To: lugsoul
I'm a strict constructionist at heart, LS. I've heard and read all about this Founder said this and this founder said that. Some were more stringent, some where less stringent and some were in the middle.
I've read of the transition of the "establishment clause" through the various drafts. Always it was either "establishing" a religion or "an establishment" of religion.
My point: No matter which one we can dredge up, the final words that were chosen are these:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Those words SAY what the compromise of the Founders finally WAS. They say, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."
Cut and dried.
The words of the 2nd amendment are equally clear: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
They mean what they say. They don't mean what they "can" be "interpreted" to say.
144 posted on
08/29/2003 11:07:59 AM PDT by
xzins
(In the Beginning was the Word)
To: xzins
And "respecting an establishment" does NOT mean "establishing." Not in anyone's English.
145 posted on
08/29/2003 11:10:14 AM PDT by
lugsoul
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