| I'm not being a dick, you're being uncharitable. >The declaration of independence also makes a broad statement that all men are created equal with unalienable rights. So? The Declaration of Independence is not part of the laws of the United States. Its statements have no bearing on them. > This is precisely how constitutional protections have been interpreted in other countries, for instance. Luckily, we're not talking about other countries. > Or did you forget about "provide for the common defense" aspect of government? That aspect would argue more that the rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights are applicable by the US government only to US citizens, residents, or visitors, and not to all people everywhere. The Insular Cases support this view. >No, this is objectively not well-trodden ground, and you're kind of acting like a dick. I recommend not doing that. Yes, it is well trodden ground. That you refuse to acknowledge it does not make a difference. |
Excuse me, but tons of hoopla is made about the intentions of the founding fathers. The declaration of independence obviously has direct bearing on this question, and therefore obviously has direct bearing on interpreting the constitution.
> Luckily, we're not talking about other countries.
That's a weak reply. The point you've failed to grasp is that a constitution requires interpretation, and interpretations change, even despite contrary precedent. The Supreme Court has changed interpretations on fundamental rights multiple times over the US's existence. The US constitution can be interpreted in the same way as other countries have done.