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To: Skooz
"WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation. 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 "

"WE, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATED OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions . . ."


This comes from the Decleration of Independence, which has no legal basis for the laws of this country that of which I am aware (feel free to correct me on this matter).

Tell me, if such language were drafted -- for any reason whatsoever -- today, would these words be unconstitutional?

For any reason whatsoever? I would say no, but IANAL. Did I ever suggest otherwise?
48 posted on 10/29/2001 11:11:46 AM PST by Dimensio
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To: Dimensio
I would respectfully disagree.

If Congress (or any other governmental entity, school board, local assembly, or a group of dogcatchers) were to release a document with these words, I have no doubt it would immediately be declared an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.

Whether or not a document or a sign "has no legal basis for the laws of this country" is beside the point. A sign on school property which reads "God Bless America" has no legal basis for the laws of this country, either. Yet, some arrogant ACLU types declare it to be unconstitutional.

This comes from the Decleration of Independence, which has no legal basis for the laws of this country that of which I am aware (feel free to correct me on this matter).

I remember reading in college (about 500 years ago) that the courts often refer to the Federalist papers and the Declaration of Independence as a reference framework for making constitutional decisions. My memory is a bit fuzzy in this respect, so I'm not sure.

53 posted on 10/29/2001 11:30:37 AM PST by Skooz
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