Here in the U.S. we have what I understand is a unique system of government (compared to other nations), whereas the individual states are confederated under a central government, which helps unify particular rights for all citizens nationwide yet leaves the states’ right to decide their own particular issues. The former I deliver evidence of suffrage, uniform freedom of press (to include radio and Internet), peaceful gatherings, and individual worship. The latter I deliver gun rights and carry privileges (I personally maintain a distinction), property taxation, vehicle rights, and land ownership things–since I just bought a house. Bottom line, I think a lot of issues are best decided on the States’ level, and not on a national one.
Thus being, I just read this article, where Chief Justice Scalia indicates his opinion on some issues such as abortion are not adressed in the Constitution–presumably because the technology wasn’t present at the time, and the Framers could not have possibly imagined such things.
I heard a spot on NPR today about Dubya’s intended support for a Constitutional amendment to spell out a “marriage” as between a man and a woman. Now, I am not opposed to same-sex marriage. What I am opposed to is a carte blanche, carpet-blanket bombing of notions nationwide. I believe that when Massachusetts decides it ain’t good for Bostonians to open-carry a sidearm in downtown Cambride, it ought not carry over to the plains of Montana. Conversely, if the conservatives in North Dakota decide it’s not in their best intrerest to allow same-sex marriages to be “married”, that neighboring Minnesota has to carry suit.
So yeah, I’ve rambled enough. Bottom line, I personally believe that certain issues such as abortion, and same-sex marriage (civil unions or whatever you’d like to call them) are best left to the individual states themselves. For personal example, I agree with New Jersey’s rather strict gun control laws: I don’t need 800,000 in my home county packing heat all the time. But I understand my former state of North Dakota being pretty lax about the issues–with it’s population of 600k statewide or so.
But, I focus on the article. Argue-me-this: should there be a Constitutional amendment on abortions (in any form) and same-sex marriage/unions?
Hell, throw a few more issues in there. I’m curious on what could be or could not be of Congressional merit.
Tripler
Man, one hell of a post was brewing in my head on my drive home tonight.