[ml/nj]

It is an established maxim that birth is a criterion of allegiance. Birth however derives its force sometimes from place and sometimes from parentage, but in general place is the most certain criterion; it is what applies in the United States; it will therefore be unnecessary to investigate any other. Mr. Smith founds his claim upon his birthright; his ancestors were among the first settlers of that colony. James Madison, House of Representatives 22 May 1789Papers 12:179--82

These things are easy enough to find before you go insulting other FReepers.

ML/NJ

[DiogenesLamp]

it will therefore be unnecessary to investigate any other. Mr. Smith founds his claim upon his birthright; his ancestors were among the first settlers of that colony. James Madison, House of Representatives 22 May 1789Papers 12:179--82

These things are easy enough to find before you go insulting other FReepers.

Again, he was not arguing for "natural born citizen." In 1789 there were no "natural born citizens" old enough to be in Congress. Likewise, if his argument is birth right by soil, then why is his next sentence an invocation of right by blood?

How many times must we continuously shoot down a fallacy before insults become appropriate?