If you could recite the Constitution by heart and were totally fluent in Revolutionary period English, you would still be a long way from understanding the detailed responsibilities and authority of any of the three branches of our government. I point out that simple truth because too many letters to the Herald contain the arrogant, ignorant statement that if you would just read the Constitution, you would realize that Congress or the president or the Supreme Court can or cannot do this, that or the other.

The Constitution did not even recognize, let alone mandate, that the Supreme Court would arbitrate disagreements in the meaning of anything in the Constitution. The Constitution knew nothing of political parties, filibusters, Senate or House rules, judicial precedent, and many other aspects of our present system that control government operation.

I'm sure most people who read these letters know that I'm a liberal Democrat, and that I'm aiming my comments at those tea party conservatives who keep telling everyone to just read the Constitution and recognize the correctness of their views.

Well, I've read the Constitution, and we could argue forever about the general welfare statements, the Second Amendment, etc., so please stop preaching your arrogant, ignorant message.

Martin Bensky, Richland