Flaws in the US Constitution?

I know it is sacrilegious to criticize any constitution. Here in Canada, we do not really have a constitution, just a patchwork of basic laws like in mother England. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is one of our most basic documents.

However, the US does have a Constitution. It was drawn up centuries ago by the founding fathers. Politicians regularly swear allegiance to it. They quote it as if it is incapable of change or criticism. A key statement therein is “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

I have been thinking of these rights lately and here are my reflections.

It is difficult to question the right to Life. Life and our consciousness of it is surely one of the grand mysteries of existence. However, sometimes things get complicated when the rights of the unborn are at odds with the rights of the living, in this case the rights of the living mother. If the rights of the unborn are important, what about the rights of the living who suffer through murderous wars and many of the pestilences and misfortunes that beset mankind?

Now Liberty is a grand theme. No doubt the founding fathers were glad to be free from the controlling influence of Mother England. However, as we extol freedom, we must realize that our freedom has limits when it comes up against others’ freedom. The choice of who gets to enjoy the freedom is often difficult. For example, in the Middle East, whose freedom should dominate – that of the Israelis or that of the Palestinians, or both in balance?

Finally, in my mind, the most contentious right is that of the pursuit of happiness. Happiness is wonderful, but I am not sure that it should be a goal or even a right. A higher goal is the pursuit of a meaningful existence, which would include justice and opportunities for all. This should lead to a positive, life-affirming result for all. Happiness would then become a by-product or result. Happiness should not be the goal. It should be the result of a life well lived. If the pursuit of happiness is a supreme right, then why should I care about others? I can enjoy myself and go off to my own paradise and enjoy myself in my “pursuit of happiness”.

- And, by the way, what about the two-and-a-half month period of transition after elections; why so long?

- And what is this mad pardon power that presidents are given?

It would seem the founding fathers assumed there would always be sane and responsible people in charge.

Rebellious Seeker, December 11, 2020