Does The Constitution Need To Be Amended?

I asked lawyers and media folk like Glenn Beck, Michael Malice, Dave Rubin, how they would improve the Constitution.
Surprisingly, some of the best responses came from strangers on the street.
----
To make sure you see the new weekly video from Stossel TV, sign up here: www.johnstossel.com/#subscribe
----
This time of year, we celebrate America’s independence and the documents that made America different, like the Constitution.
But is our Constitution good enough today?
The people who wrote it made it possible to amend it.
We asked people, some with legal and political expertise: are there things you would change?

[@DemonNeno]

That dude talking about us being our own micro government deserves a handshake. What a breath of fresh air to hear someone make sense.

[@TheZooBrooksAB]

That's just another way of saying, "the dissolution of the US". Are you suuuuuuure it's such a good idea now?

[@lawrencelao1327]

Honestly I was surprised he looked like someone who would scream for abolition of gun rights. I guess do not judge a person on how they look. He is spitting facts and fire 🔥

[@KillsAll.]

Like a firm handshake from the 2x yayayayayaya haduken

[@chapter4travels]

@@TheZooBrooksAB No, the exact opposite is true. The Constitution enables us to be our own micro government.

[@TheZooBrooksAB]

@@chapter4travels no, it doesn't. It enabled you be controlled by the most invasive and biggest "government" the world has ever seen. The only way you can get "micro governments" is to dissolve the constitution and start again. Er, I mean......start failing again.

[@LovleyLemonade]

Being an American and not reading the Constitution is one thing. But being an American and not knowing it's existence is a level of scary ignorance I could never fathom.

[@lpsoldin3162]

All the easier to convince them to burn it down for the new Marxist regime.

[@jeremykraenzlein5975]

In fairness, I would call it "ignorance", not stupidity. If they went through public schools which didn't teach it, then their ignorance may be as much of the school's fault as their own. "Wisdom" vs. "Stupidity" isn't so much what you know, but rather how well you apply the facts that you do know.

[@LovleyLemonade]

@@jeremykraenzlein5975 You make a good point. I changed it.

[@Jetiix]

Brother, a reporter in my country went to the Congress and chamber of deputies and none of them could tell you what the basic amendments were

[@wood_stone_iron]

It almost makes one think it's intentional 🤔

[@Ibhenriksen]

"The First Amendment is first for a reason. Second Amendment is just in case the first one doesn't work out" -Dave Chappelle

[@cosmic8437]

Underrated

[@arsnova1321]

"The right way to amend the Constitution is to enforce the one we have right now" Couldn't agree more!

[@samuelhowie4543]

"Old people wrote it" . Wrong, most of them were in their mid-20's.

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

It's the powder wigs. All depictions of the founders make them look like old men with white hair.

[@kvom01]

Jefferson was 40, Madison 37, Franklin 77, John Adams 48. James Monroe was only 28.

[@gtdrummerdude]

Typical of people to think they are smarter than those who came before them. In reality, the people who wrote the constitution were much more educated in politics and economics than most people today. Nobody believes that we are smarter now for having smart phones. Tech has only dumbed the average person down.

[@skipdoggy]

I wish people would actually read the constitution.

[@Paul-sj5db]

That would be a good start.

[@camcam2457]

Except a lot of the youth can't read.

[@isaiahwelch8066]

I actually wish that people not only would read the Constitution, but also the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Bill of Rights. Too often, we hear that something is a "right" that is actually a privilege. Why? Because people don't understand that government _grants_ and _revokes_ privileges, but _recognizes_ rights.

[@RohxAirsoft]

Right? People thinking our founding documents are outdated and antiquated, This is sad and a testimony about how bad our education system is.

[@nateisright]

By people, I think you mean our elected representatives.

[@FLABrowncoat]

Sadly, I'm with Malice on this one -- there's no point in changing the Constitution if everyone ignores it at every level. The American Crisis is not a legal one, but a *moral* one, not solvable by any bill, resolution or other legislative action. The solution is so horrendously politically incorrect that I'll get banned for saying it here, or just flamed in the replies.

[@runeheadah]

Remember that flame comes from the very few plus a lot of bots as recently proven to be the case on twatter for example.

[@kriegscommissarmccraw4205]

Religion, America will never be able to return to its glory days without it.

[@kudjo24]

Based, the second this country removed God from every essence of it's founding, God removed us from his wonders.

[@christysamuel8725]

@@kudjo24 soo true ...

[@christysamuel8725]

@@kriegscommissarmccraw4205 finally someone said the goldlessness in America, America is in a moral mess .. soo sad....

[@rattown99]

It’s nice knowing that at least one young person understands how great this nation is and how fortunate we are to live here. We need more of him!

[@Archedgar]

How great it was*

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee9531]

Is. It still is. If they did the stuff that they are doing now, they would have gotten stoned. Freedom of speech from what I have seen is a double-edge sword. It works for the best of us, those who truly understand what the first ammendment is about and the constitution. Try that lgbt or feminist movement in countries that is in Africa they would have gotten DELETED.

[@rattown99]

100% agree!

[@James225]

The guy with dreads gets it. You can tell that he's actually taken time or at least learned the fundamental reason behind our Constitution while others simply haven't.

