Should We, the People, Annul the Constitution?
I wrote this essay in 2001. And it has always been my favorite essay. However, back then, it may have been too subtle for most readers. I am happy that so many of today’s readers understand my point. Mary E. Webster
It is time to decide if the Constitution of the United States of America should be nullified. After decades of being misconstrued and misrepresented, the Constitution is now simply ignored. Therefore, if We, the People, no longer want to demand and enforce the limited government prescribed by the Constitution, it must be nullified.
We must determine the fate of the most important nation that has ever existed. And the wrong decision will condemn ourselves, our children and our descendants to lives ruled by the fickle wills of politicians, factions and, often, glib sociopaths.
Of course, we should base our decision on an objective examination of the Constitution and the best interests of our society. Realistically, though, I know that won’t happen. Instead, passions and prejudices will produce arguments unrelated to discovering the truth and meaning of the Constitution. 1[2]*
Politicians will present some of the most formidable arguments in favor of abolishing the Constitution. Some will want the increased power and benefits possible without the limiting effects of the Constitution. The perverted ambition of others will see potential self-aggrandizement within a country in disarray or will flatter themselves into believing they can rise to a higher level of power than is currently available. 1[3] And preconceived jealousies and fears may even lead to honest errors in thinking. 1[4]
Both the audacity of my calling for a formal denunciation of the Constitution and the subject itself will loosen a torrent of angry and malignant passions. And judging from the ordinary conduct of the tacit opponents of the Constitution, I expect them to use loud rhetoric and bitter denunciations to justify their opinions. And those of us who argue with enlightened zeal in favor of the Constitution and profess that the rights of the people must be scrupulously protected will be demonized as insincere and accused of making a blatant bid for popularity at the expense of the public good.
Opponents of the Constitution are the most terrifying and dangerous threat. Even scholars often forget that “dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the zeal for a [limited] and efficient government. History teaches us that of the men who have overturned the liberties of republics, most began their career by proclaiming their devotion to the people. They gain position by arousing people’s prejudices and end as tyrants.” 1[5] Therefore, this is the most important question that has ever engaged the attention of the people of America. 2 [1]
I’m sure you have noticed that I want to keep the Constitution. I am convinced that this is the safest course for our liberty, our dignity, and our happiness. The Constitution has my full and unambiguous support. 1[6]
I sincerely wish that every good citizen realizes that if we do not resolve to enforce the limited government as defined by the Constitution of the United States of America, we will have reason to exclaim, in the words of the poet: “Farewell! A long farewell to all my greatness.” 2[14]
* Concepts (or quotes) taken directly from Federalist Paper [paragraph].