The Right of Recall
by Peter FerraraCongress is out of control. The public overwhelming opposes a government takedover of our health care. But Congressional leaders are telling us they don’t care – that they know best, and they’re going to pass it anyway.
We are getting the same attitude on other issues, from global warming regulation, to taxes, government spending, deficits, federal debt, energy policy, welfare, corporate bailouts, and beyond. Too many of our elected Members of Congress are making behind-closed-door deals and ignoring their constituents, calling them “yahoos,” “Nazis”,“and “tea-baggers.”
This isn’t American democracy — this is a shop-worn, elitist, authoritarianism closer to abuses we see in countries like Venezuela.
So, what would happen if the people could change this rotten situation?
Actually, there may just well be a mechanism within our political system to do so — the Right of Recall. Nine states already have laws on the books providing for Recall of members of Congress: Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. These 9 states suffer 12 incumbent Senators who are members of the runaway Congressional majority, who are not already standing for reelection in 2010, but potentially could be.
For example, the New Jersey state constitution provides, “The people reserve unto themselves the power to recall, after at least one year of service, any elected official in this State or representing this State in the United States Congress.”
Tea party activists in New Jersey have already filed to circulate recall petitions regarding Sen. Robert Menendez. Their recent Secretary of State took the position that such recall of members of Congress is not authorized under the U.S. Constitution.
Grassroots activists in Louisiana have similarly already filed for recall of Senator Mary Landrieu, and the circulation of recall petitions there has been authorized.
Exercising this existing statutory right of recall in these 9 states could potentially reverse the control in the Senate this year by placing 12 Senators not currently up for re-eectionion this year on their state ballots. (For more information on this Right of Recall, see www.RecallCongressNow.org).
We have seen the recall process work in California in 2003 when citizens in that state, disgusted with recently reelected Democrat Governor, Gray Davis, voted overwhelmingly to remove him from office in a recall election.
Another nine states provide language in their constitutions to recall only state officials. The other states without recall provisions for members of Congress can change their laws to adopt it. In states with the right to initiative, this can be done by a vote of the people after circulating petitions to put the change on the ballot.
Too many in Congress today are showing us that our representatives can no longer be trusted with 2-6 years in office without ongoing popular accountability. Today’s Congressional majority is threatening to dump a load of bad legislation on the country despite the public’s opposition, daring us to try to “clean it up” later. Only a Right of Recall can prevent such abuses in the future.
The Right of Recall would also help counter the growing problem of voter fraud. If voters felt that an election were subject to too many irregularities in its conduct or in how the votes were counted, they could circulate Recall petitions for a new election.
Every state should adopt the Right of Recall to protect its voters. The constitutionality of recalling members of Congress adopted under state law would ultimately have to be decided in the courts. Or the people could definitively decide the issue themselves through voting to adopt a constitutional amendment, or by electing a Congress that would adopt a federal statute authorizing each state to adopt such a Right of Recall.
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217 Comments
Franken should be recalled last month. He stole the election. Coleman should get this rolling.
The Right To Recall; this is the kind of meal that makes a Constitutionalist salivate just at the thought. The beautiful vision of a fine rare filet mignon, cooked to perfection – the look on an ejected Progressive voted out of office in a recall would be wonderful. These thoughts are a great way to put a smile on my face. Thanks for the dreams!! Dancing in the streets anyone?
Ooops! Minnesota doesn't have a recall provision…my bad.
After we have saved the Republic from the "progressive" takeover, we should all sue every former congress member that forced us to put our lives on hold to fight their oppression. At the very least, those who have worked against the will of their constituency should lose their pensions and taxpayer supported benefits packages.
This is a very good point being made in this article. The people may have to take up action, sooner, rather than later against these Tyrants. I hope there are a few Congressman or Senators that may be vulnerable to recall, even if they are not up for election this fall. Start some petitions now to get these Tyrants dumped in Nov.
Obama is a Traitor, and if you can't see it, you don't have your eyes open.
All we can hope is that the states with recall provisions actually use them. I wish we had that here in Indiana. Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar would both be history.
Only 9, why not all the States? Maryland has Steny Hoyer and no recall provision. How much trouble can one State be in?
Recall starts in a Big Way come this November.
