"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." - James Madison, speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 16, 1788

Our U.S. Constitution is this country's most sacred document. Drafted by James Madison, and ratified on September 17, 1787; this document is the foundation on which our entire government was built. The U.S. Constitution is the grantor and protector of our rights, our civil liberties, and our checks and balances on governmental power. Our forefathers understood the importance of this document, and understood that time and circumstances would change from those of 1787.

Change is inevitable, and Madison and Jefferson knew that a system had to be in place to amend our Constitution to allow for an ever changing and growing society. However, utilizing the Constitution to restrict or remove rights from citizens is the encroachment which Madison speaks against. Using the Constitution to limit the rights of our citizens was tried is 1919 with the 18th amendment, and repealed in 1933 with the 21st amendment.

In modern times, there have been many discussions about amending our Constitution on issues such as Abortion, Same Sex Marriage, etc. Items which would restrict, limit, or remove the rights of free will of our citizenry. As your Michigan State Senator, I will aggressively defend and protect the Michigan Constitution, and work closely with our U.S. House and Senate representatives to fight against any 'silent encroachment' of our civil liberties and freedoms as provided by our U.S. and State Constitutions.