It has something to do with people once believing that raccoons lived for a long time. Try this link.

http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcoonsage.html

Amendments are an integral part of the U.S. Constitution and should never be not considered as such no matter when ratified. The first amendment was part of the Bill of Rights and were ratified effective December 15, 1791. Was it not the intent then that ratifying states comply? But we did have a war about all that did we not. As to this Mr. Coons whoever he may be, he ignores the real meaning of the constitution and its intent. This concept socialists have regarding religion is so wrong. And I agree, how can you swear to defend the constitution when you do not even know what it says. But then even Obama did not know how many states there were in these United States. His education is so lacking it is pathetic.