Ok,.... How about a law that does THIS?

[Parisle]

--- First off, let me say that I do not know whether this could be a bill passed by Congress,.. or if it would have to be an amendment. And while I daresay that it might not pass in Congress at the moment, its mere introduction might generate some real engagement and discussion throughout the electorate.

--- Anyway,.. here goes. The law I'm thinking about would make it illegal (unconstitutional) for Congress to fail to act,.. and for appropriate charges to fail to issue... whenever there is compelling evidence of Constitutional violations by federal officials, elected or otherwise. That is to say, the existing laws governing the lawful, official-capacity behavior of federal officials in the three branches of government MUST BE ENFORCED in all cases. Should a situation warrenting the application of this new law be ignored, then all it should require is for ONE state legislature to bring suit forcing legal action.

--- Translation: If somebody does something wrong, you've GOT to bust them. Period.

--- For some reason, I personally think that middle America,.... weary from seeing federal officials walk,.. and rich people buy their way out of obvious crimes,..... would LOVE such a law. Anybody?

[AshevilleGuy]

1. I am pretty sure this would require an Amendment,

because it would in effect require impeachment of Federal officials. Also, this would entail participation by the Supreme Court, which would act as the trial judge(s).

It sounds good. An objction could be that it would require taking up too much time on these issues.

Don't hold your breath, BTW...

[drm604]

2. It's an interesting idea.

I think it should require more than 1 state legislature, maybe even a majority. Otherwise we'll have constant court battles over, for example, the 2nd amendment. I can also imagine one or more of the western states trying to sue because they feel that property rights are being violated by the EPA.

In any case, can't an affected individual (or state, for that matter) already sue over a constitutional violation?

[Parisle]

4. Good points,.... & well taken.

--- I'll go along with you about the majority of state legislatures ( I was hacked off at the time). But as far as the right of individual states to sue over constitutional violations, this would be a different animal, altogether. It would sort of make it malfeasant of federal authorities NOT to enforce Constitutional laws, and I see this as having at least two distinct benefits.

--- First, it would force our representatives to shit or get off the pot, eh? Significant "inaction" would not be an option. Secondly (and most important in my mind at the moment) is that it would safeguard against behind-the-scenes collusive behavior between the two parties. Constitutional laws (and their respective penalties for violation) were written to protect We the People,...... NOT a bunch of self-serving politicians.

[sam sarrha]

3. all right.!! if we'd had that Gingrich would be in jail for life for th 5 or 6 felonies for steal'n

the poor black kids collage foundations, he started, money and making Reich Wing lectures for profit at the racist red neck university.. but instead he got to resign and just stay out of politics for a few years..