Our discussion simply got me to thinking that in our history, there seem to be words and phrases that are set in concrete (the US Constitution, the DoI, et..) and there are words and phrases that are set in little more than jello ("Manifest Destiny", "Rebellion," etc.).

It got me to wondering if the ones set in jello were set in jello by the pols for the specific purpose of allowing them to be redefined to fit the circumstances or needs, whatever those circumstances or needs may be - in the future.

Never having thought about our written and unwritten doctrines, policies, laws, etc. before about this, it seemed to me that failing to define certain terms and phrases might really be an astute politicians way to deal with an uncertain future.

Admittedly, this is sort of a far out thought and one which has only the flimsiest connection with the CW, but it seemed worth bringing up with you as you strike me as a person who is at home in the abstract