Majority doesn't always rule

To the editor:

The expression, "the majority rules" is often misunderstood. No matter how great a majority is, that majority cannot overrule the United States Constitution. Gary Dielman is right and the majority is wrong on the question of his right to object to what he sees as an unconstitutional practice in Baker City Council meetings.

Suppose the majority voted to bar women or Roman Catholics from voting or that this paper could not publish any articles except those approved by the city counsel. Would it be "the majority rules?"

Is there really any question here?

Jerry Billings

Portland