To lead America, you must be born in America. Your thoughts?

As stated in the United States Constitution, to become President of the United States of America you must be born in the United States of America. What are your thoughts on this mandate?

I personally believe this policy is outdated and depicts fictitious xenophobic tendencies that are not at all representative of true American values. A little known fact is that this was actually included in the Constitution at the behest of Thomas Jefferson specifically to exclude Alexander Hamilton from being eligible to run for the Presidency, as he was not a natural-born American citizen.

However, America is now a Super Power and has a direct role in global stability (or the present lackthereof.)

I am a Democrat, so do not confuse this as a petition to get Arnold Schwarzenegger in office, even though I do respect the man. However, I feel that for us to advance culturally we need to accept international cohesion to take the next step forward. This is also why I want Obama to be in office, but that is another story altogether and I don't want this to become a McCain vs. Obama topic.

What I do want is to discuss this policy and understand the thoughts of others in respect to this section of the Constitution, and whether or not this should become the next Amendment in the Bill of Rights.

Yet there is a clause to this article. The clause is that as of now this policy is in effect and it is a law, a official decree that will not sway under any circumstances except a Constitutional Amendment. With this in mind, I do believe that there are exceptions made to this mandate that are hypocritical and in direct contradiction to the law itself. The greatest example is of John McCain being born in Panama.* He was born in a military installation outside of the country. To create a clause that anyone born in a military installation is somehow an American citizen is too much of an exception to the rule that is supposed to be supreme.

Should anyone be born in any military installation anywhere in the world, it somehow invalidates this law. To be perfectly blunt and to make this message clear, if we are to have a law we must adhere to it. I do not agree with this law, but if it is currently in effect it should be upheld. Perhaps this is just me, but one of things I hate most is hypocrisy. And this is an outstanding example of a flaw that is not addressed. Those are my thoughts, what are yours?


*For the sake of clarification, this is not some hackneyed attempt at a petition to invalidate McCain as a candidate. Please do not make this about the current Presidential Race, I am just using the best example of a flaw that I can come up with.

P.S. Does anyone know if you are born in a United States territory, such as Puerto Rico or Granada whether or not you are eligible to run for President? I've always wondered this. I'd love to find that out.

Thanks for your time! :D

You don't need to be born in America, you need to be a natural born citizen. I think that means that if you are born on any American soil or with American parents you could be president. John McCain was born in Panama but on an American navel base. And ALL American soil counts. So it includes Puerto Rico , other commonwealths, and I think US navel bases and embassies. Personally, I think it's a stupid. There are many non-American born citizens capable of being president.

That's a pretty stupid rule.

"You don't need to be born in America, you need to be a natural born citizen. I think that means that if you are born on any American soil or with American parents you could be president. John McCain was born in Panama but on an American navel base. And ALL American soil counts. So it includes Puerto Rico , other commonwealths, and I think US navel bases and embassies. Personally, I think it's a stupid. There are many non-American born citizens capable of being president."

This will all change when Arnold becomes The Presinator! And then he will discover life on Mars and declare only people born on Mars can be president of Mars...wait, what!?

wtf lawl that isn't very fair let's just dotouch of editing here and there so you need to have blonde hair, blue eyes and be at least 6ft tall to be president

The problem is that some Americans probably wouldn't accept a non-American president, I mean there are many who are unhappy about having a black President.

"The problem is that some Americans probably wouldn't accept a non-American president, I mean there are many who are unhappy about having a black President."

this isn't a lunar landing it's an ELECTION!! seriose biznes

"Jonathan said:

"You don't need to be born in America, you need to be a natural born citizen. I think that means that if you are born on any American soil or with American parents you could be president. John McCain was born in Panama but on an American navel base. And ALL American soil counts. So it includes Puerto Rico , other commonwealths, and I think US navel bases and embassies. Personally, I think it's a stupid. There are many non-American born citizens capable of being president."

...

Yes, being a natural born citizen means you have to be born in America.  If a territory counts as eligibilty than it is still in America. However, were we to remove this law there should be a length of time that you must be an American citizen before you are eligible. You also shouldn't have dual citizenship. A legitimate period would be 20 years of citizenship."

"this isn't a lunar landing it's an ELECTION!! seriose biznes"

"BiggerBomb said:

"Jonathan said:

"You don't need to be born in America, you need to be a natural born citizen. I think that means that if you are born on any American soil or with American parents you could be president. John McCain was born in Panama but on an American navel base. And ALL American soil counts. So it includes Puerto Rico , other commonwealths, and I think US navel bases and embassies. Personally, I think it's a stupid. There are many non-American born citizens capable of being president."

