Elijah Lewis: “this amendment is the essence of nonsense. Just look at it--read it. But we are not here because this is a well-written…”

“this amendment is the essence of nonsense. Just look at it--read it. But we are not here because this is a well-written, well-reasoned amendment. this amendment isn't even a good idea. We are here because it is April 15, tax day--it is time to score political points--the Constitution be dammed. Two fundamental truths underlie our Government--majority rule, and the Constitution. This amendment is contrary to both. It is ill-conceived, ill-constructed, and ill-advised. Our Constitution is a sacred document. It is the foundation of the greatest democracy on Earth. Since the adoption of the Bill of Rights over 200 years ago, the people have seen fit to amend it only 17 times. That is because the Constitution is not merely law--it is the foundation of our Nation. It is liberty. It is the separation of powers--checks and balances. It is the essence of democracy. I revere the Constitution. We must not amend it lightly. Welfare reform--Government spending--tax policy--these are the province of laws. We must not clutter our Constitution with such matters. We must not cheapen the foundation of this great Nation. It appears that many of my colleagues disagree. In the past 16 months, the Republican leadership has brought four constitutional amendments to the floor of the House. This is nothing less than an assault on our Constitution--on our democracy. Republicans would restrict the right of voters to choose their Member of Congress. They would limit free speech.…”