On the cover of the August 12 New York Times, there was a photo with the following caption:
" 'You are trampling on our Constitution!' Craig Anthony Miller shouted at Senator Arlen Specter at a meeting in Lebanon, Pa."
While Mr. Miller is right to question the direct constitutionality of a universal health care bill (as there is absolutely no mention of health care in the Constitution), there is the ninth amendment of the Bill of Rights, which reads, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Simply because a right is not mentioned specifically in the Constitution does not mean that it does not exist and should not be defended. Every citizen of the United States has the unalienable right to reliable, safe, affordable health care in order to be secure in his or her person. It may not be in the text, but the B.O.R supports it.
And where was this constitutional fervor DURING THE BUSH YEARS?! Have you already forgotten the torture? The illegal wiretapping? The signing statements rendering any regulation of the USA PATRIOT Act moot? Alberto Gonzales? Scooter Libby? Where was the outrage then?
If you are going to resort to shouting and waving one of the nation's most important documents in the face of officials, at least be consistent about it.
" 'You are trampling on our Constitution!' Craig Anthony Miller shouted at Senator Arlen Specter at a meeting in Lebanon, Pa."
While Mr. Miller is right to question the direct constitutionality of a universal health care bill (as there is absolutely no mention of health care in the Constitution), there is the ninth amendment of the Bill of Rights, which reads, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Simply because a right is not mentioned specifically in the Constitution does not mean that it does not exist and should not be defended. Every citizen of the United States has the unalienable right to reliable, safe, affordable health care in order to be secure in his or her person. It may not be in the text, but the B.O.R supports it.
And where was this constitutional fervor DURING THE BUSH YEARS?! Have you already forgotten the torture? The illegal wiretapping? The signing statements rendering any regulation of the USA PATRIOT Act moot? Alberto Gonzales? Scooter Libby? Where was the outrage then?
If you are going to resort to shouting and waving one of the nation's most important documents in the face of officials, at least be consistent about it.
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