> To push the metaphor a bit further, I'd point out that a living tree is considerably more resilient than a dead tree, and is likely to adapt to conditions whi

> To push the metaphor a bit further, I'd point out that a living tree is considerably more resilient than a dead tree, and is likely to adapt to conditions which might otherwise destroy it. Trees that grow in unexpected ways get cut down. Explicit amendments are far more legitimate. The US has amended its constitution several times. If something really is a good idea, the amendment process is no real obstacle.