Michelle Malkin » Time: ‘Does the Constitution Still Matter?’

Time: ‘Does the Constitution Still Matter?’

By Doug Powers • June 24, 2011 10:11 AM

**Written by Doug Powers

In the past several months, Time Magazine Editor Richard Stengel has answered and asked the same question, in that order.

From the Daily Caller:

On Thursday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Time magazine editor Richard Stengel presented the cover of his new July 4 issue, which features the U.S. Constitution going through a paper shredder and asks does the document still matter. According to Stengel, it does, but not as much anymore.

“Yes, of course it still matters but in some ways it matters less than people think,” Stengel said on “Morning Joe.” “People all the time are debating what’s constitutional and what’s unconstitutional. To me the Constitution is a guardrail. It’s for when we are going off the road and it gets us back on. It’s not a traffic cop that keeps us going down the center. And what our politics are about – politics are about conflict…”

Stengel also claimed the Constitution doesn’t limit the federal government:

“If the Constitution was intended to limit the federal government, it sure doesn’t say so…The truth is, the Constitution massively strengthened the central government of the U.S. for the simple reason that it established one where none had existed before.”

The real answer to the question “does the Constitution still matter” is an unqualified “yes.” But don’t take my word for it. Here’s part of a conversation between Stengel and Howard Kurtz from December of 2010 concerning Time’s publication of Wikileaks documents:

KURTZ: But Rick, you say right here in your editor’s note in “TIME” magazine that these documents released by WikiLeaks “harm national security,” and that Assange meant to do so.

STENGEL: Right. I know. But there’s no way around that.

I mean, I believe that’s Assange’s intention. I believe on balance that they have been detrimental to the U.S. But our job is not to protect the U.S. in that sense. I mean, the First Amendment protects us in terms of releasing this information which does enlighten people about the way the U.S. conducts foreign policy.

If the Constitution did not limit the size and power of government the First Amendment would be moot. Would Stengel be satisfied if the federal government had claimed it had a right to edit parts of his Wikileaks story on the grounds that “the First Amendment matters, but not as much anymore”?

Of course the Constitution matters. Implying that it matters less in every area of life other than journalism is an ultimately self-defeating position, as the “free press” may someday discover thanks to “living Constitution” advocates.

It’s a bad idea to consider the Constitution to be a “guard rail” and then give the government the size and power to move it wherever they like (and probably subsequently brag about how many jobs it saved or created).

Related: Don’t miss the featured article in the next issue of Constitution Monthly: “Does Time Magazine Still Matter?”

**Written by Doug Powers

Twitter @ThePowersThatBe

~ For the latest breaking news, be sure to join Michelle's e-mail list ~

Posted in: Media

Printer Friendly

comments (136)

See what others have said

Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.

Comments

« Older Comments

#101

On June 24th, 2011 at 2:04 pm, NiteOwl said:

NiteOwl is now out of service… carry on.
#102

On June 24th, 2011 at 2:06 pm, right_on said:

Our elected officials have decided that they are all above the constraints of the Constitution. FIRE THEM ALL!

Whoa! At first I thought I read, FIRE on THEM ALL!

Before they get fired, it would be nice to see the high court rule on their (what I believe are) unconstitutional actions.

Following a thorough investigation by a Special Prosecutor’s Team, the collected evidence is presented to the Federal Grand Jury, who issues indictments charging them with High Treason, and/or aiding and abetting High Treason, they should be tried in open court…then publicly executed as traitors.

Anyone who purposely attempts to change/overthrow/deliver to foreign hands, the United States of America, while deceitfully pretending to act on her behalf, does not deserve the life and liberty our constitution was written to protect.

I’m sure if we put our heads together, we would find enough of the Obama/Clinton Administration’s, players both sworn and otherwise, to fill that currently empty new Virginia prison just reported on by Fox News.

