[DoctorBulldog]

CCLXXXVIII.: Charles Pinckney in the United States Senate. 1 – Max Farrand, The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787, vol. 3 [1911]

"They [the framers] well knew, that to give to the members of Congress a right to give votes [as presidential electors] in this election, or to decide upon them when given, was to destroy the independence of the Executive, and make him the creature of the Legislature. This therefore they have guarded against, and to insure experience and attachment to the country, they have determined that no man who is not a natural born citizen, or citizen at the adoption of the Constitution, of fourteen years residence, and thirty-five years of age, shall be eligible"

Well, considering that Charles Pinckney's signature is on the U.S. Constitution, I would think that he'd know what he's talking about.

Reading it as is, my comprehension of what he's saying is that maturity, along with loyalty to the United States, is of paramount importance and, as such, guided the Framers in drafting all the requirements for the office of President.

Ergo, I think the birthers are on the right track concerning this one.

Just my two-bits worth. Take it or leave it.

Cheers!

[Jeff Winston]

Ah! Thank you for digging up that quote by Pinckney. I knew there was another Framer who had something to say about it, but I couldn't recall who it was.

Attachment, yes. But how much attachment?

See my last comment to Windflier & Rogers. And tell me, if you can, how just fourteen years' residency in the country, can provide the kind of attachment you're talking about.

Also tell me, if you can... why FOURTEEN years?