[@paulv1948]

my thoughts exactly. he was refreshing. he should teach a streetside class

[@WinginWolf]

He reads the book and talks about it. No spark notes!

[@GTSN38]

It's basic common sense

[@joshuagauci9097]

Free thinker 👍🏻

[@TheAlphapuck5280]

He also spoke well and took the time to THINK before he spoke. Its a shame politicians don't have that

[@AeroGuy07]

The men that wrote the Constitution were not old when they wrote it.

[@4leafChief]

And they were definitely not the type of men you would want to challenge

[@Perririri]

What about Benjamin Franklin?

[@frankdindl790]

John Adam’s and Thomas Jefferson certainly were not old at the time.

[@freethebirds3578]

@@Perririri He was the oldest, but age should not be an automatic disqualifier. I would trust my 84-yo dad (army veteran, Christian, engineer) to do a much better job than any 30-yo.

[@AeroGuy07]

@@Perririri he was 70, but the majority were anywhere from their mid 20s to late 30s. The majority were not old.

[@jameslatham2655]

The young man who said, "you might hate something someone said, but another person might love what was said", makes me smile. He's 100% right and goes to show us all there are young men and women in this country who understand, know, and believe what our constitution is, what it says, and why it says what it does. Strength and honor young man.🇺🇸👍!!!

[@GCEXTREMEMN]

"Any law you support that silences others, may also be used to silence you." Thats another one i like.

[@alcd6333]

That young man at the end is the most sensible one being interviewed. He understands the Constitution and Bill of Rights and their importance.

[@tcgtpl]

I'd trust that wise guy in Times Square way more than at least half of all the elected officials in Washington, DC.

[@TheZooBrooksAB]

I wouldn't. He isn't saying anything different than what got us to where we are now.

[@Someguy6571]

@@TheZooBrooksAB What does that even mean?

[@microdesigns2000]

While he has a wise understanding of personal rights, we know nothing of how he would use any power given to him.

[@TheZooBrooksAB]

@@Someguy6571 seriously? He is saying exactly what pretty much every politician has ever said, at one time or another. Platitudes are just pretty ways of hiding control methods.

[@Someguy6571]

@@TheZooBrooksABSo by saying that we should abide by how our US constitution was written is a bad thing, and he's just hiding his methods of control?

[@caster863]

"We don’t need guns cause we have a police and military" That's just like telling a kid at school not to fight back against the bully who's attacking him cause they can just tell the teacher.

[@goodolearkygal5746]

They do that at schools now

[@roccoma14]

And they sure did there job right in Uvalde

[@Killerduck0213]

This response bewilders me as, the colonies had police and a military as well. The whole point of the revolutionary war was to remove said police and military from power.

[@cravinbob]

@@Killerduck0213 The soldiers were the police. There was an elected sheriff but the job was usually a handyman. After the revolution the people policed their own communities and formed grand juries to try criminals.

[@TheSiprianus]

Except that the bully IS the teacher, and the main point of 2A is not to protect us from other citizens who wants to 'bully' us, but to protect us from government.

[@dannypope1860]

Term limits for Senators!!!

[@uzyoc]

100% well said!!! John stossel … would like to see you run of local office!!!

[@hellradiolives]

If that gentleman with the dreds does not have his own channel somewhere, he certainly needs to.

[@roseblite6449]

He was saying a LOT of truths. I would love to see him on the Tube of You or any other platform talking about things.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

He seems based

[@dallasarnold8615]

@@firingallcylinders2949 Yeah. He seems educated not indoctrinated too.

[@shadycat7]

He would certainly be very hard to find if not banned from KZbin

[@jamesaldridge6642]

And he said it FEARLESSLY! Definitely an independent thinker. Bless you, sir!

[@OldSkoolDJ54]

The Tenth Amendment is the most forgotten and ignored in the Bill of Rights: Amendment X "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Very clear what the Founding Fathers wanted.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

After Roe the other day my boss was talking and goes I really don't understand why we have 50 different laws with 50 different governments why can't the Federal Government just pass laws and be done with it.....

[@johnkarls2132]

So is the 9th!!!

[@dallasarnold8615]

@@firingallcylinders2949 So, did you point out the Tenth Amendment to your boss ?

[@halcooper6059]

Agreed. A one size fits all mentality didn't work then and doesn't work now. States (The People) need to call the shots.

[@rudiruttger]

the supreme court didn't forget it last month!

[@GuretoSefirosu]

That young man is wise. I have mad respect for those who, despite being in the deep blue states, can think on their own and form their own opinion and even accept that others may say hurtful or even hateful things and defend those actions.

[@FreakoutVideosUS]

The constitution was not to limit the rights of the people. It is written to limit the powers of the government.

[@W9HJBill]

The fact that so many in school and barely out of school kids never read the Constitution is a prime example of why the Department of Education should be abolished.

[@BoycottChinaa]

Dept Of Education has well established track record of terrible performance, grows worse each year.. amazing lack of accountability!

[@wood_stone_iron]

Rocke feller education rocke failed you

[@wood_stone_iron]

All alphabet agencies should be abolished

[@freethebirds3578]

Schoolhouse Rock should be required as Social Studies/History/Civics in every elementary school in the nation, so young kids have some familiarity with how our government is supposed to work. When I taught 5th grade to mostly ELL students one year, I used Grammar Rock ad my main curriculum for Language Arts. My students aced the ELA portion of the state test that year.

