This is going to become much more "a thing" down the road, as we become evermore a nation of immigrants and naturalized citizens.
As I noted at another topic at the Forum, the "natural born citizen" within Article II of the Constitution regarding who can be the President came about because the Founding Fathers were afraid of Alexander Hamilton. He was the smartest one of the bunch, and even five year old kids distrust the "smarty" on the playground.
Alexander Hamilton was born on the Caribbean island of Nevis.
The issue of course has been raised by the various right wing talk show entertainers regarding President Obama. It matters not to them that his Hawaiian birth certificate is public record. That would seem open and shut, but aren't they trying to say he was conceived in Kenya?
The issue could have been raised when Senator McCain ran during '08. He was born in the former Canal Zone to, of course, US born parents.
Now it is being raised by opponents to a nomination of Senator Cruz, who was born in Canada to a US Citizen Mother.
Volks, this issue "cuts both ways", and as I noted, it will be far more an issue than now.
So what do "We The People" do about it? Any ideas how to get the needed Constitutional Amendment with our polarized politics? I would think all political parties, major and otherwise, would want such an amendment.
Thoughts, anyone?
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
"Good cases make for bad laws"
Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
First, the alleged birth certificate that obama released is an easily proven fake. Who would believe Dr Ukulele would have been the doctor in charge, plus there are at least 8 different PDF layers on the fake certificate that is on the White House web page.
Second, all 50 Sec States of the USA have approved Cruz as eligible to run for the President. Of course all 50 approved obama, too, based on Pelosi's vouching for him.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
All well and good, Mr. Smith.
I can only reiterate that the present day "dust ups" regarding Messrs. Cruz and Obama have arisen only because several "Fathers" were afraid of another. How such a petty and personal paranoia found its way into the Constitution escapes me. Talk about "second class citizen" this one is the topper.
I think the only way this provision has not been amended is that it has had little relevance to date. But now it does and will have more in the future.
If there is to be a President Cruz (there is one poll concluding at this time he could take Hillary), I don't think his administration should have any cloud of suspicion over this "birthing" matter hanging out there.
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
I had not given any thought about the eligibility of Obama on place of birth until there was issue made of his birth certificate being made public and then the views of it after it was. That turned me into a skeptic.
I could not see any reason for there to be any hesitation about presenting his birth certificate. If anybody wants to see mine, it is simply a matter of how long it takes for the office in Nashville to spit it out, and based on my son's need for his on short notice, you can go up there, walk in, ask for a certified copy, pay the fee and get it after a little wait.
Also, there are so many reasons that the need for an official copy can arise. When I got the job overseas, in order to get visas for my family I had to get certified copies of my marriage certificate and "long form" certified birth certificates for all my children. Send the name, the fee, and it will be sent. No issue. (Long form has parent information. Short form simply has name, date, and place.) Don't know if all states do both or not.