The costs to temporarily house, and feed them, then bury them, would be borne by their forfeited assets, the remainder of which, would be returned to the U.S. Treasury, from whench it was stolen.
#103

On June 24th, 2011 at 2:16 pm, MacEamonn said:

On June 24th, 2011 at 10:42 am, flaming_o said:

Whaaaaat? Here’s a better question . . .

Does TIME still matter?

Let’s see a show of hands. I’m waiting. C’mon guys, anybody. Alright. Alright. I take it as a NO. They should, too.

No! They are part of the problem, not part of the solution.
#104

On June 24th, 2011 at 2:19 pm, Flyoverman said:

ILMC,

You once again have proved Einstein’s theory.

“The difference between intelligence and stupidity is that there are limits to intelligence.”
#105

On June 24th, 2011 at 2:26 pm, BOB said:

To me the official end to the Constitution was when the media, Conservative media included, decided to ignore the the natural born Citizenship requirement for who can be president in order to pave the way for Obama, (after he made up the “born in Hawaii” story).

We now have given the OK to an anchor baby president, dropped just inside the U.S. border and conceived by foreign terrorist, to be commander-in-chief of the military and president when they have the residency and age requirements covered.

Obama removed the protection the Constitution offered by requiring the presidents parents to be U.S. citizens when the potential president to be was born.

Losing that protection is a big deal, though many seem to disagree, it is my opinon that this act alone has done more damage now, and will continue in the future, than any other shredding of the Constitution has done to this point in time.

All done for politcal correctness by a bunch of cowards in Congress and the media and courts that are protecting them.
#106

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:03 pm, stillontheroad said:

Ilovetoswitchhit said:
All anyone has to say to a flannel clad crib weasel is:
Sock Puppet intellect on display?
“I had the great honor of seeing some of you because a comrade of yours, Jared Monti, was the first person who I was able to award the Medal of Honor to who actually came back and wasn’t receiving it posthumously.”

“The problem is, Jared Monti was killed in action in Afghanistan, on June 21, 2006.”

I can understand now why a boot licking toady would support a person that is a complete and absolute failure as President. They are failures themselves. At everything.
#107

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:05 pm, Agent of Chaos said:

Screw TIME magazine if they don’t think the United States Constitution no longer matters.
If it no longer matters then there goes the freedom of the press, but then they’re Obama’s mouthpiece and puppets anyway.
#108

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:07 pm, sb36695 said:

Only to people who love freedom.
#109

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:08 pm, Ty85719 said:

Apparently, Mr. Stengel is either an illiterate or a lazy liar who has never read the Constitution of the United States. Had he read AND understood the Constitution, he would realize that his statement that, ” ” is entirely false, as stipulated by the Enumerated Powers set forth by Article I, section 8, which set forth the authoritative capacity of the United States Congress: Congress may exercise the powers TO WHICH IT IS GRANTED BYy the Constitution. The 10th Amendment states that all prerogatives NOT VESTED in the federal government NOR PROHIBITED of the STATES are reserved TO THE STATES AND TO THE PEOPLE, which means that the only prerogatives of the Congress (as well as the Executive Branch and the Judicial Branch) are limited to those explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Mr Stengel should be fired simply for being an incompetent, never mind the fact that he is a treasonous pig.
#110

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:25 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

On June 24th, 2011 at 1:48 pm, Ilovemycountry said:
You folks would vote for Snooki if she said “God spoke to me and said gays, illegals and scholars are all doomed to damnation”

If it was just Obowmao and Snooki on the ballot and writeins weren’t allowed, then yeah, hell yeah!
#111

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:35 pm, mattm said:

Time is still around? Never knew.
#112

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:41 pm, Dave Turson said:

Of course the Constitution matters. Implying that it matters less in every area of life other than journalism is an ultimately self-defeating position, as the “free press” may someday discover thanks to “living Constitution” advocates.

Stenget (and Lady Gaga) are salivating for a constitutional convention so they and their pals can attempt to slip a few over on us. Stenget would love a new Living Constitution which could then join the new Living Word.

