In the blockbuster movie “National Treasure” starring Nicholas Cage, the Declaration of Independence was stolen by good guys to prevent the bad guys from stealing it. That’s Hollywood, but truth be known, it’s been stolen again — that and part of the original Constitution.

About this time 221 years ago, 42 delegates gathered behind locked, guarded doors to complete a document they spent four months creating: The U.S. Constitution. They had convened, under rule of secrecy, to hammer out a framework for a new government, and evidence shows they realized the importance of the work at hand.

Well, cheers to former state Sen. Tom Patterson (Opinion 2, Sunday) for finding a new approach in the Republican battle against federal health care legislation, but jeers for a somewhat ridiculous and wholly specious argument based on states' rights.

The Gun Lobby points out, cars kill more. To save lives and property, Vehicles are registered. Insurance is required. Inspections and limit auto of use and abuse for public safety.

I have lived though many of the changes in history in my America. We have never had such extremist, selfish views expressed by so many in the past century. It seems to indicate some believe political extremism by both parties is the norm.

The Founding Fathers intentionally made it difficult to change the U.S. Constitution. Proposed amendments require approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate and their adoption requires ratification by three-fourths of the states. Thus, the Constitution is rarely amended, only 27 times since 1789.

You heard it here first and I’m going out on a limb, but I predict the U.S. Supreme Court will vote 6-3 (with a concurring opinion) holding that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare or “Commie Care,” is unconstitutional. However, the true reason for this holding will never be found in print, unless as Mark Twain said, “Only dead men tell the truth.”

As we review the past century, Arizona had many great leaders and some not so great. I worked along with Ernest McFarland, had contact with Barry Goldwater. They were honestly interested in people and justice, not dividing the country. What qualifies a Jay Heiler to be a Board of Regent member? Many with no constructive solutions find fault with any action of the federal government. Top the list with Tom Patterson, president of the Goldwater Institute and weekly editorial contributor to the East Valley Tribune. References to God to support political positions are not consistent with my varied Christian upbringing. Barry Goldwater was a true patriot; he should not be required to share that title with a Russell Pearce.

Letter writers express gratitude for American freedom; criticize Bush and Supreme Court ruling.

“If Warren Jeffs is guilty, then what about the other immoral individuals in that so-called religious sect? They are guilty, too.”