Hi Bob,

> ST> That's not even relevent.  The constitution doesn't necessarily allow
> ST> for a  library, fire department or medicaide but we have them anyway.
> All state or local programs, the US Constitution doesn't apply.  John is
> correct.

I never stated he wasn't.  By the tone of his reply, other replies and the 
conversation, his writing led me to believe he meant that - because it's not 
in the constitution then it wasn't a valid program.  My point in my reply 
was simply, that's not an accurate paradigm given the other programs that 
exist which also aren't directly provided for in the constitution.

But, that's not the point of the constitution.

> numbers for the better part of a century - but, after all, it's just a
> goddamned piece of paper.

It's only a piece of paper for those who believe it represents only a piece 
of paper.  For citizens, it guarantees certain rights - privileges or 
liberties and freedom.  The ability of the government (all branches) to 
actually adhere to the constitution is the issue at hand.  I won't disagree 
the government has become a self-licking-ice-cream-cone (to some extent), 
and it's certainly oppressive - but it's all we have.  I intend to retire 
here in the U.S. and I'd like to make it better, that's one of the reasons I 
served more than 20 years in uniform.

Shannon 

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