[drypowder]

even if one is a liberal one might want to read this

[denydenydeny]

This is what that “if you can keep it” business was about.

[Jacquerie]

Ever since the 17th Amendment stripped the States of their representation in Congress our federal system has been debilitated to the point of paralysis.

We have a federal constitution, yet not a federal government. Consent of the governed is the foundation of republics. With the 17th, the government was free to act on the states without the consent of the states. Today, we endure the outcome of this internal contradiction.

[MosesKnows]

Why do we have a Bill of Rights?

That is a fair question to ask and answer but it overlooks the obvious.

The first point to keep foremost in one's mind is that WE DO HAVE A BILL OF RIGHTS. The second point is that none of the words in the Bill of Rights has changed.

The Bill of Rights did not grant a single right save perhaps the right to due process. The Bill of Rights protects the people's inherent rights from government interference.

[HMS Surprise]

This is an ancient argument.

[Dr.Deth]

I hate to be That Guy but...

A Supreme Court that has abrogated onto itself
If we stand ideally by

Pretty sure my professors of History, Political Science, and Religion would have dinged me for those.

That said, the piece sums the situation adequately, even if there are no real great insights or rousing prose.