Languish.org

General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 11:21:41 AM

Title: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 11:21:41 AM
A friend of mine on Facebook posed this question, and I thought it was interesting enough to bring here.

Given the opportunity, which of the 27 amendments to the US constitution would you get rid of?*

For those, like me, who don't know them by heart, I offer this link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_amendments_to_the_United_States_Constitution). :)




*Pre-emptive: Number 19! Har har! Get rid of the wimmins!! Har har!  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: The Brain on September 01, 2012, 11:24:17 AM
13th. Mew.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: CountDeMoney on September 01, 2012, 11:26:59 AM
I'm sure for most Teabaggers, Republitards and Libertariantards, the 16th would probably be their pick for one to go.

My problem isn't with the Amendments we have now, but the ones people keep trying to create the last 20 years: flag-burning, "Personhood" and anti-abortion, sanctity of marriage, stuff like that.
Although I still think the ERA should've passed.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Phillip V on September 01, 2012, 11:27:51 AM
Bring back Prohibition.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: CountDeMoney on September 01, 2012, 11:30:11 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on September 01, 2012, 11:27:51 AM
Bring back Prohibition.

I could definitely get with that one.  Repeal the 21st.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 11:32:43 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on September 01, 2012, 11:27:51 AM
Bring back Prohibition.

Oh hell yeah! As a brewer, I'd make millions! :w00t:  :cheers:
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 11:35:39 AM
I think I'd eliminate the 22nd if I had to choose one, though I'm with Seedy and don't really have a problem with any of them.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Razgovory on September 01, 2012, 11:50:07 AM
Eh, the 22nd.  Bill Clinton would probably still be President.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2012, 11:57:22 AM
2nd obviously, it was rendered irrellevant when Jefferson built ships and funded, equipped and trained the marines.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Maximus on September 01, 2012, 11:58:24 AM
2nd would be in the running, but I think I'd go with the 12th.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: The Brain on September 01, 2012, 11:59:21 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 01, 2012, 11:50:07 AM
Eh, the 22nd.  Bill Clinton would probably still be President.

Extremely unlikely.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: CountDeMoney on September 01, 2012, 12:00:24 PM
I'd rather the 2nd be properly edited and rewritten in such a fashion that it can no longer be misinterpreted by redneck Dumbfuckistani mouthbreathers as opposed to being eliminated.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: The Brain on September 01, 2012, 12:02:12 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on September 01, 2012, 12:00:24 PM
I'd rather the 2nd be properly edited and rewritten in such a fashion that it can no longer be misinterpreted by redneck Dumbfuckistani mouthbreathers as opposed to being eliminated.

I'm shocked that you think that you should get to keep your guns but other people should not.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: CountDeMoney on September 01, 2012, 12:03:23 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 01, 2012, 12:02:12 PM
I'm shocked that you think that you should get to keep your guns but other people should not.

Best kind of gun control.  Me yes, Caliga no.  :lol:
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2012, 12:04:46 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_amendments_to_the_United_States_Constitution
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 12:09:56 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 12:04:46 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_amendments_to_the_United_States_Constitution

You realize that I already posted that in the OP, right?
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2012, 12:12:06 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 12:09:56 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 12:04:46 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_amendments_to_the_United_States_Constitution

You realize that I already posted that in the OP, right?

didn't notice...  :blush:
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Razgovory on September 01, 2012, 12:18:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 11:57:22 AM
2nd obviously, it was rendered irrellevant when Jefferson built ships and funded, equipped and trained the marines.

I always think it's cute when Rednecks think they are going to hold back the Government/Chinese/UN/zombies with their home arsenal of hunting rifles.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 01, 2012, 12:23:27 PM
The only one that really needed to go is the 18th and we've already taken care of that.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2012, 12:26:12 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 01, 2012, 12:18:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 11:57:22 AM
2nd obviously, it was rendered irrellevant when Jefferson built ships and funded, equipped and trained the marines.

I always think it's cute when Rednecks think they are going to hold back the Government/Chinese/UN/zombies with their home arsenal of hunting rifles.

