I just finished historian Jill Lepore’s marvelous book "We the People." Lepore argues that Americans need to revive the amendment process. It has been far too long since our last amendment.
The Founding Fathers wanted amendments; in fact, they added Article V defining that process. Some explicitly defended it.
In a 1787 letter, George Washington said, “I do not think we are more inspired, have more wisdom, or possess more virtue, than those who will come after us.”
Further, in a 1789 letter to James Madison, Thomas Jefferson said “no society can make a perpetual constitution,” since “the earth belongs always to the living generation.”
We the People include us today. Our contemporary needs, circumstances and understanding matter.
Some people want to limit who and how we can adjust how our country functions, nor do they trust the masses. However, as the governed, let’s use our power. It is our country.
Amending any constitution should remain difficult but feasible. We can celebrate our predecessors while accounting for the present and future that they couldn’t envision.
I join Lepore, during the United States’ 250th anniversary, calling to revive the amendment process.
Steve Petersen
Murray