OH SHOOT….. and this is quick so I can get to work- there may be typos and incomplet thoughts but hopefully you will get the idea...
I thought I was done but what the heck.
To go along with what Chass is saying about the current legality or not of some such and such being based on the current OR THEN whims of the court depending on when the decision was made and who was sitting on the court is absolutely true. This is why appointment of federal Judges is such a big deal to the political party in office. Winning the Presidency or Congressional position is a “great win for the team” but when your team also gets to appoint a judge or two, especially a member of the Supreme Court…WOOHOOO… That’s like securing home field advantage until someone else steps down or dies leaving another vacancy on the court.
There have been many instances when interpretation and direct amendment to the Constitution have changed the very fabric of the society in which we live. Roe v Wade.. 18th and then 21st Amendments which is a perfect example of a vocal minority getting out the vote to implement a change that the majority either did not care about or were specifically against, The 21st Amendment is democracy in action, overturning the 18th Amendment. Row v Wade is another example of course of times a changing. MANY people are trying to get that decision revisited.
Here at home- have you ever heard of Briggs v. Elliott. I used to teach and live in the very town that all started in and actually knew families from both sides of that case. Things change as do times and course and opinions.
Specifically regarding God since we are talking about prayer – just yesterday a San Francisco Federal Court upheld the right to say the pledge in school. BTW- the phrase ‘Under God” was not added to the pledge until 1954- it was written in 1892- things change
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100311/ap_on_re_us/us_god_and_governmentThe 1st Amendment also guarantees the freedom of assembly and petition and assembly for the purpose of redressing grievances- Hmmmm? OK- we no longer pray before games. We are ASSEMBLING to air our GRIVIENCES….
Interpretation…..
Man this is fun- I think I just found my lesson for today!!
tk