Those Merry Founding Pranksters
One thing's for certain, the writers of the U.S. Constitution didn't have access to a copy of White and Strunk's The Elements of Style, mainly because unfortunately it hadn't been written yet and wouldn't be for another hundred and fifty years. I say unfortunately because they could have benefitted from some advice about separating clauses with commas. It's pretty ironic actually, one clunky sentence that would count against you bigtime in an English 101 essay, and look how many lawyers it's kept busy for generations. The choice of words is a bit curious, too. We assume the framers intended "bear" to mean carry, but what if that's wrong and they really meant "tolerate?" Or better yet, what if it's some arcane ursine reference? I've heard of bear claws, but bear arms?
posted by John M Crowther @ 7:17 AM
3 Comments:
Or maybe they were intending it to be a fashion "statement"... and really meant to say "bare arms" (as in we should all be wearing tank tops and singlets?) *wink*
Laughing out loud at this one, John C. and Jean, love your comment. I can just see them now, white powder wigs, tight breeches and tank tops. Sound like a heavy metal group. Don't forget a tattoo or two. Actually, doubt if they even gave a thought to the next 200 + years. Probably were typical politicians of the era. Boy, do we need that third party before I turn into a right old prune. Dudly Do-right, where are you?
I have a t-shirt that urges you to protect the right to arm bears. Something to offend everyone(lol) roger
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