Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 02:24:39 -0400 From: snyderra@dunx1.ocs.drexel.edu (Bob Snyder) At 12:21 PM 4/27/94 -0700, Sandy Sandfort wrote:
The Constitution and other laws are not magic talismans. It is fantasy thinking that technical compliance with the government's laws renders them "completely powerless." A Smith & Wesson beats four-of-a-kind.
I'm not sure I understand what you are saying here. Them being the laws or the government? He's saying that power is granted to the government by the people. The Constitution is an agreement between the people and the government. As long as the government obeys the Constitution, the people will support it. That's why the executive branch (at very least) swears to uphold the Constitution. It's up to the people to ensure that the government comply with the Constitution. It's not the government's job to enforce the Constitution against itself, although, the Constitution is structured so as to present the three branches of government with a zero-sum game. The plan is that the easiest way a branch can get more power is to take it from another branch. That way, the government gets involved with fighting amongst itself for power rather than taking more from the people. You might enjoy Gene Sharp's three-book set entitled _The Politics of Nonviolent Action_. It goes into great depth on the source of governmental power over people. -russ <nelson@crynwr.com> ftp.msen.com:pub/vendor/crynwr/crynwr.wav Crynwr Software | Crynwr Software sells packet driver support | ask4 PGP key 11 Grant St. | +1 315 268 1925 (9201 FAX) | Quakers do it in the light Potsdam, NY 13676 | LPF member - ask me about the harm software patents do.