“The people are the masters of their Constitution, to fulfill its purposes and to safeguard it from those who, by perversion of its intent, would convert it into an instrument of injustice.”
—Bull Moose Party Platform
Tonight in Milwaukee, tough-as-nails Teddy Roosevelt gave a campaign speech with a bullet lodged in his chest.
Shaking off an assassination attempt, he insisted on speaking to the crowd. “It would take more than that to kill a Bull Moose,” he said. He spoke powerfully for nearly an hour before being rushed to the hospital.
Roosevelt redefined what it meant to be president, bringing boundless energy to the office. He brought 44 lawsuits against the big trusts, convinced Congress to create a new Department of Commerce and Labor, and set aside lands for public use.
Now he and his Bull Moose Party are calling for child labor reform, new workplace laws, an income tax, the direct election of senators-and they’re ready to change the Constitution to do it.
His career makes us realize the Supreme Court isn’t the only force that can shape our Constitution.
