Saturday, October 24, 2026

Leaves of Grass and the U.S. Constitution


When I was growing up, I believed that Leaves of Grass was as important as the U.S. Constitution. I still believed that when I was in Law School—so, I would argue, did William O. Douglas (see his concurring opinion in Roe v. Wade). And, all evidence to the contrary, I still believe it to this day. Sadly, Walt's expansive inclusivity is out of fashion. I hope and pray the rising generation of Americans will bring it back...