The Removal of Slavery From The U. S. Constitution and Historical Reckoning Act (Proposed by: C. L. Seymore for MN Senate)

In stark contrast to Klobuchar's track record, my candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota presents a unique perspective. I am the sole candidate advocating for the removal of slavery from the Constitution, aiming to reshape the landscape of incarceration and criminal reform. It is time for the United States to invest in transformative measures that focus on rehabilitation rather than perpetuating a system akin to modern-day slavery.

Amy Klobuchar, a prominent Democratic figure seeking re-election in 2024, carries a contentious record from her tenure as the Hennepin County attorney, where her tough-on-crime tactics have left a trail of wrongful convictions and glaring instances of racial bias. Two cases, emblematic of her prosecutorial misconduct, involved Myon Burrell and Marvin Haynes, both sentenced to life in prison as teenagers based on flawed evidence. Burrell spent 18 years incarcerated before being exonerated in 2020, while Haynes was freed in 2023, exposing the deeply rooted flaws in Klobuchar's approach to justice.

These cases highlight Klobuchar's inclination towards harsh sentences, particularly affecting young people of color, showcasing a systemic issue that she failed to address during her prosecutorial career. Her pursuit of political support in white suburbs seems to have come at the cost of perpetuating an unjust system that disproportionately affects minority communities. In my personal point of view, the consequences of her decisions extend beyond the victims and touch the lives of those wrongfully convicted, revealing a pattern of indifference to justice and the perpetuation of systemic racism.

The 13th Amendment 

The phrase in the Constitution regarding slavery except for in prison typically refers to the exception outlined in the 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution. The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery, but it includes an exception for individuals who have been duly convicted of a crime. In other words, it allows involuntary servitude or slavery as a punishment for those convicted of a crime. This exception has been a subject of debate and discussion within the context of criminal justice and prison labor.

Expunging slavery from the Constitution is a call to confront these complexities, to reckon with the paradox embedded in a document that simultaneously championed freedom while perpetuating human bondage. 

My candidacy represents a commitment to a future grounded in justice and equality, acknowledging the entanglement of the framers with slavery and striving for a nation where liberty and justice prevail authentically for all.

Untangling the Threads: Removing the Vestiges of Slavery from the Constitution

The echoes of history resonate within the United States Constitution, an enduring document that both shaped and reflected the ideals of its time. As we advocate for the imperative removal of slavery from the Constitution, it's paramount to scrutinize the names etched onto this seminal text and examine their roles in a society deeply entwined with the institution of slavery.

Among the signatories of the Constitution were individuals who, paradoxically, championed principles of liberty while simultaneously being slave owners. George Washington, the revered figure who presided over the Constitutional Convention, possessed a significant number of enslaved individuals. James Madison, often hailed as the "Father of the Constitution," was a slaveholder who played a pivotal role in shaping its content. Thomas Jefferson, although not a signer of the Constitution, left an indelible mark on the nation's founding documents and was a prominent slaveholder.

As we navigate through the annals of the Constitution, specific articles and sections stand as testament to the compromises struck at the Constitutional Convention. Article I, Section 2, outlined the infamous Three-Fifths Compromise, deeming enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxation. This compromise, rooted in the perpetuation of slavery, reflected a concession that stained the fabric of the Constitution.

Further, Article I, Section 9, acknowledged the continuation of the slave trade until 1808, reinforcing the institution's prominence during the drafting of the Constitution. The very fabric of the Constitution intertwined with provisions that legitimized the dehumanization of African Americans, cementing a legacy that extended beyond the framers' intentions.

The removal of slavery from the Constitution is not a dismissal of history but a reckoning with its complexities. It is a step towards disentangling the ideals of liberty and justice from the stains of oppression. By acknowledging the framers' entanglement with slavery, we confront the paradox embedded in a document that simultaneously upheld ideals of freedom while perpetuating human bondage.

The call to expunge slavery from the Constitution is a call to reconcile with the past and shape a future grounded in justice and equality. It is an acknowledgment of the individuals behind the inked signatures, individuals whose actions perpetuated a system that contradicted the very principles they sought to enshrine. By removing these vestiges, the nation moves towards a more authentic embodiment of the ideals that define its identity—a commitment to a future where liberty and justice truly prevail for all.

Draft of The Removal of Slavery From The U. S. Constitution and Historical Reckoning Act

Section 1: Preamble

Whereas, the United States Constitution, an enduring symbol of democratic ideals, is marred by provisions that perpetuated the institution of slavery, thereby entangling the nation's legacy with a dark chapter in its history; and

Whereas, acknowledging the historical context in which the Constitution was drafted, including the compromises made by the framers, is essential for fostering a more just and equitable society; and

Whereas, the vestiges of slavery embedded in the Constitution contribute to a legacy of systemic racism, hindering the nation's progress towards a more inclusive and equal future.

Section 2: Removal of Provisions

(a) The provisions related to slavery, including but not limited to the Three-Fifths Compromise outlined in Article I, Section 2, and the acknowledgment of the slave trade in Article I, Section 9, shall be expunged from the United States Constitution.

(b) This removal is a symbolic gesture to disentangle the nation from the historical stain of slavery and promote an authentic embodiment of the democratic principles that define the United States.

Section 3: Historical Reckoning Commission

(a) There shall be established a Historical Reckoning Commission, comprising historians, legal scholars, and experts in African American studies, tasked with providing recommendations for acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices associated with slavery.

(b) The Commission shall conduct a thorough examination of the framers' entanglement with slavery, the impact of historical compromises on marginalized communities, and propose measures to foster education and awareness about this complex history.

Section 4: Educational Initiatives

(a) Federal funding shall be allocated to educational initiatives that promote a comprehensive understanding of the nation's historical ties to slavery, emphasizing the importance of reckoning with the past for the sake of creating a more equitable future.

(b) Curricula at all educational levels shall include age-appropriate content addressing the historical legacy of slavery and its enduring impact on American society.

Section 5: Reporting and Implementation

(a) The Historical Reckoning Commission shall submit a comprehensive report to Congress within one year of its establishment, detailing its findings and recommendations.

(b) The recommendations of the Commission shall be subject to legislative review and, if deemed appropriate, implemented through subsequent legislation.

Section 6: Enactment

(a) This Act shall take effect 90 days after its passage.

(b) All laws or parts of laws inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed.

Justification:

This bill aims to remove the vestiges of slavery from the Constitution to acknowledge the historical injustice and systemic racism embedded in the nation's foundational document. By establishing a Historical Reckoning Commission and allocating resources for educational initiatives, this legislation seeks to promote a comprehensive understanding of the nation's history, fostering dialogue, awareness, and a commitment to justice. The symbolic removal of slavery-related provisions aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable society by addressing the historical roots of racial disparities in the United States.

Vote Chris Seymore For Minnesota U. S. Senate 2024.