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 “Every country has its own constitution; ours [Russia] is absolutism moderated by assassination.” This quotation is in the writings of George Herbert, Count Munster, a German diplomat (1820-1902).   He is quoting an unnamed Russian diplomat. 

Currently in the headlines is the death of a Russian journalist, Maxim Borodin, who, we are told, fell out of his hotel widow to his death on April 14, 2018. Borodin had been investigating corruption in the ranks of the millionaire oligarchs who surround Vladimir Putin. There is no suggestion in the Russian papers that Putin or these associates have any connection with the event, but it does fit into the pattern that the Russian diplomat mentioned a long time ago, perhaps around 1875 or so. 

Every few years we read of some thing like this, many outside of Russia. For example just a month or so ago, A Russian and his daughter were poisoned in England. In an earlier instance, a Russian in London was stabbed with a poisoned umbrella while he was out walking. There have been fifteen suspected assassinations in England. One in the United States. Many in Russia. It seems to be the Russian way.

In 1917 a group of revolutionaries ousted the Czar of Russia. Five years later in 1922 that group called Bolsheviks, later communists, established the Soviet Union which still apparently operates under that unofficial century old constitution. 

We are blessed to have a constitution somewhat different than the one above. (The Russian diplomat was being satirical!) Ours is not absolute. (Character assassination doesn’t count!) But a constitution is not snatched out of the air. A constitution, that is, the law, emerges from deep cultural currents of beliefs and assumptions, premises that are accepted as true, and if the premises change, the law changes. 

As we reflect on the premises that emerged as law when our own constitution was written, we may well be alert to any relevant changes that might presently be taking place, changes in what people think about life, values, ultimate realities, morality, final authority, etc. Are our beliefs and assumptions changing? Will our constitution ever change? Will amendments be amended? For better? For worse?