[@cpiper6338]

The fact that we have these agencies isn't really the problem. The problem is that the bureaucrats running these agencies (who are not elected, so are not held accountable) have enacted policies which many times conflicts with our rights. THAT is Congress' fault for shirking their responsibility to govern under the restrictions of the constitution. They defer those actions to bureaucrats who they can hide behind.

[@briannewman6216]

The US constitution was framed to limit the power of the federal government. That concept has been lost over the years since it was ratified.

[@brandongordon2521]

Isn’t that crazy that the central point of the constitution has been completely lost. It laid out specific rights that the government can’t infringe on. Also specified that the role of the federal government is minimal. This is not remotely applied today.

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

That's why there's an oath of office, and those who violate that oath should be impeached. Unfortunately that's impossible because most of them do it.

[@darthjedi5420]

Well do what George did.. fight ffs

[@wood_stone_iron]

Act of 1871...

[@yukihirasouma4691]

Really? Not today kiddo!

[@wrayjordan7188]

John another great piece. I’m impressed. Turns out we aren’t so dumb after all. There is hope for our future. I really feel better now after watching this. Thank you all for loving our country. We are ALL neighbors 🇺🇸

[@midwestribeye7820]

LOVE that man in Times Square! I pray he runs for office!

[@thanksfernuthin]

I love when "man on the street" videos discover a gem like the guy in the green shirt.

[@palangimiko]

“We have police officers, we have the military” (all employed by the government which the constitution was designed to protect us from…)

[@ChestyPullerFan]

Yes. People fail to understand that the Constitution was a "restraining order" by the People upon the govt, a LIMITED grant of authority BY the People TO the government, revocable at any time BY the People!

[@iliebelieveme502]

And they are all reactive not proactive. they all come after the fact.

[@bhough410]

Heard Michael Malice mention that property value taken from asset forfeiture now exceeds criminal theft in this country. US military has been committing atrocities for several decades, killing millions and millions of innocent civilians, justifying it with intentional lying from the "intelligence" agencies we're forced to pay for. How our police & military are managed are the greatest reasons for us to have 2A.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Neighborhoods should have the right to hire a private security force to patrol their streets. Competition from a private entity would encourage municipal police to improve their performance.

[@GCEXTREMEMN]

But I thought the police were racists and the government evil and corrupt? Lol

[@lancemcque1459]

That dude that support free speech is a smart guy! Let's go my guy!!! That lady that advocate for no more gun doesn't have a clue. But I support her right to say what she wants.

[@stephendeligny8838]

Your guy in Time Square spoke like somebody, many people should be following.

[@marvlouslie2053]

Term limits are absolutely needed.

[@cchavezjr7]

we have term limits. It's called stop voting incumbents in just because it's easy to just vote because of a letter by the name. The house of reps are all voted in every 2 years. Just having people pay attention and get off their asses would fix that.

[@gregorywade1559]

Already have them, 2,4, and 6 years terms for politicians. They must be re-elected after that

[@kevinkusman9137]

@@gregorywade1559 And as Ive seen over my 45 years, its too easy for cronies to be re-elected ad infinitum by people who just vote party line and dont care otherwise. Permanent term limits are needed in my opinion. How many McConnels and Pelosis do we need for that to become clearer.

[@macethorns1168]

Not on the Supreme Court. That being said, they should be cognitively tested. There's no way RBG should have been on that long.

[@marvlouslie2053]

@@macethorns1168 Term limits are needed EVERYWHERE. Even on the Supreme Court.

[@briant7265]

That one guy was clear about what he was saying, and knew what he was talking about. That was great!

[@TheZooBrooksAB]

No, it wasn't. He said the exact same things that others have said, that have led to the place we are at now.

[@cravinbob]

Just one guy is not great it is terrible! Everyone has to learn this stuff and leave their dumb opinions at home.

[@cravinbob]

@@TheZooBrooksAB The place you are at is being ruled at gunpoint but you and i just said what we wanted without fear of arrest for saying it. Never vote for incumbents.

[@TheZooBrooksAB]

@@cravinbob never vote. It only gives them the public relations permission they seek to control you.

[@SupaFlyJedi]

I agree with all the proposed amendments minus the "Relative clause" saying that you can't run for office if a relative has. I get the idea, but in all fairness, someone else's choices shouldn't limit my freedoms. Otherwise, well said. I would say that Congress should be limited to 3 terms and Senate to 2. Also, staffers have to be changed with every new person to get in office. We are seeing the Supreme Court chip away at the bureaucratic state as they just limited the EPA's power, hopefully this spreads to other agencies as well.

[@jakewalker1586]

Love John Stossel! What a hero.

[@mr.majestic8713]

The woman at 4:14 "We have police officers and a military but do we actually need them NO!" She's a perfect example of someone who has no clue and no common sense.

[@gregorywade1559]

She is more than half correct. A standing Army is un-Constitutional. 97% of crime is recidivist. Eliminate that and you virtually need no police

[@floridamankyle5461]

Term limits, ending political family dynasties, balanced budgets, Prohibitions on government funds to special interests, this is why John is my favorite reporter, Limited government is always better.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I don't think it os legal or wise to end 'dynasties'. How can you disqualify someone just because of birth? Just have term limits for Congress

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@A Laputa exactly. John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

[@kudjo24]

Special interests needs to be way more prohibitive, we already have lots of laws about that and politicians / lobbyists / crony capitalists simply wash money through Ukraine or foreign entities.

