On Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 3:38:44 PM UTC-4, wrote:

A true prophet.. Two in a row; a *long* 16 years (and one a socialist). Hopefully the next 8 years will be better.

We have Tweedledumber as the incumbent, and Tweedledum standing in the wings. "Better" is a very relative thing. The incumbent is easily recognized for what he is - much like a hornet's nest hanging in the open. Or a baboon in a zoo flinging feces. The understudy is more akin to a common Krait. Far more subtle - and probably more dangerous if actually allowed power.

The US constitution is an interesting document. First, it is based on English Law vs. Napoleonic Law - do you understand the difference?

(Everything which is not forbidden is allowed" is a constitutional principle of English law€”an essential freedom of the ordinary citizen or subject.)

Next, it contains the 9th & 10th Amendments (AKA - Bill of Rights) which supports the principle expressed above.

Then, and least understood: It does not speak to:

Marriage
Flag Burning
Homosexuality
Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Buddhism
Shintoism
Nor any other religion or belief system. Nor any of the other red-meat chimera so near and dear to neocons.

Nor, anywhere or in any where does it attempt to legislate morality. That is neither its purpose, nor should it be the results in its application.

Sorry for the ramble into politics - but this country has never been so threatened from within as now.

Let's call on one of the Founding Fathers - one who "got it right":

Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics and limited monarchies derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates.

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor Liberty to purchase power.

Benjamin Franklin

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA