Ninth Amendment

Abigail Chase: People really don't talk that way, you know.
Benjamin Franklin Gates: I know. But they think that way.
--National Treasure

During his recent filibuster, one of Rand Paul's points was respect for the Ninth Amendment, which reads:

"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."

The Ninth Amendment was authored by James Madison, who worried that people would assume that rights not listed in the Bill of Rights would assigned to the federal government. Adding the Ninth Amendment told all that rights not enumerated in the Constitution belong to the people.

While constitutional powers of the federal governments are "few and limited," said Paul yesterday, "it's the opposite of your rights. Your rights are many and infinite."

While that fact pervaded thoughts of our founding ancestors, it has been sorely missing in rhetoric in Washington. How refreshing to have someone bring it to the floor.

Let's hope that it stays and grows among the people.