...

Yes, being a natural born citizen means you have to be born in America.  If a territory counts as eligibilty than it is still in America. However, were we to remove this law there should be a length of time that you must be an American citizen before you are eligible. You also shouldn't have dual citizenship. A legitimate period would be 20 years of citizenship."

Like all other constitutional laws it's up the the judicial department to interpret it. I have read articles that describe natural born citizens people born of American parents overseas. But thats debatable. I do know for a fact that it includes any person born in American soil whether it be a Commonwealth, military base, or embassy."

George Romney was born in Mexico to American parents and he was eligiable. And Barry Goldwater was born in Arizona before it became a state (it was a commonwealth). So my points hold true.

"George Romney was born in Mexico to American parents and he was eligiable. And Barry Goldwater was born in Arizona before it became a state (it was a commonwealth). So my points hold true."

"BiggerBomb said:

"crunchUK said:

"this isn't a lunar landing it's an ELECTION!! seriose biznes"

Oh believe me, I know. I am extremely active in politics. One of the saddest concepts that I have ever acknowledged is that I will not be able to vote in what is the most important election in the history of our country. I'm only 16! :O"

Why do you think this is the most important election in the history of our country?"

"BiggerBomb said:

"crunchUK said:

"this isn't a lunar landing it's an ELECTION!! seriose biznes"

Oh believe me, I know. I am extremely active in politics. One of the saddest concepts that I have ever acknowledged is that I will not be able to vote in what is the most important election in the history of our country. I'm only 16! :O"

Why do you think this is the most important election in the history of our country?"

"EvilTwin said:

"Why do you think this is the most important election in the history of our country?"

george bush is gone"

I do not think, I know.

Our country is in crisis right now. The economy is collapsing, racism is as rampant as ever, we are at war on two fronts with our military stretched so thin that some Republicans are already suggesting the possibility of a draft. The current President is the single most incompetent President in our country's history and this degree of incompetence has destroyed our global reputation and has created tension with Iran who is already threatening to destroy one of our greatest allies, Israel. There will most likely be a war between the two nations and should that happen, we will be forced to intervene.

People always see the present as finite, but no nation lasts forever and to assume that the U.S. is somehow incapable of defeat is ludicrous. If we don't get our act together and elect a President that can stabilize the deterorating principles of our country, we are seriously fucked.

That is why this is the most important election in the history of our country."

I do not think, I know.

Our country is in crisis right now. The economy is collapsing, racism is as rampant as ever, we are at war on two fronts with our military stretched so thin that some Republicans are already suggesting the possibility of a draft. The current President is the single most incompetent President in our country's history and this degree of incompetence has destroyed our global reputation and has created tension with Iran who is already threatening to destroy one of our greatest allies, Israel. There will most likely be a war between the two nations and should that happen, we will be forced to intervene.

People always see the present as finite, but no nation lasts forever and to assume that the U.S. is somehow incapable of defeat is ludicrous. If we don't get our act together and elect a President that can stabilize the deterorating principles of our country, we are seriously fucked.

That is why this is the most important election in the history of our country."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think we've had a foreign Prime Miniser (Well, a Prime Minister that wasn't born in the British Isles). It would be interesting to see someone not born in America attempt to lead the country with their sense of perspective.

Otherwise, we're all buggered.

"EvilTwin said:

"BiggerBomb said:

"crunchUK said:

"this isn't a lunar landing it's an ELECTION!! seriose biznes"

Oh believe me, I know. I am extremely active in politics. One of the saddest concepts that I have ever acknowledged is that I will not be able to vote in what is the most important election in the history of our country. I'm only 16! :O"

Why do you think this is the most important election in the history of our country?"

I do not think, I know.

Our country is in crisis right now. The economy is collapsing, racism is as rampant as ever, we are at war on two fronts with our military stretched so thin that some Republicans are already suggesting the possibility of a draft. The current President is the single most incompetent President in our country's history and this degree of incompetence has destroyed our global reputation and has created tension with Iran who is already threatening to destroy one of our greatest allies, Israel. There will most likely be a war between the two nations and should that happen, we will be forced to intervene.

People always see the present as finite, but no nation lasts forever and to assume that the U.S. is somehow incapable of defeat is ludicrous. If we don't get our act together and elect a President that can stabilize the deterorating principles of our country, we are seriously fucked.

