Keep An Eye on Those Who Talk Down the Constitution

[Cord Byrd]

Experience teaches us, especially in the area of politics, not to believe in coincidence.  Just this week two stories have made the news regarding our "outdated" Constitution.  First, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg instructed nations looking to draft a constitution to NOT look at the U.S. constitution for guidance because it doesn't focus enough on human rights.  Then, in a New York Times article, two professors make the case that the U.S. Constitution is losing appeal with people around the world.  Here is my theory on why this is happening.

For quite some time, but especially since Bush v. Gore, the progressive left has been subtly undermining the electoral college as an undemocratic means of electing the president.  If the left can undermine the citizenry's belief in the Constitution then they can gain support for abolishing the electoral college.  Because supreme court justices and elected officials swear an oath to the constitution they cannot directly undermine it, but by saying other countries are losing faith in it and telling them not to look to it for inspiration they hope to move U.S. public opinion away from allegiance to the Constitution. 

Recent polls show Obama gaining approval (primarily  based on false employment data) versus his likely Republican opponent.  But when you analyze the projected electoral college votes the Republican candidate should win quite convincingly.  The left knows this.  It is not inconceivable that Obama could win the popular vote but lose the electoral college.  If the left can undermine the constitution and the people's faith in it then Obama could set up a constitutional crisis by refusing to give up the office if he wins the popular vote.  Even if this scenario does not play out in the upcoming election the ultimate goal is still advanced which is to convince the people that a constitution that restrains government is so 18th century.

Also watch for talk that the 22nd Amendment, which limits a president to two terms,  is no longer necessary.  I expect talk of repealing the 22nd Amendment to pick up considerably, especially if Obama is re-elected. The progressive left which has assaulted the Constitution for 100+ years will not let the document that it despises keep it from its goal of perpetual power.