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This is an argument about what is better for our society. I'm not overly worried about what the constitution says when dealing in general theory like this. If we came to a conclusion that the constitution supported, fine, if we felt we would have to amend it, that is another issue. But I don't approach an argument strictly from the basis of what the constitution says.

Also, I don't believe any state has a right to just walk away from the country legally or in theory. And regardless, we would have a moral authority to destroy institutions like slavery whether they were within our borders or not. Which is the same reason I support the Iraq war and other such efforts to spread and maintain our superior values throughout the world.

This is an argument about what is better for our society. I'm not overly worried about what the constitution says when dealing in general theory like this. If we came to a conclusion that the constitution supported, fine, if we felt we would have to amend it, that is another issue. But I don't approach an argument strictly from the basis of what the constitution says.

Well, you can discuss all you want, but when it comes to making law, remember the oath of office for ALL that serve, in Govt or the military. I swear to protect and defend the CONSITIUTION, not the in power govt if what they are doing is unconstitutional. Slavery was a dying institution at the time of the Civil War, and was not the root cause of it, the root cause was the Federal Govt usurping powers that belonged to the states (as I understand it, anyway).
You are right, things in modern times could not have been envisioned by the founders, and they knew that. Therefore amendments are the correct way to change it, not to call it a "Living Document" and bend it to fit your will. If it's that important to enact a law that requires a amendment, let the people of the country vote on it through their state representives. It may not seem a big point to some, but many have given all for that piece of paper. V/r, Jack

And regardless, we would have a moral authority to destroy institutions like slavery whether they were within our borders or not.

Slavery, odious though it was, was legal under the Constitution. There were likely better ways of ending it, that would have not caused the "hang over" effects that are still with us today. For one thing, the government could have used emminent domain and bought all the slaves from their owners. It would have been cheaper than fighting the war. It would also have avoided the violation of the 4th amendment that merely freeing them by decree entailed. I note that the slaves in Maryland were not freed by the Emancipation Proclemation, which was an executive fiat.