Today the Department of Justice filed suit against the state of Arizona stating that Arizona’s law was illegal because it was the job of the federal government to secure the borders of this country. No one has ever disagreed with the statement that securing our borders is the responsibility of the federal government. However the federal government is derelict in its duty. The federal government has not secured our borders. It no longer even seems to be trying to secure our borders.
The Constitution was never meant to be a suicide pact. James Madison made it very clear in the Federalist Papers that if the federal government did not or could not secure our borders that states retained the right of self-defense. Does anyone really think that if hostile Indians swarmed a state’s border that the state would wait for the federal government to defend them? The answer is obvious. Drug dealers and human traffickers are now swarming our southern borders. If the federal government will not act, states are permitted to protect themselves.
The federal government should take this opportunity to assure the states that it will secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. The federal government should not seek to further its political agenda by using the trouble and suffering of the citizens of this country.
Signed,
The Electorate
Showing posts with label constitution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label constitution. Show all posts
Friday, July 9, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Do Politicians Support the Constitution?
The House is seriously considering a devious way to pass the health care bill without a recorded vote. No one wants to go home and tell their constituents that they voted for this terrible health care bill. The House’s answer is to pass it without actually voting for it. The method they seek to employ is called the self executing rule.
The self executing rule (Slaughter Solution) would “DEEM” the health care bill to have been passed and vote on amendments to the bill. If they approved the amendments rule, they would consider that the House passed the health care bill – without a vote. This is politics as usual in
Article I, Section 7 of the United States Constitution states, “...the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively.”
This method has been used in the past on small matters. It was unconstitutional then – It was just not challenged. Now House leadership is seeking to change one-sixth of our economy and our very lives using an unconstitutional ploy.
The American people would go ballistic if this unwanted bill were to be passed in this manner. We are very tired of the corruption in
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, February 8, 2010
How Secure Are We?
Is the federal government really taking national security seriously? Several incidents in the last year make me doubt that they are.
Last week Iran fired a rocket into space. As Iran launches its space program, we seek to end ours. What is wrong with this picture? This has not only scientific implications - it has military implications. We would be more secure if we maintained our leadership in space.
We are investigating the CIA and the methods it used. Would it not be a good idea to investigate terrorist activities instead? We have neutered the CIA. They are so concerned about avoiding prosecutions that they are afraid to do their jobs. The actions they took in the past were deemed legal at the time. Is the government seriously considering rewriting the laws and prosecuting members of the CIA with ex post facto laws?
We are reading Miranda rights to terrorists on the battlefield and after terrorist acts in this country. We are granting Constitutional rights to enemy combatants. We propose trying these combatants in civilian courts. We should be trying them in military tribunals where classified material will not be compromised and civilians put at risk. What a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.
The leaders of our security agencies agree that a terrorist attack in this country is a certainty in the next six months. They know how compromised our security has become.
The primary job of the federal government is the security of this country. This does not seem to be a top priority of this government. I, for one, am not feeling very secure.
Signed,
The Electorate
Last week Iran fired a rocket into space. As Iran launches its space program, we seek to end ours. What is wrong with this picture? This has not only scientific implications - it has military implications. We would be more secure if we maintained our leadership in space.
We are investigating the CIA and the methods it used. Would it not be a good idea to investigate terrorist activities instead? We have neutered the CIA. They are so concerned about avoiding prosecutions that they are afraid to do their jobs. The actions they took in the past were deemed legal at the time. Is the government seriously considering rewriting the laws and prosecuting members of the CIA with ex post facto laws?
We are reading Miranda rights to terrorists on the battlefield and after terrorist acts in this country. We are granting Constitutional rights to enemy combatants. We propose trying these combatants in civilian courts. We should be trying them in military tribunals where classified material will not be compromised and civilians put at risk. What a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.
The leaders of our security agencies agree that a terrorist attack in this country is a certainty in the next six months. They know how compromised our security has become.
The primary job of the federal government is the security of this country. This does not seem to be a top priority of this government. I, for one, am not feeling very secure.
Signed,
The Electorate
Thursday, December 10, 2009
End Run Around Congress and the Constitution
The Environmental Protection Agency now states that carbon dioxide emissions pose a danger to public health. It bases its “endangerment finding” on information provided by the IPCC. This United Nations agency bases its conclusions on data from scientists, who we now know have altered or destroyed any data that disagreed with their own preconceived theories. In short, these supposed scientists “cooked the books.” We know the information is tainted, but the EPA uses it as proven fact. This is not scientific or honest. The EPA proposes regulating carbon dioxide as an end run around Congress and the Constitution. The EPA is not comprised of elected officials.