[@STONESGAM]

The men who wrote our Constitution were a lot smarter and more serious as people than the clowns we have in our government today. Most of those men really were the best and brightest of their time and rose to the top of society for a reason.

[@SomeDumUsrName]

The closing word: Oh yeah! Right on man. That guy said a NUMBER of very sensible things.

[@Nexesys]

That guy in the green shirt is a boss! We need more freedom minded people like him! Amen brother! Dave Rubin had me rollin, "They should have done it in BOLD so more people would have paid attention" 🤣🤣🤣

[@brandonkenney6310]

I cringe everytime an elected official refers to our government as a "Democracy". We don't live in a "Democracy", we live in a "Constitutional Republic", or as some legal scholars say, a "Mixed Republic" because it takes so many ideas from different governments. Also, the idea of needing to strengthen the 2nd ammendment is unecessary because it is already in the language. "...shall not be infringed." We just need people who actually follow the existing law and uphold it in the courts.

[@McRod-1]

I agree. Democracy's are run by the power of the mob. A republic is representative of the people within the bounds of the constitution. You cant trample on individual rights in a republic, you can in a democracy.

[@kevinobrien1897]

It was designed as a Republic but is becoming an oligarchy I am afraid. Trump being elected over Hillary Clinton gave me hope but Biden's corrupt defeat of Trump leads me to believe in our country less.

[@spencergsmith]

💯

[@Cerus98]

Which is a form of democracy but that doesn’t mean we’re a democracy and it’s completely different than a true democracy. Libs don’t get that.

[@kilroy2517]

It's a "Democratic Republic". The government is made up of representatives (a Republic) that are elected directly by the people (a Democracy). The 2nd Amendment is grossly misunderstood and anybody that has actually read the entire Constitution will know that a "militia" is defined therein - what it is, what it's for, and who controls it. A militia as defined in the Constitution is what we know today as the National Guard, and (my opinion) the right to bear arms was meant to ensure that civilians called up into a militia would arrive armed and not depend on the government to supply those arms. This is easily understandable when you consider the context in which it was written - half the country was wilderness where conflicts with natives were possible, and the British were still our enemy, and in large force in Canada, and France, while an ally during the Revolution, was still an empire had a significant presence on our western flank, and Spain, still a world power at the time, controlled Mexico and most of the Caribbean. The US was literally surrounded by potential enemies.

[@no-bozos]

Teachers and professors will tell you that we have three branches of government. We don't, we have four. The executive, the legislative, the judiciary AND THE VOTING PUBLIC.That's why we need to arm ourselves. To protect OUR seat at the table of government.

[@donnawest866]

The well spoken young black man in this video should consider running for state representative where he lives, then go on to U.S. representative. We need people like him in Congress.

[@renkol123]

Every time someone says we should limit free speech or that hate speech shouldn't be free speech, my reply is that their speech offends me and therefore they shouldn't be allowed to say it. It's fun watching them compute that for a second before immediately arguing against their own position.

[@kevinwilt5496]

Hate speech is any speech I hate - Michael Scott

[@ChestyPullerFan]

If you believe in censorship for any reason, you didn't have an education, you had an indoctrination.

[@gtdrummerdude]

People have no ability to extrapolate. "Hate speech is bad because it's hateful, duh". They cannot play out further scenarios in their head so the thought process ends at step 1.

[@gregorywade1559]

How about taking on someone with an IQ above room temperature for a change? The government has an over-riding public interest in limiting Fighting Words

[@Badkitty24]

yup...they LITERALLY want to stop people from saying anything that offends THEM. No matter how benign it may be. We are tolerating too much. In fact, i will no longer tolerate their intolerance of my intolerance. It offends me. The paradox of Tolerance: When a society becomes infinitely tolerant, it will eventually tolerate something that will destroy it. We're not too far off from this......

[@ev3rybodysuck5]

The mear fact that you can amend the constitution shows how great it is

[@barfo281]

That fact that it's difficult to amend makes it even greater.

[@Someguy6571]

@@barfo281 Absolutely correct.

[@bbennett40]

SO glad to hear people with sense like the dude in the green shirt. Smart man.

[@LAHCAH]

💯 Federal Govt is TOO BIG! Love the last guy. 👏🏻

[@mrdean2539]

Back when I was teaching high school English, I always began the year with the Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Not only are they important documents, they are written beautifully. The last year I taught, I did what I had always done and a couple of days later I was called into the principal's office to meet with her and a couple of parents. It was not to thank me for teaching those documents and was one of the reasons (a big one) that that was my last year of teaching. Sad part is, my kids loved those lessons.

[@MelissaR784]

Really? How terribly sad.

[@mibz1117]

Amen. No other empire has had more logical and beautiful scripted constitution.

[@joebidendagoat]

@@MelissaR784 good nobody cares about useless documents that upheld slavery

[@marysueeasteregg]

How long ago was this?

[@johnchestnut5340]

Those who don't know their rights don't have any rights. You cannot enforce what you don't know. I hope that you moved onto better things.

[@kennyrumrill1860]

Great presentation. The highlight for me was "The wise man we met in Time Square." I wish him success in all of his endeavors.

[@1LineAtATime]

Amen. Thankful for Mr. Stossel and those reasonable & unreasonable people. Helps to see with clarity. May they begin to see with clarity as well.

[@timwashburn8553]

I would strongly support a repeal of the 16th amendment. Abolish the IRS!

[@denisegaylord382]

Happy Fourth of July John! Love, love, love that man in Times Square you quoted! If anything, we need to end the out of control government spending, limit the number of agencies, and implement term limits. Its a start towards making America live up to her ideals.

[@probuilder961]

I agree, but it's like coaxing a fox out of a henhouse!

[@jasonfullerton7763]

Dreadlock dude is on point. I probably disagree with him on some issues, but I would discuss our points of view with him all day long.

[@1127batkinson]

Damn Stossel!!!... You've been legit since I was a kid. Favorite journalist bar none. But as far as amending the constitution... Tax cap!!! (5% federal, 2.5%state, 1.5% county, 1% city). All unecessary programs would simply dissolve. Unlimited budgets lead to unlimited tom foolery.

[@rightnowiseverything2521]

"Our own micro-government" Best phrase I've heard in a long time..

[@joeybagodonuts6683]

Several good suggestions in there. A balanced budget and term limits would be a great step in the right direction imo.

[@shanekeenaNYC]

I like the idea of restricting eminent domain powers at the federal level as well.

[@mibz1117]

Not just that government shouldn't be able to make a million different regulations and rules. They should only concentrate on protection, enforcing the constitution and the 10 commandments.

[@SteveJones172pilot]

I agree in principal to this, but there's 2 ways to "balance" the budget.. They would just increase taxes to match their horrific spending. Instead of a balanced budget amendment, it needs to be spending limits in some way; Perhaps a limit based on percentage of GDP? I dont know - I'm no economist, but I know if it was simply that the budget had to be balanced, it would not solve the problem..

[@brandonkenney6310]

One thought that combines the two ideas is to have it so that if the priciple balance of the deficit is not decreased by a certain amount, say 1%, then all current members of Congress would not be eligible for reelection for 8 years. Also, if there is any defecit, all pensions will be suspended. Between those two measures, I believe members of Congress would have an incentive to balance the budget.

[@shanekeenaNYC]

@@brandonkenney6310 That's aggressive!

[@wstavis3135]

If we, as a people, decide we need to change the constitution, the founders wisely included a mechanism for that. The fact that they made it difficult shows just how wise they were. The constitution has been amended 27 (the 10 in the Bill of Rights, and 17 other instances) times in its history showing that the process works. Now the issue is returning to a place where the federal government and the courts are forced to follow it.

[@blackjay5338]

All of the amendments I would support were mentioned here, including: Term limits on congress (but not on the Supreme Court) Balanced budget Do away with eminent domain Get government out of commerce Strengthen the language of the 2nd Amendment by prohibiting laws to curtail gun ownership and possession.

[@BWolf00]

@@blackjay5338 I really couldn't disagree with any of those... My only sticking point is commerce...and that's because I know so little about the issue - Federal government's role in it, and how the removal would negatively or positively affect the nation.

[@spencergsmith]

@@blackjay5338 the 2nd Amendment is already worded strongly enough, the problem is people either don’t understand how to read it or want to abolish it entirely

[@_Dovar_]

1. An explicit Right of the People to an Uprising, whenever government does not respond to a Redress of Grievances. 2. A Mandatory Death Penalty for an act of political corruption - for both the corrupting and the corrupted. 3. A maximum rate of tax. 4. Delegalization of property taxes, that essentially make a land You own, into a land You rent from a government. 5. Privacy of Personal Information amendment - a stake through the heart of the Deep State, intel agencies, the "national-security" monster. 6. An amendment forbidding a creation and an existence of a government central bank - and such "private" organizations treating as criminal, conspiratorial monopolies.

[@ms.donaldson2533]

The "history" of the process is laid out in the "Monumental City" of Nancy Pelosi's birth. Religious Freedom removed "Constitutional Rights"

[@momofmanda]

The guy in Times Square spoke some wise words... give him a platform!

[@Breeegz]

Mr. Stossel, I have appreciated your approach to videos and your ability to cut across the growing political divide and have so for several years now. This video struck me as exceptional, even compared to your high quality stable of videos. There's a trap when talking to the people on the street, when it hits the editing room, there's a propendency to make those people look like the opposition. Even in the interviewees that appeared to disagree, it didn't feel like the standard "gotcha" street video. Additionally, I have always felt that a Constitutional Convention of the States was risky business. My fear is that those that get to create the "new Constitution" will screw it up, but if I had my way, the Wise Man on Times Square needs to be there to represent my views.

[@IKostman]

The black man in the green shirt is, by far, the best educated, and obviously the most passionate about the Constitution. I wish HE had his own channel.

[@BasedRanger]

No kidding. His every word was very intentional.. Dude knows what he's talking about.

[@multanmangel3887]

I'll never trust the government to protect me hence why the 2nd amendment is so important to me.

[@dustinabc]

Pro tip: instead of saying "the 2nd amendment," refer to your natural, inalienable right to defend your rights.

