Spot, on Rex. The battle over the size and scope of government are as old as the concept itself. As is the influence of money and vested interests. It seems that we are not growing wiser as our republic ages. Quite the opposite.
One of the problems is that there are differing interpretations about what the "founders'" intent was. I believe that is irrelevant at this point. The US Constitution was ratified in 1789. Things have changed a little since then. As forward-looking as the founders may have been, they had no idea about things like artificial intelligence, satellite navigation, most "modern technology." They would have thought it fantastical science fiction. I believe it is time to do away with the intent of the founders and interpret the Constitution based on the reality of modern times.
I'd say you're onto something, Gary -- but given how young the Supreme Court justices are who are advocates of constitutional originalism, it's going to be a while yet before your vision finds a way forward in Washington. Thanks for the commentary.
I'm afraid you've exceeded my realm of competence, Ed. I'm sorry to report that this is a mystery to me, as circulation billing was at the Times Union. I write and Substack publishes. Here's what I can. tell: The chart they send me shows that you subscribed Feb. 10, 2022, and it looks like you've renewed since then -- which I would assume carries you till February of 2024, right? There's a page for reader problems with subscriptions that I found here: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/sections/360007423692-General
I hope that helps. You're sure the charge is for The Upstate American, and not some other Substack publication? If you're convinced that you're right and the charge is wrong, let me know and send me your mailing address, and I will write you a personal check for the billed amount (which on Aug. 20 would have been $50, which has for some months been the annual subscription charge). Thank you for being a paying subscriber; it's very kind of you to be so supportive of this effort.
Spot, on Rex. The battle over the size and scope of government are as old as the concept itself. As is the influence of money and vested interests. It seems that we are not growing wiser as our republic ages. Quite the opposite.
One of the problems is that there are differing interpretations about what the "founders'" intent was. I believe that is irrelevant at this point. The US Constitution was ratified in 1789. Things have changed a little since then. As forward-looking as the founders may have been, they had no idea about things like artificial intelligence, satellite navigation, most "modern technology." They would have thought it fantastical science fiction. I believe it is time to do away with the intent of the founders and interpret the Constitution based on the reality of modern times.
I'd say you're onto something, Gary -- but given how young the Supreme Court justices are who are advocates of constitutional originalism, it's going to be a while yet before your vision finds a way forward in Washington. Thanks for the commentary.
Rex, please explain the billing for 'membership.' I got a Visa charge dated 8/20 and I thought I had paid you this year?
I'm afraid you've exceeded my realm of competence, Ed. I'm sorry to report that this is a mystery to me, as circulation billing was at the Times Union. I write and Substack publishes. Here's what I can. tell: The chart they send me shows that you subscribed Feb. 10, 2022, and it looks like you've renewed since then -- which I would assume carries you till February of 2024, right? There's a page for reader problems with subscriptions that I found here: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/sections/360007423692-General
I hope that helps. You're sure the charge is for The Upstate American, and not some other Substack publication? If you're convinced that you're right and the charge is wrong, let me know and send me your mailing address, and I will write you a personal check for the billed amount (which on Aug. 20 would have been $50, which has for some months been the annual subscription charge). Thank you for being a paying subscriber; it's very kind of you to be so supportive of this effort.