That is why this is the most important election in the history of our country."

"BiggerBomb said:

I do not think, I know.

Our country is in crisis right now. The economy is collapsing, racism is as rampant as ever, we are at war on two fronts with our military stretched so thin that some Republicans are already suggesting the possibility of a draft. The current President is the single most incompetent President in our country's history and this degree of incompetence has destroyed our global reputation and has created tension with Iran who is already threatening to destroy one of our greatest allies, Israel. There will most likely be a war between the two nations and should that happen, we will be forced to intervene.

People always see the present as finite, but no nation lasts forever and to assume that the U.S. is somehow incapable of defeat is ludicrous. If we don't get our act together and elect a President that can stabilize the deterorating principles of our country, we are seriously fucked.

That is why this is the most important election in the history of our country."

Not that I don't think this is an important election, but you're really blowing it out of proportion.  This is by far not the worst off our country has ever been.  I also think your assessment of our current president has been completely bias by the age we live in. "

Agreed its an aracahic system just like the electoral college there are many rules and laws in the US that should be removed and or updated.

That would be like a Russian being the most powerful person in England.

I agree that non-Americans could be capable of being president but that would send a bad message. That would be saying that Americans aren't even good enough to run their own country but some random dude who decided to come over from another country can.

I agree.  You should have been born in America or of American parents serving abroad.  No need to change.  It's not like I can become King of England now can I?

I think that rule is fine

"

That would be like a Russian being the most powerful person in England.

I agree that non-Americans could be capable of being president but that would send a bad message. That would be saying that Americans aren't even good enough to run their own country but some random dude who decided to come over from another country can.

"

I think it's perfectly fine.

"

That would be like a Russian being the most powerful person in England.

I agree that non-Americans could be capable of being president but that would send a bad message. That would be saying that Americans aren't even good enough to run their own country but some random dude who decided to come over from another country can.

"

I think you are getting a little confused with the terms. Natural Born American is one thing American is another. I can become and American citizen and what BiggerBomb is arguing for is that all American citizens can be eligible to be president. If the people oppose they can just NOT vote for said candidates.

If anyone can become president, Arnold Schwarzenegger will become president, and that is a really really bad thing. He is a terrible politician.

What I am saying is that a lifelong disqualification from Presidential appointment because of foreign birth is ridiculous, this is the 20fuckingfirst century and we are far beyond this. However, to let any immigrant take the White House is another manner. I believe that after 20 years of citizenship in America a person from another country should be eligible to run for President.

Actually I think there should be a rule, that any president should have to at least have been in a foreign country outside of business matters. It would be healthy for a president to know that there actually is a world out there, and that Europe isn't the same thing as disneyland.

"If anyone can become president, Arnold Schwarzenegger will become president, and that is a really really bad thing. He is a terrible politician."

not really.  Its a simple concept.  Do we really want someone who only lived in the states a small amount of time to lead it?  Why couldn't someone like Osama come here and run?

"MattyFTM said:

"If anyone can become president, Arnold Schwarzenegger will become president, and that is a really really bad thing. He is a terrible politician."

Actually, he is an excellent politician. I disagree with many of his philosophies but he has greatly improved many aspects of his state. He also is a REAL supporter of bipartisan politics and works for the ideas he believes in, rather than simply adhering to the standards of his party's base. Not to mention that the majority of Californians love him as their Governor.

Where are you getting your information from? He might suck as an actor but he is extremely intelligent and is doing a great job reforming his state."

"BiggerBomb said:

"MattyFTM said:

"If anyone can become president, Arnold Schwarzenegger will become president, and that is a really really bad thing. He is a terrible politician."

Actually, he is an excellent politician. I disagree with many of his philosophies but he has greatly improved many aspects of his state. He also is a REAL supporter of bipartisan politics and works for the ideas he believes in, rather than simply adhering to the standards of his party's base. Not to mention that the majority of Californians love him as their Governor.

Where are you getting your information from? He might suck as an actor but he is extremely intelligent and is doing a great job reforming his state."

Terminator 2 > You"

"

not really.  Its a simple concept.  Do we really want someone who only lived in the states a small amount of time to lead it?  Why couldn't someone like Osama come here and run?

"

it's really not fair because america has horrible foreign policy because they are always in someone else's business. a non-american president would be better

"BiggerBomb said:

I do not think, I know.

Our country is in crisis right now. The economy is collapsing, racism is as rampant as ever, we are at war on two fronts with our military stretched so thin that some Republicans are already suggesting the possibility of a draft. The current President is the single most incompetent President in our country's history and this degree of incompetence has destroyed our global reputation and has created tension with Iran who is already threatening to destroy one of our greatest allies, Israel. There will most likely be a war between the two nations and should that happen, we will be forced to intervene.

People always see the present as finite, but no nation lasts forever and to assume that the U.S. is somehow incapable of defeat is ludicrous. If we don't get our act together and elect a President that can stabilize the deterorating principles of our country, we are seriously fucked.

That is why this is the most important election in the history of our country."

Not that I don't think this is an important election, but you're really blowing it out of proportion.  This is by far not the worst off our country has ever been.  I also think your assessment of our current president has been completely bias by the age we live in. "

"EvilTwin said:

"BiggerBomb said:

I do not think, I know.

Our country is in crisis right now. The economy is collapsing, racism is as rampant as ever, we are at war on two fronts with our military stretched so thin that some Republicans are already suggesting the possibility of a draft. The current President is the single most incompetent President in our country's history and this degree of incompetence has destroyed our global reputation and has created tension with Iran who is already threatening to destroy one of our greatest allies, Israel. There will most likely be a war between the two nations and should that happen, we will be forced to intervene.

People always see the present as finite, but no nation lasts forever and to assume that the U.S. is somehow incapable of defeat is ludicrous. If we don't get our act together and elect a President that can stabilize the deterorating principles of our country, we are seriously fucked.

That is why this is the most important election in the history of our country."

Not that I don't think this is an important election, but you're really blowing it out of proportion.  This is by far not the worst off our country has ever been.  I also think your assessment of our current president has been completely bias by the age we live in. "

I agree, he shows a slight tilt towards liberal, which isn't bad on the surface but I dislike when people don't look at the whole picture. Our country has been worse off before, not to downplay whats going on now in the least bit. The world as a whole is going down hill. Also, I'm not defending George Bush in the least, but this would've been a hard 8 years for any president.


To answer the question at hand:
I agree with the rule. It has nothing to do with this being the 21st century or not, the rule stands firm. It asserts the thought that a person must be a natural born resident to be president. What's wrong with that? I honestly can't see a person coming over from another country and being more qualified then someone who was born and raised in the US.

By the time your 20-25 year citizenship method would work, a person could have been born and raised and be old enough to enter politics and have enough experience to be president by the time they reach legal age to be president.
"

I disagree, I did read your response. You say you don't conform. Like it or not you exhibit a slight liberal bias.

It is a liberal bias, I am a proud Democrat. There is no such thing as objectivity so I will take my "slight liberal bias" as a complement, actually. :D

I say slight liberal bias only because you're not yelling at me and trying to shove your opinions down my throat. Radical liberals (atleast the thousands I come in contact with) try to do that. Then again I haven't had a long enough discussion for you to do that.

This county's downfall will be the fact that everyone seems to be a Radical Liberal or a Neo-Conservative. I wish people were my like me, dislikes everyones political views. I'd make a good president because I have nothing but the utmost contempt for people, and the way they let their beliefs get a hold of them. :D

"I say slight liberal bias only because you're not yelling at me and trying to shove your opinions down my throat. Radical liberals (atleast the thousands I come in contact with) try to do that. Then again I haven't had a long enough discussion for you to do that.

This county's downfall will be the fact that everyone seems to be a Radical Liberal or a Neo-Conservative. I wish people were my like me, dislikes everyones political views. I'd make a good president because I have nothing but the utmost contempt for people, and the way they let their beliefs get a hold of them. :D"

ha nice. Nah I'm more of a Matt Stone in the sense that "I hate conservatives, but I really fucking hate liberals."

"ha nice. Nah I'm more of a Matt Stone in the sense that "I hate conservatives, but I really fucking hate liberals.""

"JustinNotJason said:

"ha nice. Nah I'm more of a Matt Stone in the sense that "I hate conservatives, but I really fucking hate liberals.""

I dont like either, but I realize that liberals are fucking retards"

"SmugDarkLoser said:

"JustinNotJason said:

"ha nice. Nah I'm more of a Matt Stone in the sense that "I hate conservatives, but I really fucking hate liberals.""

I dont like either, but I realize that liberals are fucking retards"

I dont like either, but I realize that liberals are fucking retards

If you can't see the irony in that, then...

Wait no, you said it. You obviously cannot see the irony."