I saw a Free Bradley Manning sticker on a car as I walked my dog this morning and it got me to thinking. Some months back I produced the New Constitution series, […]
The New Constitution: comprehensive statement of principles (draft)
The original plan when we began this project was to offer the amendments individually, invite discussion, then produce a final document. The course of the process, though, has made a couple things […]
The New Constitution: Amendment XX – state’s rights
Amendment XX No state or local government entity shall assert special privilege or exemption with respect to established rights granted by the Federal Constitution. Rationale In a free society there is no […]
The New Constitution: Amendment XIX – right to organize
Amendment XIX All workers shall have the right to organize for purposes of collective representation and bargaining. Rationale Americans are fond of the idea of upward mobility, although in truth we now […]
The New Constitution: Amendment XVIII – limiting lobbying by former public servants
Amendment XVIII In order to further the public’s interest in a free and independent legislature, elected officials shall not petition the body in which they served, either on their own behalf or […]
The New Constitution: Amendment XVII – cruel and unusual punishment
Amendment XVII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Rationale Another one today that represents no change, although I’m very open to discussion […]
The New Constitution: Amendment XVI – trial by jury, double jeopardy
Amendment XVI In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed five hundred dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a […]
The New Constitution: Amendment XV – fair and speedy trials
Amendment XV In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of professional, trained adjudicators sanctioned by the state and district […]
The New Constitution: Amendment XIV – basic human rights
Amendment XIV All citizens shall enjoy the right to shelter, nourishment, healthcare and educational opportunity. Rationale Too much mischief has been accomplished under the guise of the rabid social Darwinian dogma that […]
The New Constitution: Amendment XIII – due process of law
Amendment XII No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the […]