To bad we don't have the right to recall a President…
Wisconsins does! line em up
As a constitutional conservative, I am opposed to this. I instead support a repeal of the 17th amendment and return that power to the state governments. That change alone will have an immense and immediate impact on the conduct of business in D.C. at the first session after ratification. Remember, the congress is chosen by the people and the preamble states that the people are the source of power that the government exercises. To make recall constitutional, is to usurp the power of the people. The founding fathers, in their genius, created a check and balance within the congress between mob rule in the house and reasoned, contemplation in the senate. Now, even though it didn’t always happen, when the senators had to campaign just like the representatives, campaign money took away the protection from the senate from undue influence. Repeal the 17th amendment, and that will begin to return the government we were supposed to have.
Great idea! Take away all the pensions and benefits for those that are voted out, and make the service in congress a part time job for those we send, taking away all future pensions and benefits. This full-time service is not needed, and cutting out the pensions and benefits would get rid of all the lifetime politicians.
Recall. Impeachment. A case could be made for either one in a number of cases.
It ain't going to happen, America is on to the tricks of this socialist community agitator. Its all Kabuki theatre and like the main actor, its an empty suit.
Too bad we can bring Reagan back alive to straighten out the mess DC has caused.
I hope to see this happen in my LIFE TIME…..lets get cutt'n, I'm 52
Shoot, with teleconferencing, collaborative sites, email, etc., they don't even need to be in Washington half the time. Private-sector organizations work this way to reduce travel costs and other expenses…why not Congress? That would take away the bellyaching about the cost of maintainig two residences. Set up a Congressional hotel near the Capitol where they stay when Congress is in session (1-2 weeks 5 or 6 times a year). The rest of the time, they work out of their local office (they all have one in their state don't they?). That would make them more accessible to the people they've been elected to represent and less accessible to the lobbyists of K Street.
More Nanny State CRAP!!!
Are you loving this CHANGE yet?!?
WE WILL CONTROL EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!!
WELCOME TO 1984!!!!
Our gov is going to do what they want and advance their agenda whether we like it or not!
They are being controlled from an outside source – NWO!
God has recalled two congressmen in the last couple months. One very recently. Listen to him you liberal, pinko's. God is leading by example here. I would suggest Odumblow, Pelosi, Reid and many assorted others pay atttention. You got the big guy in the sky really P-izzed
Tea party activists in New Jersey have already filed to circulate recall petitions regarding Sen. Robert Menendez. Their recent Secretary of State took the position that such recall of members of Congress is not authorized under the U.S. Constitution.
What Menendez does'nt understand, is he was hired by the people of the state, therefore he is restricted to the guildlines of the State Constitution, not the U.S. government or the U.S. Constitution
Recall just changes the face of the guard. State nullification and/or states leaving the union is far more effective.
Well written OV. Term limits and no benefits with tighten up the loose ropes.
To bad we can't get the 8 worst years in American history back, AFTER 2 STOLEN ELECTIONS!!!
I could not agree more. That would remove my contention that term limits are a necessity in preserving the union.
When the idiot Franken from Minn was sworn in, I swear I could hear the sniggers of 40 million progressives. Now, I swear that I can hear the sleep being rubbed from the eyes of 60 million Americans… Stay awake now, don't let your guard down, read American history, be a freedom fighter!
I do think that our current government is out of control. But that doesn't mean the people are always right. I wasn't politically aware in the 60's. What was the situation when Congress passed the Civil Rights Bill? Were the majority of citizens against that bill? Was there an initiative to recall elected officials?
It amazes me that these Progressives will hide behind the very documents they are trying to destroy!
Amen! Just keep praying…
No, Abraham Lincoln made it clear that we must preserve the union. I for one do not want another civil war. We need to root out the Progressives from the inside, an armed conflict would destroy everything you say you want to preserve. Watch "THE PATRIOT" add automatic weapons, aircraft, tanks and modern artillery then think about all you hold dear!
These commies are going down!!! Yea baby!!!
schlockey, you need your mother's permission to post here.
The Progressives need to be rooted out surgically not with armed conflict. You don't cure cancer with a hand grenade you use a scalpul to cut it out. If the voters in every state looked at what their federal representatives were doing and thought about what was best for the Country this would not be a problem. But instead it's 30 second sound bites and the Progressive media shoveling their agenda on us.
Abraham Lincoln was the ultimate tyrant. Neoconservatives and progressives alike love him and praise him. I have no problem with a state leaving the burden of the federal government behind and possibly rejoining later.
No armed conflict needs to arise if a state leaves the union.
I think you should rethink this. Congressman Murtha was killed by a nick of his intestine during surgery. I believe an investigation is definitely in order, but it does get me that a veteran dies in a naval hospital when all of us vets have said for years you go to a military or VA hospital to die.
The beautiful thing about having the choice of what state you want to live in is that it fosters competition among states to provide an attractive environment for personal liberty.
The federal government has (through taxes and laws) marginalized states and continues to do so as to eliminate or make less lucrative the choices for voting with your feet. This strategically allows more federal government dominance as one cannot ecscape the long arm of Washington without leaving the country.
While I don't believe a state will ever have enough popular opinion from the masses to leave the union, the idea of it is forming in such unimagineable places like Vermont.
I also believe the federal government would again act with force if a state decided it wanted to be free from the clutches of Washington.
I respect your opinion but, career politicians are a part of the problem. After they get their tap roots into the host, they behave more like parasites than servants of the people. Let them go back to their respective States and nurture the next in line.
Please review Marbury vs. Madison. The Supreme Court, in that decision asserted that the US constitution is the supreme law of the land. So anything you want to do at the federal level, must be followed. I assert again, that repeal of the 17th amendment is the best solution to follow. The right of the people to yes, even make a horrendous mistake (see the last general election) should never be violated.
I like my Progressives medium-rare
Sorry, there is no provision in the constitution for leaving the union, only joining. given that, how about wotking with the rest of us disaffected americans and change the situation?
So now righty wants to sue to get what they can't win at the ballot box…. typical.
How about military service? Do we get to keep our pensions or do they need to go too?
Sure Don. If you can't win at the polls then try the courts. If that doesn't work then grab your long guns and demand with force what you can't legally win.
Correction: I didn't mean eliminate any retirement benefit completly. Just dump them into Social Security like the rest of us….which will pretty much eliminate it anyway (at least by the time I retire).
Arizona also has a recall option.
This progressive coup must be stopped and defeated.
Anyone who would campaign against 'The Right to Recall' bill, would come under heavy scrutiny. It would be political suicide to vote against it. Put me down for a aye!
The 17th Amendment has served us well and I hope Americans will never vote to restrict our ability to elect our senators by popular vote.
If there was an objection to the civil rights act, I don’t believe it would have mattered. You must understand that the majority of voters at that time were your parents and grandparents. The attitude of the majority of them was “They are the experts. They know what they are doing. If President Johnson says so, we must do it.” Believe me, I got so sick and tired of hearing that as a teenager.
Zombie Reagan couldn't be any worse than what live Reagan did to us.
You obviously have never met a liberal. I know a few, but I've never met one who wanted to be a Communist. If you have some proof of what you are saying lets put it out there for all of us to see. Otherwise it's just more right wing whining.
Spoken like a true progressive.
Old people get sick and die. Your insinuation that it is somehow punishment for being "liberal" says a lot… about you.
The discussion on the constitutionality of states recalling US reps is interesting but what about the constitutionality of Washington controlling of the medical sector of the free market?
I've repeatedly queried White House residents and congressional reps over the years on what constitutional provision(s) authorizes their actions, and have yet to receive a single response that answers the question.
Why must We the People constantly respond to what we can do constitutionally while those actually constrained by the Constitution run rampant without any apparent concern for the limitations we imposed upon them?
Funny how when your own tactics are used against you, it stikes a nerve…
Know your role, Troll…!
I'm not sure how term limits would get rid of moneyed influence in congress, lobbyist don't have term limits. Nor do I see a massive move towards communism anytime soon. A career politician isn't necessarily a bad thing if the politician can act in the interests of the voters without succumbing to corruption. Such an occurrence would be like watching rainbow unicorns dancing ballet: it would be awesome but i wouldn't bet on seeing it anytime soon.
Both parties hold blame for the current state of affairs. In 2000, Repubs held the WH and Congress and what did we get: tax cuts for the rich, billions spent on medicare Rx plans, warrentless wiretaps that violated our 4th amendment rights, no-bid contracts to help business friends while hurting the tax-payers and a massive bailout package as Bush's last goodbye. Dems step up and shoveled even more money out to the biggest players. Then they try to "reform" heathcare by taking from the insurance companies and redistributing it to the Rx Drug companies.
Hypothetically, we could replace congressional and executive voting with flipping a coin (or monkey's playing volleyball). That way, randomness can make our decisions instead of dumbness.