“When I read the Bible, I do so with the belief that it is not a static text but the Living Word and that I must be continually open to new revelations — whether they come from a lesbian friend or a doctor opposed to abortion.” — The One
#113

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:44 pm, spaceycakes said:

Ilovemycountry said:

yet you didn’t answer my question
#114

On June 24th, 2011 at 4:14 pm, Luther said:

The American Conservative » Dumb Question of the Twenty-first Century:Is It Legal?
#115

On June 24th, 2011 at 4:27 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

On June 24th, 2011 at 3:44 pm, spaceycakes said:
Ilovemycountry said:
yet you didn’t answer my question

It’s too busy flinging poo.
#116

On June 24th, 2011 at 4:35 pm, Cybergeezer said:

Another rag lashing out at the readers to keep itself solvent.
Time should be required to rename itself “Past Time”.
#117

On June 24th, 2011 at 4:49 pm, sbw999 said:

Of course it still matters. Just not to liberals who find the Constitution ..well so inconvenient.
#118

On June 24th, 2011 at 5:45 pm, Green eyed Lady said:

OT:
Attention Flyoverman and Rocketman

The Arizona Organize 4 Palin Brigade welcomes the Palin Family to our great state. We are ready… to answer the call.

http://www.patriotactionnetwork.com/video/video/show?id=2600775%3AVideo%3A4424996&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_video
#119

On June 24th, 2011 at 6:15 pm, yaymm said:

I recall seeing Time Magazine on end tables in my doctor’s office some time ago. I picked up a more reliable magazine instead; People….just kidding. I usually read National Geographics in doctor’s offices.

That said, it appears to me that this is the beginning of an effort to demonize our Constitution to a sufficient degree that Liberals can feel they can legitimately claim that it’s so oudated that we need to form a Constitutional Convention to make changes to it that will bring it into the 21st Century.

Said changes will sound lofty and necessary to the people who don’t pay attention to what’s going on in our Country. The changes will be drastic and encourage brand new litigation and interpretation of it’s (new) meanings, throwing our Nationn into chaos with no comprehensive guidelines left to control our governance.

The Left has already started rumors about needing another Convention in recent weeks, before Time picked it up. Let’s not let this one go under the radar.
#120

On June 24th, 2011 at 6:26 pm, yaymm said:

Green Eyed Lady, I’m in Arizona too and have not heard about the organization you mentioned. What’s going on? I’ve been hoping Sarah Palin moves in down here and has made a deal with McCain and Governor Brewer for McCain to retire (he’s overdue) and Palin be appointed to fill out his term of office.

We have a man named Flake going after Kyle’s seat when Kyle retires. He seems like a good, solid conservative and has a lot of local support. I hope she does not challenge him to replace Kyle. It would split the vote and result in the election of a true Liberal.
#121

On June 24th, 2011 at 7:13 pm, Green eyed Lady said:

Hi yaymm
That is a new video from The Arizona Organize 4 Palin Brigade (they might be a tea party group in AZ, not sure, I’m in PA.wish I was in AZ. ) sent to me by Patriot Action Network. I get the feeling she’s not interested in being Gov. there, I could be wrong.
The Palin family bought a home in Arizona, but for now, it looks like she’s got jury duty in Alaska…

http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2011/06/breaking-palin-sentenced-to-30-days-of-jury-duty.html

You can also check for updates at conservatives4palin.com
#122

On June 24th, 2011 at 10:34 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

On June 24th, 2011 at 1:22 pm, NiteOwl said:

#89On June 24th, 2011 at 1:14 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

Sometimes you know so much I fear for you sometimes… hope ya have a good home protection plan.

I admire ya, keep making yourself heard! Just don’t make yourself a martyr. Like the late and great General Patton said “You don’t win the war by dying for your country, but by making them die for theirs” (Paraphrased)

What sets the American Christian apart from all other people in the world is that he will die on his feet, before he will live on his knees.

