HOW THE CONSTITUTION DESCRIBES PRIMARIES!

It doesn't! There is no reference whatever to primaries or how parties, which are likewise never mentioned, can select their candidates. In fact most of the Founding Fathers objected to parties altogether. Some conclude that Andrew Jackson was the originator of a political party system. 

So if Americans as a whole are so turned off by the primaries and political parties as they currently exist, is it not time to suggest Constitutional remedies for the concept of the two party system and the amazing amount of money that is spent by the parties? The reality is that in order to get an amendment through to ratification, there would have to be support for the change from one if not both political parties. Its kind of like drinking you own poisoned wine. 

Just or Unreasonable? Does the Constitution define . . .

Just or Unreasonable? Does the Constitution define . . .

Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled on strip searches during any arrest, regardless of the severity of the offense. It was a contiguous 5-4 ruling again pitting liberal justices against Conservative. So the Constitution has been determined to allow the word "reasonable" to include such actions by police in the name of safety to law enforcement and the prison population. While the ruling is not earth shattering it does bring into question the politics of the Supreme Court, which appears to have been established as an impartial arm of government. 

Mankind doesn't really fall into an impartial category no matter how hard we try. Certainly Presidents appoint Justices based on their past rulings and philosophical makeup which is going to support that President's political views. Those appointments are one of the strongest and most enduring actions of the Presidency. 

Can this be changed? Perhaps we should let computers select candidates for the vacancies. After all, they are impartial; provided the programmers are impartial. Ah, back to the original problem!

CONVICTION BY MEDIA. JUSTICE?

Justice in America by Media Examination

- or -

Media Investigation Creates National Awareness

Either way we are talking about marketing of the news services in America. Entertainment factor is at the crux of the on going barrage of interviews and analysis of every one of these "huge" national stories. 

Are we now on the verge of convicting an individual by a media campaign. This is not to say that the party in question is not guilty.  Freedom of speech protects American's ability to voice their opinion, but when those opinions become so obviously skewed there should be some responsibility on the part of the news media to curtail the onslaught. 

When Walter Cronkite reported the news, that generation knew it was the news. Today, news anchors are entertainers who are given or create a script and follow it regardless of the way in which the story is written. Perhaps it is time to have faith in the legal system and watch CNN, FOX, NBC, CBS, etc. for the entertainment factor. Let's face it lynch mobs ended about 130 years ago and it is doubtful that the Justice system will allow it to return. Have a little faith that, if there is any justification for an arrest and trial, it will happen! 

By the way that will be more entertainment advertising income for all of the news organizations. 

Constitutional Things: History of America and Education

Constitutional Things: History of America and Education: "The last time I visited Europe, I was amazed at the youth of each countries knowledge about their history. It is almost like blasphemy not t..."

History of America and Education

The last time I visited Europe, I was amazed at the youth of each countries knowledge about their history. It is almost like blasphemy not to know your roots if you're Italian or French. In this country we seem not to take our history anywhere a seriously. American history defines the people we are. It provides an understanding of why we cherish our freedoms and liberty. To study and understand the trials and tribulations of the country's leaders in colonial days give us and our children an appreciation that shapes our lives.
I can think of no greater disservice to this nation than for our government and political leaders of today to make light of our colonial patriots. Every student should know about the exploits of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Ben Franklin, and yes Paul Revere. These are the legends that make students into civic minded Americans. We need to stand up and demand that our leaders sound like historically educated Americans rather than just a down to earth orator who cares little about our history.

Democracy in the Middle East

What will a Democracy in the Middle East look like. A democracy must be associated with a document that sets the standards for the execution of a government. Democracies will normally be associated with a constitution. We must remember that originally the American Constitution allowed its citizens to own slaves. It restricted women from voting among a number of other limitations in the protection of its citizens' liberties. Just as the American Constitution was a compromise of the time, we must be aware of the incredible difficulties associated with the establishment of democratic constitutions in the Middle East. They most certainly will not protect the freedoms of all their citizens. Any influence that can be exerted by constitutional experts and governments should concentrate on protecting the masses from minority rule. One of the most important parts of the oldest surviving governmental document in the world, The U.S. Constitution, are the mechanics of altering that document. By requiring not only a 2/3 majority in Congress but also a 3/4 majority of the states legislatures changes by a small minority of the citizens become virtually impossible. Plainly, the new constitutions of the Middle East need to protect the rights of it citizens even if some don't initially have the right to vote.  

NEW BLOG- About CONSTITUTIONAL THINGS

We will discuss all things about our U.S. Constitution and it's amendments. A Democracy must have a Constitution for it to survive. The Constitution is the basis of governing for the people of this nation and any other nation that has or desires a Democratic government. We discuss our Constitution and the impact it has on us as a people and the people of other nations.
We will learn together so that we can teach our children and they may teach their children.

       Bronze plaque of the U.S. Constitution