Not mention that Sgt. Smith who is in charge of confiscating your weapons is Duane from next door who you showed your gun collection to last week.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: citizen k on September 01, 2012, 12:38:42 PM
16th, duh.

Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2012, 12:41:59 PM
Quote from: citizen k on September 01, 2012, 12:38:42 PM
16th, duh.

Not a deficit hawk then?
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Ed Anger on September 01, 2012, 01:03:12 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 11:21:41 AM




*Pre-emptive: Number 19! Har har! Get rid of the wimmins!! Har har!  :rolleyes:

Yes.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 01, 2012, 02:18:46 PM
I've said before the one about birth right citizenship should be changed.  14th?
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2012, 02:20:09 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 01, 2012, 02:18:46 PM
I've said before the one about birth right citizenship should be changed.  14th?

President Schwartzenegger?
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 01, 2012, 02:21:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 02:20:09 PM
President Schwartzenegger?

No.  The one about the children of illegals getting citizenship.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 02:42:24 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 01, 2012, 02:21:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 02:20:09 PM
President Schwartzenegger?

No.  The one about the children of illegals getting citizenship.

I thought that was part of the Constitution itself.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 01, 2012, 02:45:08 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 02:42:24 PM
I thought that was part of the Constitution itself.

I thought it came from the Reconstruction era amendment that ensured freed blacks wouldn't be fucked over.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 02:48:56 PM
Looked it up. It was in the Civil Rights Act of 1866. The 14th amendment was passed in order to prevent the USSC from overturning the Act due to it being outside the scope of the Constitution.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Barrister on September 01, 2012, 04:24:51 PM
One through ten.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Razgovory on September 01, 2012, 04:50:50 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 12:26:12 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 01, 2012, 12:18:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 11:57:22 AM
2nd obviously, it was rendered irrellevant when Jefferson built ships and funded, equipped and trained the marines.

I always think it's cute when Rednecks think they are going to hold back the Government/Chinese/UN/zombies with their home arsenal of hunting rifles.

Not mention that Sgt. Smith who is in charge of confiscating your weapons is Duane from next door who you showed your gun collection to last week.

I don't get it.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2012, 04:51:32 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 01, 2012, 04:50:50 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 12:26:12 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 01, 2012, 12:18:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2012, 11:57:22 AM
2nd obviously, it was rendered irrellevant when Jefferson built ships and funded, equipped and trained the marines.

I always think it's cute when Rednecks think they are going to hold back the Government/Chinese/UN/zombies with their home arsenal of hunting rifles.

Not mention that Sgt. Smith who is in charge of confiscating your weapons is Duane from next door who you showed your gun collection to last week.

I don't get it.

you never get anything
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 01, 2012, 04:53:08 PM
I don't get it either. Duane would have told me that he was a cop.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Caliga on September 01, 2012, 05:20:29 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on September 01, 2012, 12:03:23 PM
Best kind of gun control.  Me yes, Caliga no.  :lol:
I'll think of you when I take my Beretta to the range tomorrow. :)
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 01, 2012, 05:27:14 PM
You could print out copies of his photos to put on the target, though that is a bit creepy.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Caliga on September 01, 2012, 05:34:13 PM
That's not permitted.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Scipio on September 01, 2012, 06:03:00 PM
17th.  Without a doubt.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: DGuller on September 01, 2012, 06:59:36 PM
8th.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: dps on September 01, 2012, 07:31:07 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 01, 2012, 11:35:39 AM
I think I'd eliminate the 22nd if I had to choose one, though I'm with Seedy and don't really have a problem with any of them.

If you actually want a serious answer, I think that I'd go with that, though I might argue that the Ninth should go because it really doesn't seem to make much difference.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Ed Anger on September 01, 2012, 07:32:51 PM
19
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Grey Fox on September 01, 2012, 09:29:33 PM
10
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Valmy on September 02, 2012, 12:10:46 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 01, 2012, 09:29:33 PM
10

The Reserve Clause?  Why?

Anyway the third amendment.  Citizens need to do their duty to the glorious military forces of the United States.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Valmy on September 02, 2012, 12:12:29 AM
Quote from: dps on September 01, 2012, 07:31:07 PM
If you actually want a serious answer, I think that I'd go with that, though I might argue that the Ninth should go because it really doesn't seem to make much difference.