Now members of the Administration are delivering the message to Congress that if Congress does not pass the Cap + Trade Energy bill, the EPA will regulate the bill into existence, but in a more draconian manner. It would affect the economy more adversely than the Cap + Trade Energy Bill would – even more jobs would be lost and prices would rise even higher.
This is not a choice. This is blackmail or gangster warfare. Al Capone would be so proud. This is true Chicago politics as usual. The public is getting very tired of having unwanted policies forced down their throats. Politicians need to wake up and see reality. This is not change that Americans want.
Signed,
The Electorate
Now members of the Administration are delivering the message to Congress that if Congress does not pass the Cap + Trade Energy bill, the EPA will regulate the bill into existence, but in a more draconian manner. It would affect the economy more adversely than the Cap + Trade Energy Bill would – even more jobs would be lost and prices would rise even higher.
This is not a choice. This is blackmail or gangster warfare. Al Capone would be so proud. This is true Chicago politics as usual. The public is getting very tired of having unwanted policies forced down their throats. Politicians need to wake up and see reality. This is not change that Americans want.
Signed,
The Electorate
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Where is Common Sense?
I wonder if Congress ever stops and listens to what they are actually proposing. In what world does what they are saying even make sense? I ask you to actually listen to the proposals and ask yourselves in what third world dictatorship could these proposals actually be enacted.
Congress is proposing a mandate to force all citizens to have health care insurance. Congress argues that car owners are required to have insurance on their cars. Car owners are required to carry insurance to cover the damage to other people’s cars. This is not the same as requiring everyone to have health care insurance. An excise tax would be placed on anyone who does not comply. If this tax is not paid that person could be fined up to $25,000 and be sentenced to one year in jail. Aren’t the jails already overcrowded? Now we will need debtor and noncompliance jails. Isn’t this one of the reasons colonists fled England and came to this land? This is a punitive tax for behavior t hat the government does not approve. It is not constitutional. Did not Congress swear to uphold the Constitution?
It is also being proposed that people who smoke or who weigh more than the government deems appropriate would have to pay thirty percent more for health care insurance. This could be raised to fifty percent at a later date. The Food Police strike again. Wasn’t the main purpose of health care reform to make it more affordable? Over fifty percent of Americans are considered overweight; thus these people would pay significantly more. If they don’t or can’t comply, they could be placed in Fat Jails. Here calories could be restricted and exercise programs be made mandatory. This gives a whole new meaning to forced labor camps.
Does not Congress see how intrusive and even ridiculous these bills would be? The Constitution never gave the federal government power to control these aspects of our lives. It is no wonder more citizens are becoming more and more vocal every day. We are Americans. This goes against everything in which we believe.
Congress is proposing a mandate to force all citizens to have health care insurance. Congress argues that car owners are required to have insurance on their cars. Car owners are required to carry insurance to cover the damage to other people’s cars. This is not the same as requiring everyone to have health care insurance. An excise tax would be placed on anyone who does not comply. If this tax is not paid that person could be fined up to $25,000 and be sentenced to one year in jail. Aren’t the jails already overcrowded? Now we will need debtor and noncompliance jails. Isn’t this one of the reasons colonists fled England and came to this land? This is a punitive tax for behavior t hat the government does not approve. It is not constitutional. Did not Congress swear to uphold the Constitution?
It is also being proposed that people who smoke or who weigh more than the government deems appropriate would have to pay thirty percent more for health care insurance. This could be raised to fifty percent at a later date. The Food Police strike again. Wasn’t the main purpose of health care reform to make it more affordable? Over fifty percent of Americans are considered overweight; thus these people would pay significantly more. If they don’t or can’t comply, they could be placed in Fat Jails. Here calories could be restricted and exercise programs be made mandatory. This gives a whole new meaning to forced labor camps.
Does not Congress see how intrusive and even ridiculous these bills would be? The Constitution never gave the federal government power to control these aspects of our lives. It is no wonder more citizens are becoming more and more vocal every day. We are Americans. This goes against everything in which we believe.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Article V - VII: Amendments, Debts and Ratification
Article. V.
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
The Word, "the," being interlined between the seventh and eighth Lines of the first Page, the Word "Thirty" being partly written on an Erazure in the fifteenth Line of the first Page, The Words "is tried" being interlined between the thirty second and thirty third Lines of the first Page and the Word "the" being interlined between the forty third and forty fourth Lines of the second Page.
Attest William Jackson Secretary
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Article IV: The States
Article. IV.
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Article III: The Judiciary of the United States
Article III.
The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;-- between a State and Citizens of another State,--between Citizens of different States,--between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.
In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Article II: The Constitution and the President
Article. II.
The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:
Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President.
The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.
No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.