Recall hell,
We need to hang all of them for being traitors to our country .
They destroy NASA and the knowledge that comes from it but spend your money for :
The property soliciting accusations of "pork" from critics is the Castle Nugent National Historic Park. It's in the U.S. Virgin Islands, about a thousand miles from Miami and an expensive jet ride to get there.
Two weeks ago, on a near party line vote, a huge Democratic majority in the House agreed to spend $50 million to buy the former cotton plantation on the island of St. Croix.
"This is a beautiful and important natural and cultural resource that is in danger of being lost forever," Virgin Island delegate, Donna Christiansen, told House colleagues in January.
"The site to be designated as the Castle Nugent National Historic Park continues to be heralded as one of the last pristine areas in the region."
The mixture of dry forest and range land offers picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea, but good luck getting there. Critics in Congress say the purchase is wasteful and irresponsible, especially with unemployment at 10 percent and the nation in debt.
The truth is always spoken clearly.
GOD bless this notion of We the People and the genius phrase, 'consent of the governed' . May all those good citizens in 9 states activate their rights to recall, and those in the others while their state legislatures are in session initiate laws that allow them to do this NOW> Take back New Jersey and after the upset in Massachusetts, have the media moguls find a plane outta here…..there are no places to hide the truth anymore.
spoken like a true democrat. They've been plying their agendas in the courts for 60 years and they've demonized guns and violence…. except when the black panthers do it… pathetic. You're a tool. Republicans play by the rules and try to win at the polls and they don't cook up court cases to change American values and norms. That would be democrats and leftard liberals… and you can throw independents in there too.
Oh hell yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris:
it's like this; With term limits, Senators have a finite amount of time to do the Peoples work for them and make a name for themselves. The temptation to corruption by lobbyists will be less. After that, they are gone and back to normal life.
While it is true the GOP held Congress for the first six of Bush's Presidency, it was the friggin donkeys that held Congress for the last two. If memory serves me, we had enormous growth for 2002 thru 2006 and only after the donkeys took over did the wheels spin off. Remember, tax cuts for the rich is what fuels private enterprize, not the nanny state.
lastly, I would much prefer normal, intelligent citizens making the decisions for "We The People" than the coniving lawyers (monkeys) playing volleyball with our lives.
Aw, were you reading from your DumboCrat talking points again, little man? Six years of Bush were prosperous ones. You might also try to remember (I know it's hard) that Clinton kicked the can down the road regarding AL Qaeda because he didn't want to sully his presidency and that got us 9/11. Al Bore tried to steal the election, but has since discovered that the global warming scam pays better. The Dems demonized Bush in order to win back the Congress and the presidency and now they're in disarray. They even demonized Gitmo, confusing it with Abu Graib, when Gitmo is practically a country club to the Islamo scumbags. But that's okay. You've got your marching orders.
Washington is listed as having the Recall law on the books; don't expect recall to happen here, tho. There are too many ultra left, greenie wingnuts here!
Your post says a lot about you yip. You are angry, hopeless… with a need to lash out at someone else to blame your problems on. So you use the government as a scapegoat, and me because I'm handy. I hope all of your posts are not as desperate as this one, but it wouldn't surprise me. People rarely surprise me on this list.
Don't worry; the Dems will build an exclusive resort-like retreat where they can gather at taxpayer expense to pow wow on how they can further rip us off.
maybe you should look up the word truth in your funk and waggonal instead of saul alinsky's boook.
Wow – do you even know HOW to read? The thread clearly stated Congress member you dope.
Oh I read just fine. Just my way of registering my disgust with the post.
You need to remember your manners young lady.
Well said sir!
If the 17th amendment was repealed it would help to return power to the States away from the Federal government and back in line with the Founding Fathers original intent: the House of Representatives for the people, the Senate for the states, the Executive for the nation.
A new set of laws are not needed. What is needed is a Free Press reporting the true facts without any bias or slant, refusing to support a candidate outside of their opinion pages, a well informed population, and politicians doing their duty not careerists!
I wonder how the "governed" feel about this story, did they consent to this because a majority of their betters voted for it?
http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/02/09/tra...
Right, those awful 8 years run by the Democratic congress. Can you imagine the hell we'd be in now if our President had been Democratic then as well? Obama and his stooges are total Amateur Hour. At least everyone is finally digesting their Kool-Aid.
