in need of some new guard rails. Too much of the Constitution has depended upon the good will and the social standards of the people elected and appointed to offices, and, as recent events have shown, that’s some weak grout.
Over the past decade or more, being of a philosophical bent, my mind has occasionally wandered (only occasionally…), thinking about how things could be improved. I’m not alone in that behavior, and better minds than mine have pondered similar subjects. But sometimes the only way to free up some space in an increasingly cluttered attic is to toss out some of the boxes.
So, over the coming weeks, I plan to write about Amendments that I think would improve the state and behavior of our constitutional government. I’m currently at 18 of them, and won’t be surprised if a few more pop into being before I write about all of them. Some will be better ideas than others. Some will be well worded, while others will be more like rambling thoughts. My goal is not so much to write them as “final drafts,” but rather more like “first drafts.” The point is, besides freeing some of my clutter, to encourage other to think about changes, too. We’re long overdue.
-Everett
1) Citizen’s United ruling has destroyed individual influence (except for mega-rich) in politics. Clarify that corps are not people, and can’t contribute money. Limit all political donations to some reasonable amount ($10K?), to prevent buying politicians.
2) Tie the # of US Reps (House) to some basic percentage variance, so small states aren’t over-compensated.
3) Controversial: Direct election of Pres/VP. No more electoral college. Again, smaller states have way too much sway.
4) Controversial: Update 2nd Amend to clarify lawmakers ability to pass modest gun control laws.
5) Rethink how SCOTUS justices are appointed. Maybe one every two years, rotate out every 18 yrs. That way all pres get some justices.
That’s off the top of my head. None of these have a chance, but hey, one can dream!
All of those are on my list (in some form), except #2. That one, I think, you meant the Senate rather than the House, and yes, that’s on my list, too. 🙂 I’ve built my list with one ear to what I think is DO-able, and the other 9 ears to what I think would make the country more of a democracy, more attuned to “the will of the people,” and less susceptible to wannabe kings/autocrats (of ANY ilk) and the wealthy (which is really the same thing). And, I think more is DO-able… if we can accomplish ONE thing first (that will be the next post, and the first new amendment we really need).