About the need to disagree….
Strong republican governments and strong democratic governments are based on strong dissent: the very right to disagree. It is a given that there is more than one way to run the flag up the pole and that those multiple options are not all right, all wrong, or even best given the array of changing circumstances. It is also true that what was correct and proper in 1776 is not necessarily correct and proper in 2010. Hence the need for discussion and argument. I hope you disagree with me. I am looking forward to it.
I would agree that what was right or proper, as far as application and practice go, in 1776 may not be so today. However, I would argue that the Principles are unchanged. The real issue is to clarify the Principles, then, within the context of the overarching Principles, decide what are the appropriate practices, policies, programs, etc, for today.
Clever. Bring on the discussion and argument.