Liberals Mock Conservatives’ Constitutional “Fetish”
- Posted on January 5, 2011 at 6:59pm by
Meredith Jessup
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On Thursday, the House of Representatives will open with a new procedure: the reading of the U.S. Constitution. The founding document doesn’t seem controversial, but the mere action of reading it aloud is already drawing ire from liberals.
The Washington Post’s Ezra Klein recently weighed in on the debate, telling MSNBC‘s Norah O’Donnell that reading the document aloud “a gimmick” and that “the issue of the Constitution is not that people don‘t read the text and think they’re following; the issue with the Constitution is that the text is confusing because it was written more than 100 years ago and what people believe it says differs from person to person and differs depending on what they want to get done.”
Also with the Washington Post, columnist E.J. Dionne lamented that the tea party movement has treated the Constitution as “the equivalent of sacred scripture” and offered “widely admired Revolutionary historian” Gordon Wood’s testimony that the founding document is little more than a “collection of shrewd political compromises” from men whose thinking was full of “passion, ignorance, and foolishness.”
Congressman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., echoed Dionne’s assessment, condemning the “ritualistic reading” as “total nonsense” and “propaganda.“ The Founders were not ”demigods,” Nadler sneered, calling the Constitution “highly imperfect.”
“You are not supposed to worship your constitution. You are supposed to govern your government by it,” he said.
Meanwhile, MSNBC and Slate‘s Dahlia Lithwick tried to wrap their heads around conservatives’ so-called constitutional “fetish”:
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Conservatives are hardly practicing idol worship in demanding a recitation of the nation’s governing document, and what’s so wrong with believing that the U.S. Constitution is unique and should be celebrated as such?
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Comments (164)
MeteoricLimbo
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 10:01pmdid they not take the Oath?
Report Post »SIXGUNWEST
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:50pmThese people are cracked. The only time they more than a handful of viewers is when their foolishness is shown on TheBlaze.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:48pmIs there any way that we could get a law passed so we could deport all liberals, socialists, and the others that don’t believe in the Constitution gets a one way ticket to anywhere but here.
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 10:49pmSince their ideology contradicts the founding principles of our US Constitution…….socialists, marxists, communists …..working in the US Government should be forced to resign……THROWN OUT.
Any one of these people taking an oath to honor the US Constitution….but does not, their actions contradict what is guaranteed by our US Constitution……has committed fraud, has LIED under oath……and is FRAUDULENTLY holding an office…whether elected or not.
Report Post »The Third Archon
Posted on January 8, 2011 at 3:50amSpeaking as a socialist, we can love America too. In fact, given that I care about ALL the people in this country, and not just those privileged with power, but the vast majority whose voices aren’t heard, whose interests aren’t represented, given that I believe in real democracy–in peoples’ interests being represented based solely upon their inalienable quality as human beings, and not on their wealth or access to the means of production, and thus power, of the society, I would say that we socialists have far more cause to be outraged and a far greater love of this country and its people than anyone else. If the political process doesn’t serve to create a society and an economy which in its operation enriches the lives of We the People (as you all love to pay lip service to), the great mass of the people, then why does it exist?
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:48pmThe US Constitution being read into the congressional record………….is for LEGAL purposes……and is setting the legal parameters for the 112th Congress.
Corrupt Thugs and loose-lipped liberals are bothered by it…….bc they have always operated as if the US Constitution does not exist…….and…..
THE US CONSTITUTION does not involve Socialism, Marxism, Communism….as the personal pursuits of deranged people……who have been trying to rip our US Constitution to shreds.
Report Post »taebaggranny
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 10:36pmWell put and I’m hoping that the new Speaker will stand by his promises to ask for the constitional reason for all bills presented to the house for consideration.
Report Post »beebacksoon
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:48pmThe left/progressives are acting like children…sticks and stones…com’on…give it up.
Report Post »rojotx
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:48pmConstitution, We don’t read no Constitution…../sarc
Report Post »Grabinsky Leroux
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:47pmFinally, finally I can not be ashamed to be called a fetishist. Now I can feel the glorious pain when the “whew, whew, whew” is read from the Constitution. Now only while they are re-writing other ‘classic’ works, perhaps they can add tween vampires and naitive dog men to the founders’
documents that praise universal healthcare and the constitutional right to privacy. And maybe in this mode, Jesus would be a community organizer pushing the unionization of all carpenters, and violently disuading the non union crafstman as brain damaged or the product of an unhappy home.
