The Constitution as a Living, Breathing Document: Libertarian Talking Points

In this series called "Libertarian Talking Points," we pose a talking point that aims for the heart of an issue - avoiding the "politically safe" answer to actually try and convince people of both the moral and effectual justifications for liberty.

You argue its effectiveness, or propose how to rephrase it to win hearts and minds.

If the topic of viewing the Constitution as a "living" and "breathing" document comes up...

"Yes, the U.S. Constitution is 'living' and 'breathing' in that it is not a static document. It is why amendments exist and the Congressional procedures by which to amend it. But, as for the notion that we should ignore this ritual altogether, and assume the enlightenment of non-democratically elected justices is better able to interpret the Constitution based not on its words, but on today's 'societal necessity', then no. The 'breath' of the U.S. Constitution is based upon the words within it, not our personal desires we wish these words to mean."

Eric Olsen,
Regular Columnist, THL
Articles | Author's Page
Critical Thinking Blog

Occupy Mordor or Destroy the Ring?

There has been mixed responses to Occupy Wall Street by libertarians. Some see the movement as a positive, while others see them as little more than lazy hipsters. But libertarians must be sensitive to why people feel the way they do about issues. The occupiers point out a legitimate concern that "the 1%" control vastly more power and wealth than "the 99%", and corporations have accumulated more power and privilege than is healthy for an open society. Some other concerns and demands are absurd, but the heart of the matter is on track. The question is why has this happened? While many on the left are quick to blame a nebulous thing called "greed", or lack of regulation, the matter is more complicated than that. This calls for a Lord of the Rings metaphor. Let's say that Sauron, the big cheese bad guy of Lord of the Rings, is the corporate hegemony. The 1%. Most people in Middle Earth agree that this is a problem, but there are a few differ...

I've Been an Outspoken Critic of Censoring Conservatives, But I'm Not Leaving Patreon Over Sargon of Akkad's Ridiculous Remarks

By: Wes Messamore The Humble Libertarian Photo: Gage Skidmore

Were The Founding Fathers Aided By Aliens?

Photo: Sebastian Bieniek, Dollarfaces https://www.b1en1ek.com/works/bieniek-paint/2015-dollarfaces/ Edit (2/1/26): No

The Humble Libertarian original

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