Throughline We The People: Canary in the Coal Mine
Aug 22, 2024
The Third Amendment might sound outdated, but its implications are surprisingly relevant today. The podcast dives into its historical context and frequent violations by the government, often unnoticed. With stories from the American Revolution to World War II, it explores the tension between military presence and civilian rights. Recent crises like Hurricane Katrina and civil unrest challenge the relevance of the Third Amendment, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accountability and the protection of personal freedoms.
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Purpose of the Third Amendment
- The Third Amendment forbids quartering soldiers in homes without consent during peace.
- It's a constitutional guardrail meant for worst-case scenarios involving government overreach.
WWII Aleutian Islander Quartering
- During WWII, the US forcibly evacuated Aleutian Islanders and quartered troops in their homes.
- Military personnel damaged property and violated the Third Amendment without Congress's law.
Engblom v. Carey Case
- In 1979, National Guard troops were quartered in prison guards' dorms during a strike.
- The court recognized this as a Third Amendment violation but gave government officials a pass.