This is a fetish I can be proud of, save the leather and the flails. Truth being that Jesus is the son of God and tween vamps/dog men are a product of fiction. The Constitution is THE founding document. As I light my candles tonight at the alter to the founders, I will remember why I am a fetishist, and be proud.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:39pmJust think that they were elected to run our country. Evidently they don’t know that this country was founded on the Constitution. I guess they are the kind of people if they don’t like a car after a couple of years, they want the dealers to take it back for full value.
Report Post »Wes
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:33pmThis kind of sickens me. To think that the liberals would think that the vocal reading of the United States Constitution, the very foundation of our nation, would outrage anyone in general and create such a controversy… I could just throw up right now, where’s the trash can? X(
Report Post »maryslittlelamb
Posted on January 7, 2011 at 1:23amWes. I disagree. Let the libs rail against the “waste of time” reading the Constitution and, heavens forfend, actually living up to it. It forces them to show their true colors. Meanwhile, all the uproar is great advertisement for folks who haven‘t quite figured out yet what’s going on. And yes, there are some of those out there.
Report Post »OnfireNY
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:27pmHey did anyone see the picture of Pelosi and the Pope? Oh yeah, there was none. Sorry, I got carried away by “The Word” speech.
Report Post »OnfireNY
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:23pmWhy would people not understand the Constitution? Could it be because they are not familiar with its Judeo-Christian foundation? It’s a GOD thing. Maybe we could have Nancy Pelosi give a take on the theological foundation of Judeo-Christian traditions. She did such a great job with “The Word.”
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 10:19pmIt showed how deranged she is…..if u view the video again w her disconnected statements about “The Word”……she grins and smiles, waiting for an anticipated applause that never occurred…..looking from side-to-side like the dummy Jerry Mahoney.
It totally frightened me.
Either she is completely delusional……or she needs to switch medications…….that are more suited for her mental disorder.
And if u do not think she has a mental disorder, then u have not seen the video……
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:15pmHey, they (leftists) have been trying to destroy the constitution since day one! They are against individual rights and freedoms, for instead, the group collective!
Report Post »Docroxall
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:14pmWhen they dis the tea party, I laugh…because they are poking the bear that just ate a third of them…keep poking the bear STUPID. Soon, 2/3rds will be gone. Typical libs…digging the hole deeper to get out!
Report Post »Its Gonna Getcha
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:10pmPOTUS is the gimmick. And it’s failing like every other gimmick politician in our past.
Report Post »IVillageIdiot
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:04pmHuffPo = Cleon Skousen observations of CPUSA/USSR goals of 1962:
(still on track….)
Goal #29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
Report Post »Eblaze44
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:03pmFor years and years the founders of our Republic were in fact regarded as demi-gods and the Country they founded was established by the Constitution they signed. It‘s only been since the creeping socialism and the liberal democrats have been stalking the halls of Congress that the Constitution has been put in it’s vault to be peered at, but not read or followed, that we have told the Founding Fathers to go away and we will have the Federal Government be the Central Government to rule in tyranny over the Citizens with a socialist marxist communist party in control.
Report Post »Cpriestess
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:59pmThis truth reflects the values of the public school system. I began teaching my kids about both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution around the age of 7 (School House Rock is invaluable, both of my kids can sing the Preamble) but my eldest never got near the docs in school. Well that’s not true, they spent 3 weeks reviewing the history but never covered what it said. You can not enslave people who know what their country expects of them. And if you know what your government’s responsibilities are, you can make intelligent choices about who serves in it.
Report Post »That would screwup the entrenched political class if the information were too widely disseminated.
seeker9
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:52pmDid Madcows voice get a little deeper?
Report Post »Grady Curve
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 10:20pmYes it did, they must have finally dropped
Report Post »emertz8413
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:46pmThese progressives have always made fun of the Constitution, tried to make it irrelavent. What the hell does this idiot woman mean when she says we’re a secular nation. What’s with the laughing after he asks questions? How snarky can two people be??? It’s about time we read the document idiots!!!
