| The Constitution doesn’t need to be re-written, it needs to be re-read! The Constitution of the United States is an inspired document that has proven to be remarkably effective, resilient, and applicable for more than two centuries. It protects individual rights and guarantees personal freedom. It was established by visionary leaders who analyzed all forms of government and drew upon decades of knowledge and a keen understanding of the world and human nature to craft a document upon which future generations could depend. Some people believe the Constitution is outdated and should be ignored. Others believe it is just a guideline that should be interpreted broadly to align with current social norms. They treat the Constitution of 1787 as merely a good “first draft” in need of constant revision and updating, subject to the whims of political popularity and power. I am a constitutional originalist. I believe the Constitution must be interpreted based on the intent of its original authors, as determined by examining evidence of their understanding of the meaning of its wording in its historical context. I reject the notion that the Constitution is a “living document” to be interpreted based on the context of the current times. Throughout the history of the United States, there have been legitimate reasons to amend the Constitution. The Founders anticipated this. In fact, the Constitution prescribes the procedures for amendment. These procedures prevent a vocal minority or powerful elites from changing the Constitution, by requiring the overwhelming will of the people to amend it. Instead of issuing executive or judicial fiats, those who wish to change the Constitution should invest the time and energy to educate and persuade the American people. The beauty of the Constitution is that it limits the power of government and provides checks and balances so that no one party or one body of government can make drastic sweeping changes without the consent of the people. When we follow the Constitution, government’s powers are limited and the people retain their freedom. An originalist view binds and limits any one generation from ruling according to the passion of the times. The Framers of the Constitution knew what they were talking about and they meant what they said. They clearly stated that they intended to form a government for “ourselves and our Posterity.” They did not define “We The People” as a small group of people at any one point in time, but “The People” as an association of all concerned citizens, over the course of many generations, including our own. This means that the Constitution of 1787 is as much a constitution for us as it was for the founding generation. In 1976, when I enlisted in the Army, I swore allegiance to the United States and took an oath to “support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.” I will always honor that oath. I will always protect the Constitution as it was written and intended by our Founders. I will always fight for the freedoms outlined in that sacred document. As your representative in Congress, I will support the Constitution by fighting against any attempts to pass legislation which are counter to the principles established in the Constitution. I will fight against activist judges who attempt to legislate from the bench. I will weigh each matter placed before me against the Constitution and I will only support the policies that measure up. The Constitution was not written to change with the times. It was written to stand the test of time. It will, if “We The People” understand it, honor it, and protect it. Colonel (R) Mark Robertson Congressional Candidate NV-01 |
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