[tacticalogic]

It's a fair question, but I don't have a good answer. In short, I really have no opinion on the logical consequences of that paragraph, beyond the basic one already expressed that although I respect James Madison's wisdom, his opinion has no more authority over the actual text of the Constitution than any other citizen's.

That strikes me as saying that the person who wrote a particular document is no more authoritative as to it's meaning and intent than anyone else. I find that a wholly unsupportable conclusion.

[Gorjus]

I find that a wholly unsupportable conclusion.

Obviously, you're entitled to your own opinion and conclusions. I find it unsupportable that someone should undermine the plain language of a Constitution written for "We, the People" by saying the actual written words are less authoritative than the opinion of an individual.