Report Post »ParahSalin
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:40pmUgh, ******** just don’t get it.They should read the constitution at baseball games, just like the national anthem, so everyone can understand it.
Report Post »ICANHANDLETHETRUTH
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:39pmHmmmm correct me if i am wrong but doesnt this Document give these clown the right to free speach no matter how silly they sound,
Report Post »912Mom
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:38pmI carry my copy with me everyday. Each and every time I open my wallet, there it is for all to see and it makes me proud each time
Report Post »RedWhiteAndTrue
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 10:59pmVery cool! I’m going to get one too!
Report Post »Docrow
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 9:11amThis is a link to a PDF version…….
http://www.apfn.org/pdf/citizen.pdf
Report Post »JD Carp
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:18pmI as well carry a copy of the Constitution, everyone shold to be reminded how we got here and why. Do I have a “fetish” for it? A resounding YES! And I don’t need any therapy for this fetish, perhaps others (smile) but not this one. (See conservatives do have a sense of humor)
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:37pmhow dare our politicians read the document they have sworn to protect
the reason they dont like this idea, is it will bring to light more of their actions that are not constitutional, and they dont like the idea of having to recognize their limits of power
their idea of playing fair is to make the rules up as they go………..you all remember those guys in school
Report Post »patak
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:20pmPsychosis…I am so with you on this. Do they think it was a joke when they took an oath to uphold the constitution? I am a fed gov’t employee and when I took the oath I could not have been more proud.
Report Post »mrclean
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:47pmIt seemed to clearly be a joke when the potus took the oath…..
Report Post »click4cheapandeasyweb
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:19amThe other reason they don’t like this idea has to do with being ignorant. Progressives fear what they don’t understand, and its been clear for many years to this Conservative, that most progressives have no clue what the Constitution means.
And of course you are correct about them knowing that it stands in the way of their agenda. This is another huge reason why I don’t trust liberals/progressives/marxists/democrats/socialists.
Report Post »skeenon
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:33pmReading the Constitution should precede every session of congress (and the senate). After all, it is the foundation of our republic and legislators hold constitutional offices.
I just hope and pray the reading of it signifies an intent to pay more attention to its contents than has been paid recently.
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:38pmThis is just another example of the use of the “preponderance of propaganda”! The wannabe tyrants and their cronies are publicizing lies, half-truths and the irrelevant to avoid a discussion of the issues. Pay no attention to the smokescreen.
Report Post »When the premise is false the only arguments that can be used are fear mongering, emotion, sarcasm, ridicule, attacking the messenger and misrepresentation of the facts (lying). Those who expect to reap huge profits from our misery caused by tyranny are experts at these tactics.
The only relevant issue is freedom or tyranny!!!! http://commonsense21c.com/
spendthrift
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:33pmThe left cares nothing about the Constitution, especially the “We the People” part…
Report Post »Curator_JDR
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:38pmSure. They have to because they are delusional. And we can mock their treason towards America.
This new animated short feature exposes the insanity of the Progressives with BIG TIME HUMOR. http://www.marcrubin.com/hairmerica.ivnu Humor and Art make culture.
This very funny cartoon attacks sacred cows, including “Joy Beefar” , speaking of sacred cows. The new “head-up-the-butt” people icon says more than Rosie The Riveter, and makes you laugh at THEM every time you find one
Report Post »AlaskaRick
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 8:59pmSpendthrift, you are right this shows that they care nothing for our founding fathers or the principles of freedom and liberty this nation was founded on. They are actually being honest for once!
Report Post »byehlik
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:07pmI hope they have the balls to to stick to the Constitution. The lefties are going to pull out all the stops to discredit them. I’ll be watching to see who is a Constitutionalist, and who is not. I will support those who will stand on those original principals, I will vote out all who do not, Republican, or Democrat. I still am not convinced, only their actions will show their intent. God Speed, Be Prepared!
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:37pmSince they have taken the oath to defend and uphold the constitution, it only makes sense to read it aloud so these representatives of the PEOPLE hear and understand the item they have taken the oath for. To have Congress members criticize the reading of this most sacred document for this outstanding REPUBLIC, should make everyone wonder where their heart lies and whom they believe they represent or work for. 2012.