- Attributed to George Washington
#123

On June 24th, 2011 at 10:38 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7
#124

On June 24th, 2011 at 10:45 pm, Lazybum said:

The biggest surprise here is that I didn’t realize they still published Time magazine.

Does anyone buy it or do they just give it away like USA Today?
#125

On June 25th, 2011 at 12:40 am, Green eyed Lady said:

Hi yaymm
re: #122
Sorry, meant to say Senator not Gov.
#126

On June 25th, 2011 at 10:31 am, BK said:

What’s a constitution?
#127

On June 25th, 2011 at 1:02 pm, Mister P said:

Well if the constitution does not matter, then Obama is not the President. Not all bad.
#128

On June 25th, 2011 at 2:57 pm, fred5676 said:

Saw this clown on Charlie Rose.

Living proof they don’t teach logic in J School.

I remember when Time, Newsweek, etc. actually had more than half a dozen pages in each issue. Honest. Really.

Nowadays I can read the whole issue while in the checkout line — the EXPRESS checkout line.
#129

On June 25th, 2011 at 7:41 pm, yaymm said:

You may be right Green Eyed Lady. It’s a bit presumptious of me to say what I hope she might do. She’s so successfull at driving Liberals nuts, she’s probably best doing what she’s doing and may forget about being elected to anything.
#130

On June 25th, 2011 at 10:58 pm, Green eyed Lady said:

On June 25th, 2011 at 7:41 pm, yaymm said:

You may be right Green Eyed Lady. It’s a bit presumptious of me to say what I hope she might do. She’s so successfull at driving Liberals nuts, she’s probably best doing what she’s doing and may forget about being elected to anything.

That’s the beauty of Palin, right there!
#131

On June 26th, 2011 at 12:08 pm, rightwingrocker said:

All done for politcal correctness by a bunch of cowards in Congress and the media and courts that are protecting them.

Don’t forget the most important cowards of all …

the VOTERS.

None of these clowns, including The Impostor himself, takes office without the voters’ consent.

RWR
http://www.rightwingrocker.com
#132

On June 26th, 2011 at 12:10 pm, rightwingrocker said:

Well if the constitution does not matter, then Obama is not the President. Not all bad.

Obama is in office precisely BECAUSE the Constitution does not matter.

RWR
http://www.rightwingrocker.com
#133

On June 26th, 2011 at 1:38 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

On June 26th, 2011 at 12:10 pm, rightwingrocker said:

Obama is in office precisely BECAUSE the Constitution does not matter.

Indeed.

MINOR V. HAPPERSETT IS BINDING PRECEDENT AS TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEFINITION OF A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN.
#134

On June 27th, 2011 at 4:01 pm, Major O said:

The Left has already started rumors about needing another Convention in recent weeks, before Time picked it up. Let’s not let this one go under the radar.

That might open up a bigger can of worms than they realize. Once you put everything on the table, you put everything on the table, including, “Hmm. Maybe we DON’T want to be a union with you people?”

Or maybe that’s just my hopes talking…
#135

On June 28th, 2011 at 2:56 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

Thirteen clear factual errors in Time editor’s essay about the Constitution

My mistake in the last post on the subject was trying to catalogue everything wrong with it, leading me to take issue with his philosophy, too and thus what got lost for some was the simple fact that Stengel was clearly factually wrong on many points, often when the facts could be determined by doing nothing more than reading the Constitution.

So this time, we are going to focus solely on the factual errors. There are thirteen of them and like the lawyer that I am, I will start off with his most egregious error and end with the least egregious. Here are the thirteen errors, in short…
#136

On June 29th, 2011 at 1:19 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

Thirteen clear factual errors in Time editor’s essay about the Constitution

Thanks, Doug, for turning that into a post of it’s own…

‘Does the Constitution Still Matter?’ — a Follow-Up
By Doug Powers • June 28, 2011 03:55 PM