[ExGeeEye]

A modern-English re-write IAW framer's intent may be in order. I also believe the provisions should contain the penalties for breaking them. Perhaps the amendments we agree to keep (all but #16 and #17, if I read my fellow FReepers right) should be included as "Appendices", and we can start new amendments at #1, if necessary. Would be nice if we can get it to a point where further amendment is unnecessary...

a) I assume almost all Americans agree on most of the bill of rights (freedom of speech, freedom of religion, equality under law, etc.)-- What about the 2nd Amendment? What actually constitutes 'establishment' of religion? When does the 'separation' of church and state become a policy of official atheism and a suppresion of religion? Try these new "Appendices":

1. Congress shall be neutral in matters of religion, neither approving nor prohibiting the public display or exercise of religious belief by Citizens. Congress shall not regulate the spoken or printed word, neither aiding nor preventing any Citizen in the expression in words of any idea. Congress shall neither prevent nor assist the peaceable gathering of Citizens for any purpose whatsoever, especially when such a gathering is purposed to demonstrate the will and petition of the Citizens. The concept in law of criminal thought or speech is abolished. To be criminal, it must be an overt act of force or fraud.

2. The right of the Citizen to weapons is inviolate. A Citizen may own weapons, carry them from place to place openly or concelaed, obtain such materials as enable maintenance and lawful use of them, without hindrance, regulation, or taxation. Any attempt to disarm a Citizen not in the commission of a crime shall constitute Treason, and be punished by public hanging.

3. Citizens will not be compelled to house agents of the government, civil or military.

That's just for starters, and no doubt someone can recommend better wording. I could keep going, but y'all might start getting bored and/or give up for the night. I'm a nightworker and must stay up another three hours; FReeping helps.

[xmission]

Any attempt to disarm a Citizen not in the commission of a crime shall constitute Treason, and be punished by public hanging.

I like it.

We need to make sure from the beginning that any overstep of the Federal Government beyond those powers specifically enumerated by the constitution would automatically be punishable directly upon those who try to pursue them if intent to usurp power from the State or the people can be shown.

I have a problem with the Supreme Ct being the ultimate arbiter, even if they can easily be removed from the bench. There is too much room for them to hang a decision made to suit an agenda around our necks forever. I think Jefferson forsaw and worried about this.