[@johnsmith-qr5el]

@@dustinabc if you say that to someone in the legal system they could just twist that around to say well you have your hands to defend yourself. Hence why the Second Amendment specifically referred to guns or "arms" which technically could mean any type of weapon you see fit to defend yourself. So when the anti-gun people say well do you think you should have a rocket launcher? I say hell yes let's include a F-14 Tomcat completely loaded as well

[@johnsmith-qr5el]

@@dustinabc ps-- I get what you're saying and I agree but the specific definition of words matter along with their fine little details. Because the system will always use it against the people not for them

[@ikematthews6866]

Well the whole of point of government is to protect you, I think people should be able to guns for emergencies like in the home.

[@nelsonbrum8496]

@@ikematthews6866 The police have no duty to protect you. Warren v. District of Columbia & Castle Rock v. Gonzales.

[@johnbeavers6497]

Mr. Dreads, no clue what else to call him is 100% American, we need more dudes like him, he's spot on.

[@georgeford6439]

brotha on the street talkin the most sense..... great wisdom.

[@rwolfrocks]

Happy Independence Day fellow Americans Thank you to the veterans for their service of preserving our rights, Thank you

[@CIAG4PNP]

Our Government needs to be held accountable for Violating it! If a Politician makes a law that is found to be unconditional, they need to lose their job and go to prison!

[@yoavmor9002]

Hold on, it depends. If the law you introduce is grey area, you shouldn't be held accountable for the judges falling on the unconstitutional side. But if you're governor Kathy Hochul of NY and you introduce like 20 different unconstitutional gun control policies in one day, straight to the gallows with you

[@Brewski203]

Yep. They are sworn in on upholding the constitution and they know damn well they don’t. But it’s on the people to hold them accountable and we don’t sadly.

[@yukihirasouma4691]

The Reps have a conservative majority there's that and it's entertaining to see people's reaction. Lol.

[@kristoffel5045]

Politicians should be executed in front of the house of congress.

[@jakegarrett8109]

@@yoavmor9002 Why not, why can't they consult a lawyer or pass it through the courts FIRST if they don't know if its constitutional? Why must it take decades and millions of dollars and people going to jail before we can abolish it? It makes sense to have it approved first.

[@squidly2112]

I like that fellow in the green shirt .. he is SPOT ON !!!! .. Bravo !!!

[@DashPar]

I’ve said for many years, if we would just strictly follow the Constitution, everything would be better!! The guy in the green shirt was awesome! A citizen who gets it!!

[@tomhalla426]

An amendment I would favor would be to eliminate civil cases by a government body unless there was an actual contract. Anything else would have to use criminal procedure, with all the protections to the defendant.

[@markdykstra7391]

As a government employee in early 2021, I had to redo my oath of office. There was a discussion group in support the requirement. I made a comment that I read the constitution every year and suggested more people should read the constitution. To my surprise, one person said “you don’t need to read the constitution to understand it.”

[@noahellis3672]

One of the most important things about our Constitution was not just granting you your rights but to place limits upon government and to make sure that we have a process for making amendments to the Constitution so that our rights are not infringed or can be easily taken away. Too much government in the end becomes overbearing and overly restrictive.

[@ndngirl4ever13]

I'm so glad we still have young men willing to stand up and speak the truth for our country. Not many young men are willing to stand up for this great country so I am proud of him.

[@williamfree9565]

Its amazing how a document written almost 250 years ago still applies to today. All one has to do is read it and think about what it says and it's right there in black and white. Most of our problems tend to come from professional politicians who cant seem to take the time to read the document they are SWORN to uphold and protect.

[@stevenscott2136]

Most issues are "people issues", and people haven't changed in 250 years.

[@alsaunders7805]

The Constitution was designed to protect the individual from both human nature and the nature of government, neither of which have changed in millenia. 🤓🍻

[@ChestyPullerFan]

The U.S. Constitution was hammered out by much debate & considerable deep reflection. It was the consensus of those deciding it that the Rights of the People had to take precedence over ANY political considerations, but ONLY as to the People's Right(s) of Life, Liberty & Persuit of Happiness. It merely afirmed one's God given Right to Life, without government's ability to deprive one of it without "Due Process". The same with your Liberty. And allowing you to "persue your happiness" through freedom of association, religious belief or lack of it, freedom of speech, to be secure in the privacy of your domicile & your possessions. To face your accusers in open court & have the benefit of being innocent until proven guilty by a jury of your peers. But most, if not all of this has become lost due to our inattention & apathy, & the machinations of power hungry people, bent on subjugation & personal profit.

[@5un5hine73]

@@ChestyPullerFan love this

[@gregorywade1559]

wat?

[@asiastormy8728]

I hate the way the young talk these day.... these are the people who have sheltered life and hardly see true hardship and so talk like that is no consequence even if they are totally igrant and they are not shy or embarrassed about it.

[@Perririri]

OK, Boomer!

[@OverlyCriticalAnime]

@@Perririri Lmao did they hurt your fee fees?

[@edwardihughes]

Thank you sharing good content. The man in the interview was a top notch American! Happy Independence Day to all good Americans 🇺🇸

[@maxcactus7]

Tim & Christina Sandefur are fantastic champions of freedom and American liberty! Tim is a fantastic speaker, author and expositor of the traditional American understanding of our rights. Thanks for including the Sandefurs in this video, John!

