Happy Birthday, 14th Amendment

Did you know?

This summer marks the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 14th Amendment.

To commemorate the occasion, here is a look at the Ohio congressman who authored arguably the most important amendment after the first ten. If he’s forgotten today then it’s a shame because he’s responsible for these momentous words:

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

His words since have served as the legal basis for applying most of the Bill of Rights to the states. They, as much as anything, are responsible for the rights, freedoms, and dignity we dare claim in these United States.

And so, onward we aspire to a more perfect union.