[Reagan Man]

>>>Are you saying that if we think that the laws passed by Congress are bad, unconstitutional and that we are unsuccessful in winning in the political arena and/or the courts that there is no alternative to a violent revolution? Surely there is something short of that, like civil disobedience, demonstrations, jury nullification, etc.
The idea that there is nothing we can do about bad law short of over throwing the govt is not the American way. There are other measures between going to court and going to war.

I believe you missed the point I was making. Allow me to address your concerns. This was about, how American's can effect change in laws they disagree with. The only way you can change existing law, is through the political process, or the legal system. Revolution is part of the political process, albeit a radical approach. I don't believe revolution is the answer though. Civil disobedience and public demonstrations are expressions of free speech and have always been part of the political process in America.

I specificlly included this entire portion of Jefferson's writings to keep things in context and I was very clear about what I was saying and my bold emphasis highlighted that. For our system of government to operate properly, our freedom, our liberty and the rights of the people are paramount and must be protected. And as Jefferson said, "...that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..." In this regard, the will of the people, as expressed through the ballot box and represented by their elected officials, dictate what is proper and acceptable for our society. Saying you disagree with a specific law and condemning it is one thing. Saying a law is in violation of the Constitution, when its the law of the land, is a bogus charge and totally without merit. If individual American's or factional political groups start calling every law invalid and illegal, that doesn't mean its true. That was my point.

[Mike4Freedom]

Saying a law is in violation of the Constitution, when its the law of the land, is a bogus charge and totally without merit. If individual American's or factional political groups start calling every law invalid and illegal, that doesn't mean its true. That was my point

I still ask-What are we to do when laws are passed by our elected representatives that clearly violate the limits set down in the constitution?

Surely I can use free speech and point out the error of their ways. I can demonstrate my displeasure and campaign against legislators that voted for the bad law.

Can I also use civil disobedience, like blatently violating the law and arguing the invalidity in court, when I get arrested. What is to be done if the judge does not let me argue the constitutional issue or present relevant facts? (example-medical use of marijuana and I am prevented from presenting medical evidence).

As a juror, can I refuse to convict one of those who practiced civil disobedience because I agree the law was bad?

What if I withheld taxes because the govt was misusing the money due to one of these bad laws? (IMO)