[@JoshuaMartinez-ml5hl]

"we're our own micro government" Damn, thats ringing through my head, I never thought of it like that

[@peterbrunsgaard2012]

Journalistic excellence as always! Thanks John! 👏👏🙏🙏

[@agcm78]

The gentleman that said micro government is super smart. Mr stossel give him a job. He deserves it.

[@karlostj4683]

"This was designed to limit government power." And the problem is, as it has always been, that politicians always find ways around The Rules imposed upon them.

[@OneWildTurkey]

Politicians find ways to convince other people that what is written down doesn't mean what it says. They spin the truth and come up with falsehoods that sound good, but are evil. Government schools no longer teach effective language skills or how to develop understanding of the written word. They don't teach the basics needed to participate.

[@robertdemeo]

And now when the Supreme Court forces them to follow the rules, they say the justices are "extremists" and then call for packing the court. That is what I call tyranny!

[@JasonGrames]

"We don’t need guns cause we have a police and military" Yeah and we had the British military at one point as well before we decided to become our own country. Do folks take time to think about what they are saying?

[@aaronbeauchamp3312]

No. They are perplexed by freedom, and while it can be abused, it is absolutely necessary. Clearly, she lives in a safe neighborhood and has most likely never had to fear or fend for her life. The upside of freedom is that it creates wealth and liberty and a strong populace. The downside is is that some people don't understand how essential it is, or they are afraid of it. They want Mommy and Daddy government to raise them and fend for them. Scary part is is that these types of people THINK they're fostering peace. They're not.

[@dknowles60]

and had to house then and feed them

[@andrewgreeb916]

Weapons are good way to stop a corrupt government who doesn't care about it's citizens, sounds familiar and relevant today

[@cipher88101]

No, they seem more inclined these days to take time to think of what they've been told to think, not of anything independent.

[@Caveman1420]

"The people got the power" just hearing the little bit I heard from him. I would vote for him. He understand America better than every other person up here. That is how the people in government should be. To bad there is not a test you have to pass to run for any government (state and federal) we all have to for work master trade license, Dr ,lawyer.we all have to be license they should too. Maybe we should have to be licensed to vote. All we have to learn is what like less than 20 pages. Not hard.

[@cajunstrat]

Yes, Term Limits!!!

[@demurevilleneuvewinslet8235]

It sucks that Stossel is getting so old. I had hoped he was in his 40's. We need him around.

[@TheVagolfer]

Mr. Ricci stated what I have advocated for years. Hillary, George, Michelle, Ted, Bobby, etc., would all have been ineligible.

[@cda4662]

THE GREEN SHIRT GUY SAID IT THE BEST, GREAT SHOW AND TIMING JOHN, HAPPY 4TH TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, GOD BLESS YOU AND THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, "LIVE FREE OR DYE TRYING"

[@jaywmeinen]

As usual, excellent video!! Keep them coming, John!!!

[@wtfserpico]

My man spitting truth and rocking the TMNT shirt. I love it.

[@jessmarks2214]

Nope... as an Australian nothing can surpass the Constitution and the mechanisms for its amendment are exceptional. Australians confuse themselves as citizens rather than the Subjects of the Crown.... and the Civil Servants become the aristocratic class. We don't enjoy Rights.... we are "gifted" privilege by a ruling class... who despise the people and profit from their Exceptionalism... privilege is bought via compliance, participation or advocacy of the powers of repression.

[@DerykRobosson]

That the U.S. colonists were not treated as subjects was but one issue that lead to the revolution, the Townshend Acts were another issue, the British seizing arms was the final straw after all tactful means were exhausted. Australia likes to pretend that it isn't under the control of the Crown. The Covering clauses of the Commonwealth of Australia 1900 (UK) clearly state otherwise. Sadly the Crown doesn't give two hoots what any of the Commonwealth countries get up to and neglects it's duty to protect those in the realm, like it didn't during the lock downs. Another fun fact is that Australians too have a right to own arms for the purposes of defence under the law. This is specifically from the Imperial Acts Application Act 1980 (Vic) where the High Court of Australia validated the act in it's entirety in Port of Portland 2010 HCA44. This then spreads to all other states and territories via the full faith and credit clause of the Commonwealth of Australia Act 1901 (Cth) s.118. Good luck putting down "defence" as a reason for any category arm licence. The cops will kick it.

[@jessmarks2214]

@@DerykRobosson True... the implementation of firearm laws wasn't to protect the citizen, rather to protect the officers of the Crown from resistance to their decisions. The Crown enjoys the exclusivity of legal and practical exercise of martial force, the protection of immunity of the Crown and the financial backing of the Crown/taxpayer.... Malfeasance of public office still exists... but not a simgle member of the Judiciary would rule in favour of it... their position only exists at pleasure of the Crown... a closed-circuit of privilege and corruption.

[@thomas6502]

Happy Birthday America. Still grateful and proud to live here and enjoy watching friends, neighbors, and strangers I haven't met yet gaze up at the fireworks smiling for all of their own personal reasons.

[@archangelmichael7400]

Yes it does. Some amendment suggestions... 1. Congressional term limits 2. Balanced Budget 3. Voter Rights 4. Repeal 17th amendment The latter particularly important, as Constitution originally specified US Senators were elected by state legislatures from two of their own members, thereby giving the states a direct influence to federal issues. State legislatures could recall a Senator at any time, replacing with one of their own. This also increases the importance to state legislators. The 17th amendment changed this making Senators elected by popular vote. REPEAL 17TH AMENDMENT AND RESTORE THE SENATE!

