New York Times Publishes Article Calling the Constitution ‘Dangerous’
The New York Times published a controversial opinion piece last week that criticized the US Constitution, asking if the document is “dangerous.”
The article, titled “The Constitution is Sacred. Is It Also Dangerous?” was written by book critic Jennifer Szalai. In the piece, Szalai argued that the US Constitution, which she describes as “frozen in amber,” has become a “threat to American democracy” and is “beyond redemption.”
“The document that’s supposed to be a bulwark against authoritarianism can end up fostering the widespread cynicism that helps authoritarianism grow,” Szalai claimed.
She went on to lament the fact that former President Donald Trump was elected into office in 2016 for winning the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote. She also highlighted recent Supreme Court rulings as evidence of the Constitution’s shortcomings.
“According to this line of argument, the damages of Constitution worship extend to the structure of the political system itself. National politics gets increasingly funneled through the judiciary, with control of the courts — especially the Supreme Court — becoming a way to consolidate power regardless of what the majority of people want,” Szalai wrote.
Szalai also rejected the idea of having an originalist interpretation of the Constitution, referring to it as “Constitutional worship.”
The article immediately drew criticism from many political voices. X owner Elon Musk responded on the platform, accusing the article’s proponents of wanting to “overthrow the Constitution.” He then added, “Long Live America and our Constitution!”
Likewise, podcaster Joe Rogan also weighed in, posting a screenshot of the article’s title on Instagram with the caption, “What a fascinating time to be alive.”
