Best,
RGW

It is also a denial of absolutes. That judicial philosophy allows the courts to “bend interpretation” to fit whatever current social mores are fashionable, instead of going through the (intentionally) long and difficult amendment process.

The Founders allowed for the Constitution to be amended so it could adapt to changing societal needs. But they intended it to be a difficult process so that amendments would be thoroughly debated and examined before changing the Constitution.

“I see a national government that started to down this path with Bush in office and Republicans in Congress.”

No disagreement here.

I love reading the Founders – their words are so inspirational and prophetic.

Best,
RGW

I see a national government that started to down this path with Bush in office and Republicans in Congress.

Indeed, it’s hard to argue that the Democrats are not taking us even further down the road to a less democratic and certainly they are targeting our open/free market system.

As far as the Founders. You’re probably right that they can still speak to us today. I’m trying to put today in perspective with the past and without doing so by using presentism.

Chris

“Some are arguing that our government is transforming not only the economic structure but the constitutional structure of our country. I cannot say for sure where I stand at this moment.”

I would say it’s quite clear what’s going on. Part of what we’re seeing is Obama’s socialist tendencies and part is the economic crisis that is enabling the Federal government to take advantage of the crisis in terms of grabbing power, which is the natural inclination of all governments. That natural inclination is what the Founders’ feared and why we have the checks and balances, the Constitution, and federalism. It is the most brilliant means of governance ever devised.

“Can the Founders really teach us anything about today and would they even want us to try?”

I would say emphatically yes! Though methods and technology change, certain principles are eternal. I think the Founders knew this and, though imperfectly, sought to make those principles foundational in our country’s birth and expected those principles to be passed to subsequent generations.