Intent is a trap to which we can’t seem to help falling prey. Original meaning is what matters, not intent. The latter is far too nebulous. Plus, what happens when the Framers screw up and say something different than intended? Meaning must trump intent, otherwise we’d be as bad as the lefties for pretending absent words are present and present words don’t matter.
Yes, I agree. I guess that intent is way too open to today’s interpretation. I agree - Original meaning is much better. Sure wish that that interpretation was more prominent today.
Sorry about the use of that that...but sometimes clarity is necessary...heh.