Boehner’s first item of business wasn’t jobs or budget but instead the reading of the Constitution


I appeared on Hannity radio this afternoon and boy, did I upset his listeners. It’s not the first time I’ve ticked off the right, nor will it be the last.

I still stand by my position.

My opposition was Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel and Constitutional scholar extraordinaire. He argued that Boehner’s reading of the Constitution was a splendid way to begin the new Congressional session. I disagreed.

First, the Constitution in its original form wasn’t even read — no, Boehner (and his tea party advisers) decided not to read any part that was later amended, like the portion that banned the manufacturing and sale of alcohol, or that acknowledged slavery, or that didn’t allow women to vote.

Selective reading, I submit.

Rather, Boehner should have read the original Constitution and its Amendments to show how our country has evolved into a nation of equal rights for African Americans and women.

Breaking news: Boehner’s kindergarten-style reading to his “students” was not an awakening — he did not change any already-elected Congressman’s understanding of the Constitution. If he wanted to make sure every Congressman understood the document, he should have given 435 educated adults Constitutional multiple choice test. Instead, he chose to waste everyone’s time with a mass-reading.

Congress passes legislation with the belief that it is Constitutional. Aside from Nancy Pelosi’s embarrassing comment with regard to health care reform, “We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it,” Congress believes its’ legislation is legal and within the four corners of the Constitution.

One of the reasons why America is so great is because we have checks and balances. We have a judicial system. If a person or a state believes a law to be Constitutionally over-reaching, the courts allow for a lawsuit to be filed and arguments to be heard from both sides as to whether or not the law is, in fact, Constitutional. And, even when a lawsuit reaches the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court of the United States, and a final ruling is determined, some justices may descent with the others. Great laws find their way into the judicial system and are upheld by the courts. Bad laws are struck down by the courts and, as a result, an not enforced.

During my debate with Jay, I asked him if he reads the entire Constitution before arguing his case and he said, “No.” He said something like, “When Justice Ginsburg asks me where in the Constitution my argument is applicable, I point to a certain provision.”

You proved my point, Jay.

If Congress is making a law, they should refer to the Constitution to ensure that it is essentially solid, or that it may have some questionable legal issues. But,reading the Constitution aloud is pure silliness and doesn’t change the context of any legislation.

All Americans, regardless of party affiliation, know that we have a serious budget crisis and stubbornly high unemployment numbers. Instead of wasting his first few hours as Majority Leading reading the Constitution to a few people who were watching CSPAN, Boehner should have rolled up his sleeves and jumped head-first into this mess.

Share and Enjoy:
Print
Digg
Sphinn
del.icio.us
Facebook
Mixx
Google Bookmarks
Blogplay



Posted in Hannity, National Politics on { January 6th, 2011 } ~ 10 Comments