I know people regularly act like if it is not in the Bill of Rights we do not have that right.  Sort of exactly the opposite of what was hoped by Madison.

We sort of ignore the Fourth Amendment also but somehow I still like having it around because it makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 01:43:04 AM
Quote from: Valmy on September 02, 2012, 12:12:29 AM
Quote from: dps on September 01, 2012, 07:31:07 PM
If you actually want a serious answer, I think that I'd go with that, though I might argue that the Ninth should go because it really doesn't seem to make much difference.

I know people regularly act like if it is not in the Bill of Rights we do not have that right.  Sort of exactly the opposite of what was hoped by Madison.

We sort of ignore the Fourth Amendment also but somehow I still like having it around because it makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

I was very serious that I thought 1 through 10 should go.  Much as I believe our Charter of Rights was a mistake.

Not that its repeal will happen within my lifetime. :(
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on September 02, 2012, 04:23:56 AM
Quote from: Scipio on September 01, 2012, 06:03:00 PM
17th.  Without a doubt.

Agreed. Save the states from disenfranchisement.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Josquius on September 02, 2012, 05:00:45 AM
A case could be made for getting rid of several of them but with the second there really is no competition.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Grey Fox on September 02, 2012, 06:49:07 AM
Quote from: Valmy on September 02, 2012, 12:10:46 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 01, 2012, 09:29:33 PM
10

The Reserve Clause?  Why?

Anyway the third amendment.  Citizens need to do their duty to the glorious military forces of the United States.

Because you have too many crazy states that need to be put down.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 02, 2012, 06:52:18 AM
Quote from: Tyr on September 02, 2012, 05:00:45 AM
A case could be made for getting rid of several of them but with the second there really is no competition.

You think the 2nd is worse than the 18th?  :hmm:
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Josquius on September 02, 2012, 07:00:46 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 02, 2012, 06:52:18 AM
Quote from: Tyr on September 02, 2012, 05:00:45 AM
A case could be made for getting rid of several of them but with the second there really is no competition.

You think the 2nd is worse than the 18th?  :hmm:
Its already gone. Getting rid of it would serve no purpose but tidy up paperwork by getting rid of an ammendment which another ammendment says is no longer valid anyway.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Razgovory on September 02, 2012, 12:22:14 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on September 02, 2012, 04:23:56 AM
Quote from: Scipio on September 01, 2012, 06:03:00 PM
17th.  Without a doubt.

Agreed. Save the states from disenfranchisement.

The states are more trouble then they are worth.  We've let states tyrannize their populace for well over a century.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Neil on September 02, 2012, 02:04:11 PM
The 2nd is bad.  I'm also not wild about 6-8 and 19.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: szmik on September 02, 2012, 02:16:52 PM
16th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th  :)

not that anyone cares :glare:
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: The Brain on September 02, 2012, 02:17:46 PM
Purple Tentacle had the right idea about amendments. Humans now slaves.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: ulmont on September 02, 2012, 04:33:22 PM
Which amendments to remove:

7.  The right to a trial by jury for almost all civil cases only complicates the administration of the courts.

22.  If you can keep getting elected, you can keep being President.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:29:35 PM
I keep telling you people - entrenching human rights in your constitution is a terrible idea.  You need to rely on elected politicians, not unelected judges.

One through ten need to go.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Ed Anger on September 02, 2012, 06:33:05 PM
I'd like to see the press neutered. I don't like reporters.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 02, 2012, 06:42:24 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:29:35 PM
I keep telling you people - entrenching human rights in your constitution is a terrible idea.  You need to rely on elected politicians, not unelected judges.

One through ten need to go.

The whole point of the Bill of Rights is that we don't trust elected officials to safeguard minority rights in all cases.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Neil on September 02, 2012, 06:46:49 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 02, 2012, 06:42:24 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:29:35 PM
I keep telling you people - entrenching human rights in your constitution is a terrible idea.  You need to rely on elected politicians, not unelected judges.

One through ten need to go.

