We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
"Natural rights" are at the center of this discussion. Part of the problem with discussing them is the different references by which they are measured.
By English Principles, the King rules by divine right. It is "natural" that he be King (always by blood descent) and that other people do his bidding. Therefore, anyone born on his soil is a "natural" servant to him.
But by the Standards which Jefferson used (Derived from Vattel) "Natural" means something very different. It means that each individual has inherent freedoms that do not derive from a Corporeal government, but are instead a characteristic of their nature. Among them being the ability to keep the fruits of their labor and the ability to defend themselves.
Whom, do you believe should be entrusted to make decisions regarding the epistemology of the words in the constitution?
The entire body of people who live under it. Jeff and company would prefer that we only listen to the words of Lawyers, and simply accept their words as binding on all matters constitutional. It has been my observation that these people simply behave like aristocratic "priests" of law, often making pronouncements that have no basis in common sense or a coherent philosophy.
I'm with Jefferson on this.
...it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Screw the lawyers and their sophist arguments.
Thank you for your reply. I hope your explanation wins out in the end, however, my thoughts are nearing the limits of my understanding.
Kind regards.