Thanks for your reply, although I vehemently disagree with the interpretation that Amendment XIV calls for the restrictions on Congress in Amendment I to be applied to the States as well. There is nothing in Amendment XIV (including equal protection) that allows this expansion of restriction. The restrictions on Congress are for the individual and are already applied equally, regardless of State law since State law cannot remove a restriction placed upon Congress.
I agree. The 14th can prevent the states from abridging natural rights—heck, every government can and has to do that. But to say that it empowers Federal law to trump it every time makes a mockery of federalism and subsidiarity.