The whole point of the Bill of Rights is that we don't trust elected officials to safeguard minority rights in all cases.
Is that really the whole point?  After all, it's not like the Bill of Rights was very good at safeguarding minority rights.  Blacks, Indians and Mormons all got the gears pretty good.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 02, 2012, 06:47:18 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:29:35 PM
I keep telling you people - entrenching human rights in your constitution is a terrible idea.  You need to rely on elected politicians, not unelected judges.

Nah, the judges are a failsafe. We'd still prefer the politicians don't trample over our rights, but don't trust them not to.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:47:53 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 02, 2012, 06:42:24 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:29:35 PM
I keep telling you people - entrenching human rights in your constitution is a terrible idea.  You need to rely on elected politicians, not unelected judges.

One through ten need to go.

The whole point of the Bill of Rights is that we don't trust elected officials to safeguard minority rights in all cases.

I know.  And I disagree.

It's not as if the Bill of Rights actually works at protecting minority rights either.  Japanese internment, McCarthyism, slavery...
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: CountDeMoney on September 02, 2012, 06:49:19 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 02, 2012, 06:33:05 PM
I'd like to see the press neutered. I don't like reporters.

Could you tell me how that makes you feel for our audience at home, Mr. Anger?
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: CountDeMoney on September 02, 2012, 06:50:09 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:29:35 PM
I keep telling you people - entrenching human rights in your constitution is a terrible idea.  You need to rely on elected politicians, not unelected judges.

One through ten need to go.

Faggy assed monarchist. :blurgh:
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 02, 2012, 06:50:35 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:47:53 PM
It's not as if the Bill of Rights actually works at protecting minority rights either.  Japanese internment, McCarthyism, slavery...

That's hardly an argument for doing away with it altogether.

Not quite sure how McCarthyism fits in there though.  Are you referring to the Hollywood blacklist?
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Neil on September 02, 2012, 06:51:18 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:29:35 PM
I keep telling you people - entrenching human rights in your constitution is a terrible idea.  You need to rely on elected politicians, not unelected judges.

One through ten need to go.
I'm not sure that you would want to do that in the US.

We'll see what happens in the UK over the next few decades, when you get an unrestrained Parliament elected by people who celebrate their ignorance, who have no respect for their betters and who believe that stupidity and notoriety are the only qualities worth aspiring to.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Neil on September 02, 2012, 06:53:05 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:47:53 PM
McCarthyism
Are spies a proteected class now?
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Ed Anger on September 02, 2012, 06:53:32 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on September 02, 2012, 06:49:19 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 02, 2012, 06:33:05 PM
I'd like to see the press neutered. I don't like reporters.

Could you tell me how that makes you feel for our audience at home, Mr. Anger?

It makes me angry Dr. Phil.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: garbon on September 02, 2012, 06:53:53 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:47:53 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 02, 2012, 06:42:24 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:29:35 PM
I keep telling you people - entrenching human rights in your constitution is a terrible idea.  You need to rely on elected politicians, not unelected judges.

One through ten need to go.

The whole point of the Bill of Rights is that we don't trust elected officials to safeguard minority rights in all cases.

I know.  And I disagree.

It's not as if the Bill of Rights actually works at protecting minority rights either.  Japanese internment, McCarthyism, slavery...

Except that unelected judges played a roll in ending both of the first two.  You can have the point for the last one, though it seems like that was always intended to be permissible when the Bill of Rights was formulated.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Martinus on September 03, 2012, 01:40:32 AM
19th.
Title: Re: Which amendment to the US Constitution would you do away with?
Post by: Razgovory on September 03, 2012, 03:15:44 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 02, 2012, 06:50:35 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 02, 2012, 06:47:53 PM
It's not as if the Bill of Rights actually works at protecting minority rights either.  Japanese internment, McCarthyism, slavery...

That's hardly an argument for doing away with it altogether.

Not quite sure how McCarthyism fits in there though.  Are you referring to the Hollywood blacklist?

It was my impression that for a long time the US constitution didn't always protect you from state laws.  And yeah, it was the Unelected Judges that came struck a blow against McCarthyism in Pennsylvania v Nelson.  Man, I've been here to long.  I've been hanging out with you damn lawyers so long I'm beginning to know individual court cases.