[Arkinsaw]

I would guess that, regardless, the 14th Amendment would be re-reatified by the States and with the approval of the people if necessary. I think discussion of it's illegality/legality is fairly useless. It was indeed "shoved down the throat" but it remains that it has since been swallowed successfully.

The 14th Amendment is in reality an amazingly good amendment in practice. Especially for one generated by a Radical Congress. The 14th is fine when it is balanced by strong States that stand up for themselves. This has certainly not always been the case.

Recently, the Sons of Confederate Veterans won a case where the State was attempting to deny them the same free speech rights afforded to any other historical/heritage group because the majority's perception of their organizations symbol. They won their case on 14th Amendment grounds and rightfully so. The Federal government protected them from oppression by a State.

This is a useful thing, as long as there is also a strong way for a State to protect its citizens from Federal oppression. That method is through the 10th Amendment. Unfortunately the 10th Amendment has been violated and weakened purposefully. With the two you have a nice balance, with only one or the other you have potential oppression.

[jackbill]

The 14th Amendment is in reality an amazingly good amendment in practice.

Horse Hockey. The 14th Amendment is the vehicle whereby any pregnant woman in the world can come into this country, drop her kid, and have him automatically become a citizen. Of course she has to stay here to take care of him but she can't earn a living. So we put her on welfare. Yes, the 14th Amendment is "amazingly good".

[ned]

It was indeed "shoved down the throat" but it remains that it has since been swallowed successfully.

That's a great line.

Interesting issue. I want to learn more about this one.