[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 116 (Thursday, September 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CONSTITUTION DAY

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                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2005

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States 
Constitution's 218th anniversary.
  On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates from 12 states convened in 
Philadelphia to outline the powers of a new government--a government 
that for the first time in world history would exercise its authority 
from powers loaned to it by its citizens, not the other way around. It 
represented a sea change from centuries of belief that every person's 
right to his property was somehow the state's to grant or to 
confiscate.
  John Adams once said, ``The moment that the idea is admitted into 
society that property is not as sacred as the Laws of God, and that 
there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy 
and tyranny commence. Property must be sacred or liberty cannot 
exist.'' I believe that every American that swears to defend the 
Constitution is obliged to defend that sacred right. Unfortunately, 
there exists a depressing trend, highlighted by the Supreme Court's 
recent 5-4 decision in Kelo v. New London, where those who think 
``government knows best'' gain and property rights yield.
  With the death of the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist, America 
is once again presented with a test of her character. A new Chief 
Justice must be appointed. He or she will bear the responsibility for 
defending a document that has generally succeeded in securing 
individual liberty for 218 years. From what I have learned about Judge 
Roberts, I am optimistic that he will rise to the occasion. I can only 
hope that the Senate will too. The Constitution is far too valuable for 
politics.

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