Thomas Jefferson ... on change

[Crabtownboy]

Words of Thomas Jefferson. These words are found on panel 4 of the Jefferson Memorial from a letter, July 12, 1816, to Samuel Kercheval. Jefferson does advocate change with his statement, But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. What is your feelings on this passage?

I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.

 

[just-want-peace]

IMHO, this is precisely the reason for the amendment process in the constitution; as opposed to someone (judges and/or the POTUS) just deciding that, "this (whatever) is/isn't constitutional"

The "constitutional" process pretty well assures that a change is not just enacted due to some hyped-up emotionalism or "feel-goodism", but has been thought through before granting the change national standing.

Pity that the legislative process does not adhere to these principles!!!