Chairman Secretary Chief Whip Chancellor

February 2008

“Clearly, the time for constitutional reform is now. If not, the time will come when the Constitution will be so far removed from the realities of society and government that it no longer applies. As a consequence, our government will no longer be restrained by a written Constitution. The next step, thus, will be government without limitation and the destruction of any semblance of democracy.” - John W. Whitehead

The United States Constitution, the foundation under which we allow ourselves to be governed, has proven ineffective in dealing with contemporary society and issues the drafters could never have comprehended. Initially intended to put explicit limits on the duties of the federal government, the articles and amendments are so vaguely defined that there is practically no limit as to what the government can or cannot do.

Broad strokes of liberty defined in the Bill of Rights have produced undesired effects: Freedom of the Press has given us photo-stalkers that invade the privacy of any person deemed a celebrity. The Right to Bear Arms allows just about anyone to acquire weapons capable of inflicting great damage on the populace. And a less-than-specific definition of ‘Public Good’ has allowed local governments to confiscate property under the guise of Eminent Domain, for no better reason than to collect more taxes from a new owner.

On the other hand, the beauty and strength of this document rests in its relative simplicity. Rather than a myriad of statutes and specific directives addressing the latest social trends and populist views, the Constitution relies on sound judgment, principle, and the resolve of the people to ensure their own liberty. One needs only to look at our 66,000 page income tax code to see the ill effects congress, government bureaucracy, and special interest groups can inflict when the law is allowed to change willy-nilly.

The Chairman, who clearly appreciates the value of things old and quaint, as evidenced by her choice in presidential candidates, has called for a debate to settle the question:

Resolved: The Constitution is Antiquated

The Debate will be held on Wednesday February 20, 2008 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (952) 470-8090 or the Secretary at (952) 210-2448.