Most conservatives view the U.S. Constitution as the central element that binds the identity of the nation together, but constitutions do not make peoples; peoples make constitutions. The Catholic political theorist and enlightenment skeptic Joseph de Maistre believed that no true constitution can ever be written by human hands but can only be inscribed on the hearts of a nation’s people by the almighty God. For Maistre, the notion that a constitution would, in and of itself, create the character of a nation was absurd. The values and norms contained in a constitution reflect the traditions and folkways that organically emerge from the character of a people.
Correct. Unfortunately Americans have increasingly not been governed by the Constitution since the early 1910’s. Our federal government’s deviation from Constitutional restrictions has absolutely exploded since the 1960’s.
"An artificially imposed regime with no connection to the ways in which different communities lived their lives could not hope to govern them well." For example the EU and the British people.
"... While our Country remains untainted with the Principles and manners, which are now producing desolation in so many Parts of the World: while she continues Sincere and incapable of insidious and impious Policy: We shall have the Strongest Reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned Us by Providence. But should the People of America, once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the Language of Justice and moderation while it is practicing Iniquity and Extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming Pictures of Candour frankness & sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and Insolence: this Country will be the most miserable Habitation in the World. Because We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition and Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.." John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798
63 Million plus children killed by abortion
34 Trillion in national debt
Endless foreign wars
Cultural degradation that would make Sodom and Gemorah blush
Complete devolution of US border
Maybe Americans fit the moral role necessary at one point, but to paraphrase John Adams, the Whale has gone through the cords of what remained of the Constitution. It's over. We are riding the momentum of the excreted effluent.
The Founding is Americas political center. The GOP is a left of center party and the Dems are so far over the horizon that they are now the right wing they constantly decry. Most Americans if not all are essentially left of center. Good luck finding one that would forswear social security or call for an end to our standing army. Fit only for a moral and religious people.
"Maistre did not push for a universal form of government but instead believed that the best government would be one that naturally fit the needs and traditions of the people over which it ruled.” ‘Americans' are NOT to be ruled, but rather served by its government and its people and borders protected. You can be Jewish or Christian (Reformed and Catholic) and the Constitution should make perfect sense to you... Others can benefit and enjoy the freedom of conscience it provides
The Constitution of the United States vs the constitution of Americans. If a right-wing president were to take the Presidency, his oath of office should be under the latter interpretation: preserve, protect, and defend the character (particularly the fortitude) of the American people.
That, or declare himself the living constitution like the Red Caesar of terminally onliners' desire.
Correct. Unfortunately Americans have increasingly not been governed by the Constitution since the early 1910’s. Our federal government’s deviation from Constitutional restrictions has absolutely exploded since the 1960’s.
"An artificially imposed regime with no connection to the ways in which different communities lived their lives could not hope to govern them well." For example the EU and the British people.
"... While our Country remains untainted with the Principles and manners, which are now producing desolation in so many Parts of the World: while she continues Sincere and incapable of insidious and impious Policy: We shall have the Strongest Reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned Us by Providence. But should the People of America, once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the Language of Justice and moderation while it is practicing Iniquity and Extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming Pictures of Candour frankness & sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and Insolence: this Country will be the most miserable Habitation in the World. Because We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition and Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.." John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798
63 Million plus children killed by abortion
34 Trillion in national debt
Endless foreign wars
Cultural degradation that would make Sodom and Gemorah blush
Complete devolution of US border
Maybe Americans fit the moral role necessary at one point, but to paraphrase John Adams, the Whale has gone through the cords of what remained of the Constitution. It's over. We are riding the momentum of the excreted effluent.
The Founding is Americas political center. The GOP is a left of center party and the Dems are so far over the horizon that they are now the right wing they constantly decry. Most Americans if not all are essentially left of center. Good luck finding one that would forswear social security or call for an end to our standing army. Fit only for a moral and religious people.
I am governed by the Constitution; it is the current Government that is not.
"Maistre did not push for a universal form of government but instead believed that the best government would be one that naturally fit the needs and traditions of the people over which it ruled.” ‘Americans' are NOT to be ruled, but rather served by its government and its people and borders protected. You can be Jewish or Christian (Reformed and Catholic) and the Constitution should make perfect sense to you... Others can benefit and enjoy the freedom of conscience it provides
Governed by individual states and not one government. Amen to that.
Let the states decide how they will govern. DC can stay out of it.
The Constitution of the United States vs the constitution of Americans. If a right-wing president were to take the Presidency, his oath of office should be under the latter interpretation: preserve, protect, and defend the character (particularly the fortitude) of the American people.
That, or declare himself the living constitution like the Red Caesar of terminally onliners' desire.