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Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama described the U.S. Constitution as having “deep flaws” during a September 2001 Chicago public radio program, adding that the country’s Founding Fathers had “an enormous blind spot” when they wrote it.
Obama also remarked that the Constitution “reflected the fundamental flaw of this country that continues to this day.”
Obama’s statements came during a panel discussion that aired on Chicago’s WBEZ-FM on Sept. 6, 2001, titled “Slavery and the Constitution.”
The discussion that led to the statements took place on the now-defunct Odyssey program, which also aired statements by Obama bemoaning the fact that the Civil Rights movement had failed to bring about an economic redistribution of wealth in America.
Originally posted by grover
The constituition is deeply flawed and they did indeed know it at the time... its not an issue it's the efforts of each generation to work out those flaws that make it a living document, not as bush minor said... a "GD piece of paper."
The original constitution is a remarkable document...
...it reflects deep flaws in the colonial culture of that time...
Originally posted by sos37
I also take exception to the implication that it is 'deeply flawed' as of 2001 with all of the amendments added to it. It's not perfect and no law or set of rules will ever be perfect as there is no possible way to satisfy every person all of the time. But the Constitution of the U.S. is a masterpiece, brilliantly written and carefully amended.
[edit on 28-10-2008 by sos37]
Originally posted by sos37
I don't see the Constitution as flawed at all. But Obama's comments really have me concerned that he will be appointing new people to the Supreme Court that will be attempting to MAKE new Constitutional law, not interpret it.
[edit on 28-10-2008 by sos37]
Originally posted by mister.old.school
Has anyone bothered to seek out the actual comments in context?
The original constitution is a remarkable document...
...it reflects deep flaws in the colonial culture of that time...
Also, you've incorrectly quoted him in the subject line of your thread, as he never said the constitution was "Deeply Flawed."
Originally posted by kettlebellysmith
I don't think anyone can read the constitution in it's entirety and and not come to the conclusion that it was, and still is flawed. For example, the fonding fathers recognized that slavery was morally wrong, but considering the economic realities of the times and the desire to bring together the original thirteen states, it was recognized as a necessary evil, one that was later corrected.
The constitution is meant to be a living document, one that grows and changes with the times, all the while maintianing the balance of power via the advesarial positon between the Executive, Legislative, and the Judicail branch.
Originally posted by mister.old.school
Has anyone bothered to seek out the actual comments in context?
The original constitution is a remarkable document...
...it reflects deep flaws in the colonial culture of that time...
Also, you've incorrectly quoted him in the subject line of your thread, as he never said the constitution was "Deeply Flawed."