Posted on 06/26/2005 3:45:54 PM PDT by Founding Father
Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., wants to change one word in the U.S. Constitution.
Replacing "persons" with "citizens" in the 14th Amendment would force the Census Bureau to discount foreigners -- legals and illegals -- to ensure that every American finally would be properly represented in the House.
Michigan would gain a seat, as would Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Montana and Utah, according to Ms. Miller.
"It is almost ridiculously simple" she said.
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
The slaves and Savages did count for some of the population state by state, even though suffrage was not yet extended to those groups.
What was meant, when it was written, is perfectly clear. A little research into the change of language, the last 200 odd years, plus a casual review of the Federalist Papers, establishes the intent beyond any question.
Persons included full citizens (property owners), non voting citizens (non-property owners) and slaves.
Even our unenlightened First Fathers figured out that non property owners, having nothing to lose, would be the fatal flaw in a system where expenditures would be determined only through qualified citizens' voting for them.
Wrong.
This was never the case!
That's right. We toss terms around freely these days, which is a problem when it comes to reading the Constitution or even things from 50 years ago in some cases. Corporations were added to the rank of persons later, which is more important than most people realize.
C'mon back---there's plenty of room!!!!
All sarcasm aside, I don't believe illegal residents should ever count for anything! Same with non-citizens. Although non-citizen residents is open for grabs (so long as they are not on the public dole, e.g. non-contibuted SS payments or welfare or subsidies of any kind.)
Yes, each must decide; take public subsidies, or exercise the right to vote. Not both.
It's under consideration, but if it happens, replace the green above with bright red, scots/irish skin, peeling off.
"make it a felony and put business people who hire illegals in jail and see how fast they get out of the hiring illegal trade."
While I agree with you, I am torn somewhat on this issue. I don't like the hiring of illegals but as someone who has worked in construction trades here in NJ, I realize that for many small firms, it is almost impossible to compete unless they hire illegals. They have become so ingrained in the cycle of business that it almost is a given that they will be hired when available. Heck, there are painting and landscaping firms operating openly around here that are owned by illegals who only hire other illegals. It is very hard to compete when the other company is hiring guys off the street for $75-100 day, no insurance, no taxes, no nothing. I see that sh*t happen every day.
The analysis--and conclusion may be correct--but as a Founding Father, aren't you ignoring the fact that we are (or were) citizens of the respective States and not (or were not) citizens of the United States? The use of "persons" allow[s,ed] US to be represented.
I know what you mean---this Irish lady "hibernates" in the summer time...and plays in the Winter....LOL
Yes sir! 100% correct! Let's do it now!
It's time to put an end to this crap. Turning a blind eye does not make it right!
That was indeed the situation until the present Constitution was adopted. The United States was originally a Confederation of States, and was going down in flames eleven years after Independence.
Seems like a no brainer to me, but then, so do many things that our government chooses to ignore.
Yeah, when Hell freezes over and pigs fly.
I am not saying turn a blind eye. I am just saying that coming down hard on small businesses that use illegals is going to put a lot of them out of business long before the illegal problem is solved.
Some business people will comply and lose out in the ultra competetive marketplace, other businesses will flaunt the law just like they do now.
If we want to end the use of illegals in the home trades, then fine any property owner who allows illegals to work on their property. The onus will be on the customer, most of whom will make darned sure they don't hire companies that use illegals. The marketplace will weed out illegals and the companies that use them in a very short time. Of course I don't think that idea would fly and it probably isn't lawful anyway but I think it would solve the problem.
Illegal aliens should either voluntarily return to their home country or be deported.
Yes, you are right and I am wrong. Or at least the 14th Amendment codified this travesty, I believe, among its other mayhem. Thanks for the correction, and I withdraw my post to Founding Father.
We're all learning rapidly. I find the Anti-Federalist Papers to be worth the price of a paperback. It's way ahead of whatever text we used in Civics class.
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