In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
We The People and Article I
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.
When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.
No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.
Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.
The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.
All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.
Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States: If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.
Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The American People
An atmosphere of discontent is spreading across the country. Average Americans are not pleased by what has been happening recently in. Ours is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Washington needs to remember that. It is the people’s government not the politician’s government; they are the employees.
Washington is a very isolated community. It thinks everyone thinks the way they do – after all, everyone they know agrees with them. They forget that a vast land exists outside the beltway. This land is populated by real people who have to deal with the real world. These people are not as stupid as Washington seems to believe. Washington wants to do what Washington wants to do – no matter what. In its arrogance Washington feels it knows best. The wishes, will, and opinions of the average American are being ignored.
Here in the real world we honor the Constitution. When we see it being perverted, twisted, and ignored, as has been done, we abhor those actions. It is a document that has led us wisely. You have sworn to defend it. When Congress writes a bill, they are suppose to consider if that bill is within the limit of powers granted to Congress in the Constitution. This is no longer done. Now Congress doesn’t even write the bills much less read them. We, the people, deserve better representation than that.
Wise elected officials would listen to and consider the opinions of their constituents. Respect our opinions. Do not belittle them. Those who ignore the American people may not long be in Washington.
Signed,
The Electorate
Washington is a very isolated community. It thinks everyone thinks the way they do – after all, everyone they know agrees with them. They forget that a vast land exists outside the beltway. This land is populated by real people who have to deal with the real world. These people are not as stupid as Washington seems to believe. Washington wants to do what Washington wants to do – no matter what. In its arrogance Washington feels it knows best. The wishes, will, and opinions of the average American are being ignored.
Here in the real world we honor the Constitution. When we see it being perverted, twisted, and ignored, as has been done, we abhor those actions. It is a document that has led us wisely. You have sworn to defend it. When Congress writes a bill, they are suppose to consider if that bill is within the limit of powers granted to Congress in the Constitution. This is no longer done. Now Congress doesn’t even write the bills much less read them. We, the people, deserve better representation than that.
Wise elected officials would listen to and consider the opinions of their constituents. Respect our opinions. Do not belittle them. Those who ignore the American people may not long be in Washington.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, June 15, 2009
Congress and the Constitution
From April 13, 2009:
To Congress,
You have all sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. I think it is time for everyone in Congress and the Administration to read or re-read it. For centuries, it has led us wisely. Now bill after bill blatantly disregards it. The federal government does not have the right to control privately owned companies - to hire, fire, or set salaries. The federal government does not have the right to take away the secret ballot. The federal government does not have the right to tell us what health care is "cost effective" and permissible for us. The federal government does not have the right to punish us, by additional and excessive taxes, for using fuels they deem unacceptable or for drinking beverages that "gasp" contain sugar and might effect our weight. None of this power is granted to the federal government in the Constitution.
The government was formed to protect us - not control and micromanage our lives or to protect us from ourselves. The powers of the three branches of the federal government are laid out and balanced in the Constitution. The federal government ONLY has the powers granted to it in the Constitution. The Constitution is not an old relic that the federal government can change for its own convenience. It means what it says. The meaning of "is" is "is." It can only be changed by amendment. Any amendment must be approved by 3/4 of the states.
The federal government cannot grant itself more power. This may be inconvenient, but it has worked marvelously for many years and is what has made this country great. Believe in the Constitution! Don't try to circumvent it. Stand up for this document that you swore to support and defend.
Signed,
The Electorate
To Congress,
You have all sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. I think it is time for everyone in Congress and the Administration to read or re-read it. For centuries, it has led us wisely. Now bill after bill blatantly disregards it. The federal government does not have the right to control privately owned companies - to hire, fire, or set salaries. The federal government does not have the right to take away the secret ballot. The federal government does not have the right to tell us what health care is "cost effective" and permissible for us. The federal government does not have the right to punish us, by additional and excessive taxes, for using fuels they deem unacceptable or for drinking beverages that "gasp" contain sugar and might effect our weight. None of this power is granted to the federal government in the Constitution.
The government was formed to protect us - not control and micromanage our lives or to protect us from ourselves. The powers of the three branches of the federal government are laid out and balanced in the Constitution. The federal government ONLY has the powers granted to it in the Constitution. The Constitution is not an old relic that the federal government can change for its own convenience. It means what it says. The meaning of "is" is "is." It can only be changed by amendment. Any amendment must be approved by 3/4 of the states.
The federal government cannot grant itself more power. This may be inconvenient, but it has worked marvelously for many years and is what has made this country great. Believe in the Constitution! Don't try to circumvent it. Stand up for this document that you swore to support and defend.
Signed,
The Electorate
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