I recently saw Sen. Mike Lee referred to in writing as a “principled conservative constitutionalist.” The words “conservative constitutionalist” are carefully chosen and have specific meaning to a certain type of person. They see the United States Constitution as having an original meaning and intent that should not be reinterpreted.
Of course, they are interpreting the Constitution themselves as they determine what that original meaning and intent is. Too often their interpretation is to define it in their narrow, parochial interests while excluding the interests of people who aren’t like them or don’t agree with them.
I suspect that for many of these people, their greatest devotion to the Constitution is to the Second Amendment. Free and unfettered access to firearms of all types could certainly be useful if you arrive at the point where you and like-minded people want to impose your interpretation of the Constitution, and your will, upon the rest of us.
In photos, I often see Sen. Lee with a little smile on his face. To me, it’s a self-satisfied smile that says, “I know something you don’t know. I know the original meaning and intent of the Constitution, and in arriving at that meaning and intent, I was happy to interpret it on your behalf. Furthermore, I’ll be happy to impose my interpretation upon you.” His most ardent backers and followers know that he will have their interests in mind when he does that, but very likely not the interests of those who are different or disagree.
Matt Grove, Salt Lake City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible