Posted on 01/17/2016 4:37:25 PM PST by BlackFemaleArmyColonel
In recent weeks, much time and effort has been devoted to debating whether Ted Cruz is a "natural born citizen" eligible for the presidency. Whichever way you come down on this question of constitutional interpretation, the real lesson of this debate should be the absurdity of excluding naturalized citizens from the presidency in the first place. Categorically excluding immigrants from the presidency is a form of arbitrary discrimination based on place of birth (or, in a few cases, parentage), which is ultimately little different from discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity. Both ethnicity and place of birth are morally arbitrary characteristics which do not, in themselves, determine a person's competence or moral fitness for high political office.
The "natural born" citizen requirement was originally inserted into the Constitution because some of the Founders feared that European royalty or nobles might move to the United States, get elected to the presidency, and then use the office to advance the interests of their houses. Whatever the merits of this concern back in the 1780s, it is hardly a plausible scenario today.
One can argue that immigrants have less knowledge of the country and its customs, and might make worse presidents for that reason. But that problem is surely addressed by the constitutional requirement that a candidate for president must have been resident in the United States for at least fourteen years. As a practical matter, anyone who attains the political connections and public recognition needed to make a serious run for the presidency is likely to have at least as much knowledge of the US and American politics as most serious native-born candidates do.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Yes he is. Neither of his parents were citizens when he was born
You have to be born right here is the USA!!! USA ! USA
Of course it’s a “hit piece.” It hits your guy.
Ues, the American throw away society. Get rid of unwanted fetuses, the Constitution, dogs that are no longer cute little puppies, spouses you’ve grown tired of, the Bible that is too outdated, etc., etc.
The authors of the 14th were very clear on their intent of the 14th, Jacob Howard and John Bingham are very easy to research.
Bingham was very clear about illegals and their spawn in this country becoming citizens.
It's interesting reading, at least I think so.
Love that label. it suits the subject. he is a con artist.
Anyone watch Downton Abbby??? That was a reality.Marry American rich. Have a child in England. Those children would be Titled and would be eligible to be President.
The Dukes of Marlborough throughout the years have had to marry rich to try to save Blenheim Palace.
There is no case that can be made for getting roof the NBC requirement. It is about selecting Americans who most likely would be loyal to our country. They will be in control of our entire military and our entire federal system. Who would want divided loyalties in that job. Personally I’d make it 3rd generation Americans only.
Traitors take oaths. Obama took an oath. How’s that working for ya?
Just kidding! :-)
I totally agree with you.
Seems to me Trumpeters care about the Constitution as long as it suits their wants and needs. Trump is no constutional scholar and boy if it was a kid born in this country of illegal aliens and he was running for president, the screams of foul play would be defening, yet he would be a natural born citizen.
No one put up a stink like this about McCain. Did they? It’s just that Cruz is not their guy, so it’s trash Cruz time.
Boy, we sure know how to spit up crap. Don’t we?
Puhleeze. Someone who naturalizes has displayed a whole hell of a lot more loyalty to this country than some native-born whose loyalty has never been put to the test.
Why not settle once and for all, in court?
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Sounds good to me. The “Donald” has standing...when will he be proceeding?
My position and view (from post 50 above, to which you replied) was:
The ONLY damn thing “natural born citizen” means is that the person is an American citizen immediately upon their birth. And there is nothing the matter with THAT requirement and much good about it.
More than we have previously been told.
http://swampland.time.com/2013/10/18/ted-cruz-failed-to-disclose-ties-to-jamaican-holding-company/
Your mom.
Don’t be so cynical. I remember this funny and nice moment when he actually hugged the flag. Despite what many of you Cruz supporters think, Trump loves America.
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