Report Post »ilovethiscountry
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 9:41pmSpendthrift, You are right, the Constitution is the basis of our government. If we are a nation of laws then we must live by it.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on January 5, 2011 at 10:32pmMost of them didn’t know we had one … at least that is how they “governed”. Sit down SHUT UP and you Dems might learn something when it is read tomorrow. Anyone NOT attending should not get to vote!
Report Post »click4cheapandeasyweb
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:03amMore proof that liberals are not pro-American.
Report Post »jds7171
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:56amThe left are a bunch of idiots. If it weren’t for the constitution the states that want to leave the union will leave. There will be no more united states of america.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:06amWell, actually SPENDTHRIFT, not all liberals don’t care about the Constitution, that is just a sweeping generalization which is done often on the Blaze. I care about the Constitution, I carry a copy of it with me everyday. So don’t lump all liberals in the same boat – we are not all alike.http://wp.me/pYLB7-uK
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:08amActually the headline should read “Some liberals mock conservatives’ constitutional fetish”
Report Post »http://wp.me/pYLB7-uK
bostonchris
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:50amAll truth passes through three stages:
Report Post »First, it is ridiculed;
Second, it is violently opposed; and
Third, it is accepted as self-evident.
– Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)
notmousse
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 2:05amIs it just me or does Ms. Maddow look a lot better recently?
Report Post »AmeriWoman
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 4:52amAny…….ANY representative that discusses or attacks our Constitution in this manner, should be relieved of his/her job immediately. That is an open attack on the rule of law and they each swore an oath, the same one since 1884. THAT PLAINLY SAYS:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
Any Congressman(woman) or Senator who has decided they cannot stand with our Constitution and defend it and hold allegiance to it… SHOULD BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY.
Our leaders MUST HOLD THESE PEOPLE TO THEIR OATH!!!
This is a major breakdown from the very top level and folks, it is intolerable and cannot be ignored by any of us. These representatives should be scrutinized and if they are found with issue over their ability to hold their oath, they should not be representing us or our country.
AW
Report Post »bbquizzle
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 7:22am….then can I mock the liberal fetish of mocking conservatives?
Report Post »oldguy48
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 7:47amAnd just what would you expect from a bunch of criminals? We have let the fox guard the henhouse. Shock! There aren’t any hens left.
Report Post »WhatTheHuh
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 11:50amSo it’s a “fetish” to want our representatives, who are sworn to protect the Constitution, to actually demand that they do so? Such arrogance.
By the way, in response to the Republicans reading the Constitution on the floor today, Congressman Waxman (D-CA) said it was waste of time because “judges make the law.” Really, Mr. Waxman? Sounds to me your ignorance is the reason this document needs to be read.
And the next time a liberal says that gay marriage, for example, is a Constitutional right, my reply will be, “Oh, that silly little document?”
Report Post »abc
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:44pmThis is like having newly hired doctors read aloud the body parts in their Gray’s Anatomy text. They should already know what is in the Constitution, not to mention the case law that informs it, so that they do not waste valuable time passing unconstitutional laws. Of course, we all know that it is symbolic and designed to suggest that the Dems have been doing unconstitutional things. The problem is that Boehner‘s opinion on what is constitutional or unconstitutional doesn’t have authority. Only the courts have that authority. So this can only be viewed as a gimmick. THere is no other logical way to look at it. To those that say that Dems do not care about the constitution, they ought to see how many things passed in the last four years in Congress were struck down by the Supreme Court or how many things Obama has proposed were struck down and compare that to the GOP record. They will not like what they find.
Report Post »civilwar
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 2:56pmLiberals would much prefer a complete reading of the Communist Manifesto. –Doug
Report Post »Joe Herring
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 9:55pmActually, they care deeply about the Constitution. They revere it as a magical document able to “live and breathe and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.” It truly is a pity that their faux reverence is just as false as their interpretation of the document itself.
Report Post »Dandylyon
Posted on January 8, 2011 at 11:22amJust like the constatutioist mock the left’s communist fetish.It’s all in what you want in life,RIGHT comrade Democrat’s??
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