The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. BARLETTA). Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. PAUL) is recognized for 5 minutes.
2011 Ron Paul 1:1
Mr. PAUL.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Constitution has received a
lot of attention in recent weeks, thanks to the tea party movement. It goes without saying that Members of Congress should have read the Constitution many times, and we should continue to study it.
2011 Ron Paul 1:2
Citing the particular clause of the Constitution that authorizes newly introduced legislation is a reasonable suggestion, yet in reality it will do little to restrain unconstitutional growth of Federal Government. We have had such rules in the past and no benefit came of it.
2011 Ron Paul 1:3
The laws that are passed reflect the preferences of those in charge, who promote their personal agenda. For too long that agenda has expanded government at the expense of personal liberty, regardless of which political party was in charge. Generally this trend was supported by voters, who rewarded most Members of Congress with reelection.
2011 Ron Paul 1:4
For many of us, this expansion of government clearly violated the Constitution, yet it was always argued that the program somehow conformed to that “living” document.
2011 Ron Paul 1:5
By misinterpreting the general welfare clause, the interstate commerce clause, and the “necessary and proper” clause, Congress has justified every conceivable expansion of the Federal Government. Congress also has misinterpreted the 14th Amendment and legislated as though it had repealed the 10th Amendment. Sadly, Congress has also systematically abdicated its prerogatives and responsibilities to the executive branch over many decades.
2011 Ron Paul 1:6
Too many people, in and out of Congress, grew up being taught that the Constitution was malleable. This has allowed judicial, legislative, and executive flexibility to make the Constitution “a modern living document.” Though the authors allowed for “flexibility” through the amendment process, this process has been ignored for the sake of speed and convenience.
2011 Ron Paul 1:7
As a result, the Constitution now has little meaning since most Members pay only lip service when taking their oath to obey it.
2011 Ron Paul 1:8
But I am encouraged by our growing grassroots interest in the Constitution, especially among the younger generation. I am glad Congress is becoming aware of it.
2011 Ron Paul 1:9
Our Constitution should be viewed as law, and Members of Congress should be expected to follow the rule of law. But a document is just that, and it is only as good as the character of those who represent us and promise to obey it.
2011 Ron Paul 1:10
Distorted interpretations come easily when the goal is opposite of what the original authors intended and what the plain text provides.
2011 Ron Paul 1:11
If true liberty is not our goal, persistent efforts to rationalize misinterpretations and circumvent the Constitution will continue.
2011 Ron Paul 1:12
Without men and women of character in Congress, respect for the rule of law
and a love of liberty, the Constitution becomes but a worthless piece of paper. Celebrating the Constitution without this understanding will do nothing to restore the greatness of America.
2011 Ron Paul 1:13
Simply praising the document distracts from the need for Members to gain the courage to resist special interests; political self-interests; emergency needs in times of crisis; fear-based economic myths; and the persistent temptation to seek security over liberty while ignoring personal responsibility and self-reliance.
2011 Ron Paul 1:14
Providing instruction in the Constitution for staff and/or Members begs the question: Who will be the teacher?
2011 Ron Paul 1:15
I wonder, will this welcomed renewed interest in the Constitution lead to a healthy reassessment of all of our policies?
2011 Ron Paul 1:16
Will there be no more wars without an actual congressional declaration?
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Will we end all of the unconstitutional Federal departments, including the Department of Energy, Education, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Labor?
2011 Ron Paul 1:20
Will the Patriot Act be repealed and all of the warrantless searches stopped? Will TSA be restrained or abolished? Will the IRS’s unconstitutional collection powers end?
2011 Ron Paul 1:21
Will executive and judicial quasi-legislative powers be ended?
2011 Ron Paul 1:23
Will we end the Federal Government’s involvement in medical care? Will we end all of the Federal Government’s illusionary insurance programs?
2011 Ron Paul 1:24
Will we ban secret prisons, trials
without due process, and assassinations?
2011 Ron Paul 1:25
Will we end our foreign policy of invasion and occupation?
2011 Ron Paul 1:26
For America to once again become the standard for a free society, our love of liberty and desire for peace must far surpass any public display of fidelity to the Constitution. We must first look to strong moral character, respect for the rule of law, and an understanding of the proper role of government in a free society.
Notes:
2011 Ron Paul 1:1 tea party probably should be capitalized: Tea Party.
2011 Ron Paul 1:5 general welfare clause probably should be capitalized: General Welfare Clause.
interstate commerce clause probably should be capitalized: Interstate Commerce Clause and is properly named Commerce Clause.
2011 Ron Paul 1:16 congressional probably should be capitalized: Congressional.
