[DiogenesLamp]

Before I entertain any more arguments about the 14th amendment, I would like clarification from you on a particular point.

With the governments of all the Southern states replaced by Vichy governments with Union bayonets at their back, do you believe these occupation governments could legitimately ratify a constitutional amendment that was very much opposed by the people of their states?

Can constitutional amendments be ratified by Military controlled governments?

I have personally been told by Law Professor Glenn Reynolds at "Instapundit" that this particular topic is the subject of much debate in academic legal circles.

Which side of it do you fall on?

[woodpusher]

The 14th Amendment was certified by the appropriate official as having been ratified. There is no avenue for a judicial appeal of that decision. It has been the law of the land for more than a century and a half. I am unaware of any great debate making a provision of the Constitution null and void, or even changing a single word of such a provision.

I am not engaging in an insane diversion.