The Pernicious "Natural Born" Clause of the Constitution

[Quetzal]

The Pernicious "Natural Born" Clause of the Constitution

With an eye on the 2008 presidential election, two enterprising Californians have launched an effort to propel Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger into the White House. To do so, however, they must remove the clause in the United States Constitution that currently precludes him from running for higher office. Thus, Operation Arnold seeks to encourage a public groundswell to amend the Constitution to allow foreign born persons to be eligible for the office of President.

Governor Schwarzenegger, who came to the United States when he was 21 years of age, is not the only sitting governor constitutionally ineligible for the presidency.

Michigan's Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm was born in British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and thus is also ineligible.

Governor Granholm has eloquently explained the unfairness of the situation she, Arnold, and countless other could-be/would-be presidents face: "You can't choose where you are born, but you can choose where you live and where you swear your allegiance."

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The Pernicious "Natural Born" Clause of the Constitution

[aden_nak]

1. What is it with one-term Repub Governers running for President?

Take a look around, guys, that hasn't been working out for you so well.

[nuxvomica]

2. I used to be against amending this

Until I told my Guatemalan-born nephew my opinion. He was kinda hurt by my stance, saying "Why shouldn't I be able to run for president?" Unfortunately, the amendment has been proposed in the past to allow Kissinger to run and now Arnold. But Gov. Granholm would make a fine president as would any number of foreign-born Americans. I think amending Article II would be the right thing to do and if it means a Schwarzenneger run, so be it. We should be able to defeat him on the merits. But I would also add that dual citizenship should be prohibited for anyone in government.

[The Zanti Regent]

3. NO!

I remember all too well what happened the last time an Austrian became the head of a major power.

So do many of my relatives who were slaughtered because of their religion...

[Catfight]

4. Well, how about after a natural born African American or women is

president we'll consider allowing another white power hungry male from another country to be president.