Your post says a lot about you Mik. You are angry, hopeless… with a need to lash out at someone else to blame your problems on. So you use conservatives as a scapegoat, and the commentors on this thread because we're handy. I hope all of your posts are not as desperate as this one, but it wouldn't surprise me. People rarely surprise me on this list.
Hear Hear!
Rudeeee, where are you going to get old American History books? There not available in our schools anymore. Only the progressive approved books are allowed. Just another attack on our beloved country. For God and Country
SharonB
Oh I see now. If we correctly call you a dope because you ask about a military pension when the statement read CONGRESS it is not mannerly; but you can call out names and denegrate any conservative that posts here. You are nothing but another hypocritcal left-wing nutcase.
Coleman should get this rolling?
You forget, he is a Republican.
Sorry my bright red friend, but I think that any thoughtful citizen would take no issue in deferring to the Founders on this matter. No creators of government, in the history on mankind, have spoken more clearly–or correctly– on the subject.
Nathan, had you ever gone to college and handed in this paper you would have received an automatic F for plagiarism. I understand your frustration, but try and use your words. Your words…
Ahhh1 Ob. if only the electorate were that tuned in.
The sad part about it is that we just need a couple of these recalls and the rest would fall in line.
Wrong "p" word. It's called "parallelism" and in rhetoric it can be used to enhance an argument.
Now see that was much better. You can be nice when you want to.
"…. can't win at the ballot box….."????
Isn't a recall vote an action a ballot box.
Anyway, you are right about this class action suit, besides everyone knows only libs can use the courts…
…to win what they can't win at the ballot box.
Now that's "TYPICAL"
The real problem for you people is you hate democracy. You have this authoritarian mindset and would really prefer a dictator to leaders who have to face voters who may think differently than yourselves. A Christian theocracy would be even better because then you would get to force your simplistic world view on the rest of us.
And Obama blames………..????
obamasoros and his rats are cornered. Fight on!!!!!!!
Another step for the "Nanny" Nation
Health and Human Services is hoping to get legislation passed that will allow the Federal Government to mandate the removal of vending machines to prevent school kids from becoming fat.
Nice idea if thought of at the local level, but stupid and an over-reach of the part of the federal government.
I heard Saxby Chambliss last night and he refused to comment on this…until he saw the bill.
Wrong answer, any and all Republicans should immediately say: If it will reduce childhood obesity that's a good idea for the parents and local School Districts to address and pursue, but it's not the Federal Government's Job to do that.
I have no complaints about the last two election cycles. And from what I've seen, Republicans run to the courts faster than anyone else.
The problem with the recall laws is they can be political and disruptive. If the party who loses starts recall procedures every year we will never know good government. Like the filibuster in the senate. If it is abused to a point where every single vote requires 60 votes, the government is going to stop being functional and then we will see some changes, but probably not ones we will like.
Let the old ABSCAMMER be judged by a just and merciful God. _Oh, sorry Mika, I forgot. You folks believe that sort of thing is the "opiate of the masses."
Blessed be the Lord, thy God for he is mighty and just!
I wish we could recall more than just Congressmen!
Recall and Impeachment need to be excersized more often on run-away politicians!
Hey, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while!
So the feds couldn't indict him when he was alive, but you believe you can do it now that he is dead? Very cowardly.
Well aren't you the angry little blogger. I must have scrapped off a big ol scab.
I never lie.
Oh yea mika, we're the authoritarians, you got it, we're the oppressive ones, keep it up why don't ya.
Spot on, perfectly legitimate for a local area, waaaay out of line for the Feds to be meddling in.
This threat needs to linger over them every minute of every day.
Sarah Palin.
BOO!
Yeah your are…. you are easily led around by the nose and you want someone to tell you how to think. You think any self respecting liberal would let anyone call him a "dittohead"?
Articles of Impeachment.
If you think you could make better decisions then run for congress. Otherwise vote for your guy and then let the winner do his job. That's how we do it in America.
Recalls fit the teapartiers to a tee… you're not interested in good government, only in disrupting the process with your shrill voices and angry threats. It's sick and it's why you will never amount to any kind of political movement.
No we don't hate democracy, it's worked for us since 1776, what we hate is Socialism and Communism. No we don't want a Theocracy either and have never had one, besides who want's to end up in like the poor souls in Iran, living under that nutcase – though the argument could be made that there is such a nut case presently residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave right now.
Doubt me, check this out: http://www.theobamafile.com/index.htm
You sure paint a simple picture there Mickey.
