Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Strict constitutionalists would call many of these programs unconstitutional.

This is a problem for the left and for neo-cons; they flouted the constitution for so long, that now that someone else (Trump) is doing it to them, the left/neocons don't really have a base that responds well to cries of "Unconstitutional!".






Strict constitutionalists would only apply the 2nd Amendment to barrel loading smooth bore muskets.

I guess you're agreeing with me?

Constitution says nothing about barrel loading, smooth bore muskets. It says "arms". It's a fairly timeless umbrella term for "weapons or objects usable as such". The only people who have trouble understanding this are generally those who approve of the Machine gun registry being closed by having the federal expenditure to maintain it set to $0, and don't that as being an example of "infringement" of a Constitutionally granted right.

Love your answer, totally agree! But please don't feed the trolls!

It also says "a well regulated militia" as a context where the amendment applies.

It also says “the right of the people” a phrase understood in every other part of the constitution and its amendments to refer to the individual citizenry. Notably, you don’t need to be a member of the press to exercise a right to free speech.

> Notably, you don’t need to be a member of the press to exercise a right to free speech.

The first amendment says congress can't abridge freedom of speech OR freedom of the press. So obviously you don't need one to exercise the other.

The second amendment has much worse wording.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: