The Constitution Was Not Written By God
In the United States, reverence for the Constitution often reaches near-religious levels. It’s treated as an untouchable document, as sacrosanct as the Ten Commandments. But let’s be clear: the Constitution was written by flawed men, not handed down by some divine entity. And just like any human creation, it’s subject to scrutiny, criticism, and revision.
One of the most troubling aspects of this blind adherence to the Constitution is how it’s used to deny basic human rights. We’ve all heard the arguments: “Shelter and healthcare aren’t guaranteed in the Constitution.” “Gun ownership is a constitutional right.” But does that mean we should accept homelessness, lack of healthcare, and rampant gun violence as inevitable consequences?
The truth is, the Constitution is not a set of immutable laws handed down from on high. It’s a living document meant to adapt to the changing needs and values of society. Even Thomas Jefferson, one of its architects, believed it should be updated every 20 years. Yet, here we are, clinging to a document crafted over two centuries ago, refusing to acknowledge the need for change.
Think about it this way: we readily accept updates to the terms and conditions of our favorite apps every few weeks, but we balk at the idea of updating a piece of paper that was written when muskets were the height of technology? It’s absurd. And let’s not forget the context in which the Constitution was written. It was a product of its time, crafted by wealthy, white men who viewed black people as three-fifths of a person and believed women were unfit for participation in democracy. Are these really the values we want to uphold in the 21st century?
The issue of healthcare is a pertinent example of a right not explicitly addressed in the United States Constitution. When the Constitution was written in the late 18th century, the concept of health insurance, let alone modern healthcare systems, was non-existent. Healthcare, as we understand it today, was vastly different, often consisting of home remedies, traditional medicine, or limited medical interventions.
The absence of healthcare provisions in the Constitution demonstrates the reality that the founding fathers could not have anticipated the complexities of modern healthcare systems. In the absence of such foresight, it would be unreasonable to assume that they intended to preclude discussions on whether access to healthcare should be considered a basic human right. However, the absence of explicit constitutional provisions addressing healthcare has led to ongoing debates about the government’s role in ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens.
While the founding fathers could not have envisioned the complexities of modern healthcare, they did establish a framework that allows for the adaptation and interpretation of constitutional principles to address emerging challenges. Therefore, debates about healthcare should not be dismissed simply because they were not explicitly contemplated by the founding fathers. Instead, they should be approached with a commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and the general welfare of the populace, which lie at the heart of the Constitution.
It’s time for a reality check. If some people are so enamored with living in the past, let’s humor them. You want to cling to the Second Amendment? Fine. But let’s roll it all the way back. Muskets only, folks. Because again, auomatic wepons did not exist when the constitution was written. The point of the amendment was to protect against the government, not go on mass shooting sprees, and they did not forsee the above mentioned issue of people being denied healthcare, therefore they did not forsee the rampant mental health issues in our country.
The selective focus on the Second Amendment while neglecting other crucial amendments is a glaring inconsistency in our society. While the Second Amendment is often championed as sacrosanct, so much so that we are scared to go near any type of gun safety regulations, we overlook the frequent violations of the First and Fourth Amendments with alarming regularity.
Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to privacy are fundamental pillars of democracy, yet they are routinely eroded in the name of security or convenience. The unchecked surveillance state, warrantless searches and seizures, and attacks on journalists undermine the very essence of our constitutional rights. It’s time we broaden our scope beyond the Second Amendment and start addressing the systemic violations of all our constitutional liberties. After all, true freedom cannot be selective.
When we look at history, we are a newer country, and there is nothing wrong with making changes and adapting to new information and new circumstances. Many countries have constitutions that include provisions not found in the United States Constitution. These provisions often reflect the unique historical, cultural, and political contexts of each nation. Several constitutions guarantee social and economic rights, such as the right to education, healthcare, housing, and employment.
The South African Constitution explicitly includes socioeconomic rights, ensuring access to these basic necessities for all citizens. Ecuador’s Constitution includes a chapter on the rights of nature, granting legal rights to ecosystems and recognizing the importance of environmental conservation. The constitutions of countries like Bolivia and Guatemala contain extensive provisions aimed at protecting indigenous rights. The constitutions of Sweden and Iceland explicitly state the principles of gender equality and prohibit gender-based discrimination. The Constitution of Finland includes provisions to ensure access to housing for all citizens. Estonia is known for being one of the first countries to recognize internet access as a basic human right. Germany’s Constitution includes provisions for the protection of animals, and Switzerland’s Constitution recognizes animals as beings with dignity.
This illustrates how different countries embed a wide range of rights and protections in their constitutions based on their values, priorities, and historical experiences. While the United States Constitution remains a foundational document, there are lessons to be learned from the constitutional provisions of other nations in addressing contemporary challenges and advancing human rights.
But beyond specific policy changes, we need to embrace a mindset shift. We need to recognize that the Constitution, while important, is not infallible. It’s a framework, not a holy scripture. We need to approach governance with logic, empathy, and a commitment to human rights.
Access to healthcare, shelter, and safety should not be privileges reserved for the fortunate few. They should be fundamental rights afforded to every person, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. And if our current systems and structures fail to uphold these rights, then it’s our duty to change them.
So let’s stop hiding behind the Constitution as an excuse for inaction. Let’s stop sacrificing human lives at the altar of outdated principles. Let’s be better. Let’s build a society that truly reflects the values of equality, justice, and compassion. It’s time to rethink the Constitution and embrace a future guided by common decency and humanity.
