On March 22, 2011, New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg spoke at a rally supporting government funding of Planned Parenthood. The debate over the funding is a side issue, which I will leave those focused on political commentary and debate, however, there was one statement that caught my attention and presents a great opportunity to look at the Constitution, the Founding of our Nation, and the source of our Rights. Senator Lautenberg was quoted:
The Republicans in Congress claim they’re concerned about the budget balance, but it’s a disguise! It’s not true! It’s a lie! That’s not what they want. They want — they want other people not to be able to have their own opinions. They don’t deserve the freedoms that are in the Constitution! But we’ll give it to them anyway.
As we move forward in political debates, whether they be over funding of community service organizations, regulatory laws, or the Federal Budget, it is important that we pay attention, particularly to what our elected representatives are saying. Senator Lautenberg’s words present a troubling philosophical foundation. We have to ask the question: Who decides to give Republicans Constitutional Rights?
