Defiance: A Necessity

"Every member of every Northern legislature is bound by oath, like every other officer in the country, to support the Constitution of the United States"

The Seventh of March Speech

The congressman discusses the difference of opinion entertained between the northern and southern states. He is specifically referring to slavery and the issues that surfaced nationwide because of this controversial topic.  Even as a Northern man the congressman clearly favored the existence of slavery. It is clear that he opposed any progression that would go against the word of the constitution.  The congressman writes this line when referring to the obligation stated within the constitution that any slave that escapes to the North shall be returned to his/her rightful owner. The congressman is angry that many members of the northern states are not fulfilling this obligation. This is one of the major conflicts among the southern and northern states that has prompted some to consider peaceful secession. Such talk of secession was occurring because there was much disagreement as to the morality of slavery.Considering the congressmen's obvious tone of support he uses when referring to slavery, it is no surprise that he is against northern men opting to ignore this part of the Constitution.

The congressmen portrays himself as fully devoted to the Constitution and the country. He, like many others who oppose progress, fail to realize that while the constitution was invaluable because it united all the states to form the United States, to blindly follow a document does not permit one to realize the flaws. Such defiance of the constitution was necessary to pave way for the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He thought foolish those who opposed the constitution even though variety of opinion is necessary for improvement and progression. It is now clear to us that this progression was in fact the best alternative. I believe many in present day society can learn from this congressman's error. Often times completely devoting oneself without question, allows for unfair policies, ideals, and policies to remain in place while there being a better alternative.