Generational Law

“”I am increasingly persuaded that the earth belongs exclusively to the living and that one generation has no more right to bind another to it’s laws and judgments than one independent nation has the right to command another.” “
— Thomas Jefferson

I was watching the mini-series “John Adams” starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney and the actor who played Thomas Jefferson recited the quote above.

The quote resonnated with me because it’s something I’ve been thinking of for a long long time.  Time’s passage alters connotations and denotations of the words comprising laws and the governing documents made from them. I’ve often said on issues of healthcare are that “life” in the famous line  “life, liberty and the persuit of happiness” now must includes healthcare. Sadly my research for this entry shows me that this phrase is in the declaration of independence not the Consitution so therefore I can no longer use that as a basis for universal healthcare. But nontheless despite that mistake on my part, Jefferson considered and voiced with great clarity and succinctness what has been nagging me for many years. Laws must be reconsidered as time’s passage alters their meaning.  Society changes. Words, given definition by society, are not static.  Jefferson was concerend that the documents he was helping to create would bind subsequent generations to their words and meaning unfairly.  It is amazing that this profound thought was voiced at the same time they were making their historical governing decisions.