[@marcaldovino264]

That just makes it much harder for the actual people to influence Congress. They’d need to elect state representatives that then elect senators. Also I don’t think voting should be a right, immigrants illegal or not shouldn’t be able to vote(legal immigrants should live in the country at least 10 years) and I don’t know if criminals should be able to vote.

[@Dominasty]

Dude with the dreds is ridiculously smart/level headed. He gets it. Wish folks like him were our politicians.

[@texschuler]

Man i love me some Stossel, plain speaking explanations & absolutely fantastic questions. Please keep at it sir.! My country needs you!

[@MediaBuster]

ABSOLUTELY! We MUST have an amendment that ANYONE that violates someone else's rights must be punished severely, including politicians.

[@goodolearkygal5746]

It's in there...

[@TheZooBrooksAB]

You don't need a piece of paper that nobody bothered to sign, and the ones that witnessed it died over 150 years ago, to protect your rights. Which is why you need a well regulated militia.

[@MediaBuster]

@@goodolearkygal5746 No, it's not. Show me.

[@MediaBuster]

@@TheZooBrooksAB Try to convince people of that...

[@BigMobe]

Anyone that knowingly passes an unconstitutional law should be ejected from their position in office and possibly face jail and fines.

[@randyperry8959]

I have a pamphlet of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights... I got it years ago and can't remember where I got it from. It is an incredible document to read. The foresight these authors has was actually incredible. Yes, things have changed in the last few hundred years - but the sheer volume of things that protect us by TODAY'S standards that were granted way back then... it's just amazing that it sill holds up today.

[@shakesitoff1122]

The best change we could make is installing term limit’s

[@finkelsteinshitkid1299]

The dude with the dreads should run for a political seat of power. He has my vote, 100%. Rep. Ro Kana also hits the nail on the head; our political system has been hijacked by $$$ a long time ago, and in doing so it’s worked against the founding premise of our County, which no taxation without representation. Our elected representatives are now absolutely dependent upon the money that funds their elections. The PAC funds, victory funds, & any & all donations that exceeds an amount of what an average citizen can afford to donate, is now more vital to success of any & all potential & incumbent representatives, it actually supersedes the value of the votes they’re hoping to get in our elections, and thus, all candidates & incumbents are more accountable to the $$$ funding them, than the actual votes they eventually need to get in order to win any seat of power. This absolutely runs contrary to the premise that this county was founded on, which again is the idea of no taxation without representation.

[@freethebirds3578]

How does Rep Ro feel about Zuckerbucks? He want to limit corporations, but what about super-wealthy individuals directing politics from their own personal wealth? The US is really an oligarchy, and the very rich Big Tech overlords are forcibly dragging the voters to the far Left.

[@damnguen1726]

And for some reasons, John rejects it, many right wingers dont vocalize really much about overturning Citizen United show that they dont really care because leftists endorse that position however they dont oppose killing Citizen United case because they know that is the right move

[@BruceNewhouse]

Excellent video. Thank you. If I remember correctly, Supreme Court Justice Burger had attempted to rewrite the Constitution and the backlash was bad. Changes that he thought were good, a lot of others felt were dangerous to our civil liberties. The project was dropped. Many leading critics of Burger’s efforts pointed out the overt favoritism to one side or the other. Compromises were made by both the left and right that gave up liberties for the average citizen and made the federal government stronger. In the end, our writers and advisers to the Constitution had three advantages that do not exist today: 1-Mutual respect leading to a willingness to discuss and compromise; 2-Foresight and common sense; 3-Loyalty to the country and it’s citizens.

[@mytech6779]

What they had was a small group and a clean slate. I agree they had foresight. Several of them hated each other and had little mutual respect, they negotiated rather than "discuss and compromise". Some had #3 but others were outright crooks that wanted to recreate the corrupt British mercantilist system for their own gain. Alex hamilton even managed to scam about 15million in tax money that should have gone to war veterans with an insider bond redemption scheme. (About half a billion in 2022. ) Adams was jailing people for excersizing free speech to criticize politicians. (alien and sedition act)

[@johnhill9583]

Love the "Wise man in Times Square"!

[@AlteraLin]

"The Constitution? What is that??? What is the constitution?". I internally facepalmed.

[@juanherrera2859]

I learned the Constitution in elementary in the 80's, before the fall of communism. Teacher said USA is one of the youngest countries on Earth, yet has one of the oldest Constitutions. Wrap your head around that.

[@mytech6779]

sort of. Italy and Germany weren't countries until the late 1800s. Those areas were made of smaller independent states and cities before that. and then you have the old empires that broke up into some of today's countries(that also shifted and mingled a bit), this is again way after the American states made their federation.

[@justinmadrid8712]

"Being able to speak your mind is important as long as it's not in way that is long term harmful to people." This young man doesn't realize that this exact line of thought would have himself silenced him many other countries.

[@steveo85]

6:05 is an ultimate Dunning-Kruger effect moment.

[@donh6177]

The dude in the green shirt talking about micro government needs to run for office.....we need more people like him....I'd vote for him!