I think it is more important to realize the contents of a bill than the number of votes it needs for passage.
Anyway, this may come as shock to you but……
"Being functional", with respect to congress, is a direct FUNCTION of the will of the people,
Change, can you tell me the last time this congress passed something to change things for the better.
Good, I'm glad we got that all cleared up.
Now ask her for a date so she can tell what she really thinks about you
Oh yeah…..
Nothing worse than having to fix 4 years of Mr. Peanut.
Nothing worse than setting this country up for the longest sustained run of economic prosperity, ever. All the while, defeating the Soviet Union without firing a shot.
To think, he did all that with kong-ressional democrats secretly working with the Soviet leadership to undermine US policy.
A senile ex-actor could do all that and the Lightbringer can't even speak extemporaneously to a group of sixth graders.
What chapter is it in Saul's book, I can't find it.
Sorry mikatollah, but Nathan beat you.
Seems to me the Soviets were defeated by the combined efforts of nine presidents, not one old guy. And I guess you could say we did it without firing a shot if you want to minimize the contribution of those who died delivering the groceries to Berlin, or fighting back the North Koreans and North Vietnamese.
Try the national archive or the library of congress fo rold records and books out of print. sometimes you will find one that someone has put online.
You may not lie, but you are a bit confused at times.
The Democrat Party is nothing more than Socialism in first gear.
If I'm not mistaken, a prominent Democrat (who just recently passed away) said it.
Beat me at what? He never said anything.
Feds couldn't indict him…..
oh well that's it… the proof is in the pudding… he was innocent.
Just like Charles Rangel… he is innocent too.
But your honor!!!!
SILENCE…. you people… can't you see they are both Democrats… case closed.
Oh I've accepted the fact that he was elected President back on November 4, 2009, and that he assumed office on January 20, 2009. I'm just working toward the goal of seeing that he's a one-term-wonder, like James Earl Carter.
Until then, I intend to resist and fight all of his Socialist agenda.
The Articles of Impeachment alone mean little, next to nothing. They are merely the accusations that are being put forth in an effort to get a vote in order to begin the impeachment process. The Articles of Impeachment, and the impeachment process as whole do not guarantee that an official will be removed from office either. There were articles of Impeachment on Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, Bush43, and even Dick Cheney. History has proven that the last 3 didn't quite work out to well. As much as I would love to see Obama charged like the criminal that he is, and banished from office, the Articles of Impeachment are drafted by the House of Representatives, and, well…Can we honestly expect this Congress to do anything to harm Dear Leader…? Doubtful. As with the Right to Recall, it should be up to the citizens, not the Congress. And that is why I wish for a Right to Recall the POTUS, and any other Federal official for that matter.
Right, and for the entire eight years of Bush's Presidency, the Democrats / Liberal never spoke about Bush stealing the 2000 election or that he should be impeached.
Talk about selective short term memory or CRS – Can't Remember S**T
I believe the Second Amendment is the right of recall that the Founding Fathers intended.
Reminder: Riot, G20, Pittsburgh–the city is still trying to obtain money for damages. Shrill/angry
vs
The 912 Tea Party on Sept. 12, 2009–no damages, no litter, little notice. Tens of Thousands of well-behaved people. Peaceful/tidy
One group disruptive; one not disruptive. Do Not mistake our peaceful nature for lack of determination.
Oh….Poor Pelosi wouldn't be able to fly home every weekend in a private jet at taxpayer expense. That really breaks my heart….
I'm afraid our friend Old Vet is correct: Repealing the 17th Amendment is the way to go. Only New Jersey's constitution specifically subjects Members of Congress to the recall provision; the constitutions and laws of the other nine states cited by Repeal Congress Now mention only public officers of the state, or of "political subdivisions" (i.e., towns, cities, counties or other public districts). The Constitution, not each state, created representation in Congress. Therefore, MCs of states with recall provisions are not "public officers" of those states, but of the Federal republic. Absent a Constitutional amendment providing for Congressional recall, even New Jersey's provisions might be of questionable Contitutionality. Please remember that SCOTUS struck down all term-limits laws applying to MCs in 1995, so it's reasonable to suspect that any recall movement would probably suffer a similar fate. Repealing an existing Constitutional amendment, on the other hand, has already been done (Prohibition). Getting rid of the 17th through a repeal amendment is thus the path of least resistance.
You want to see right wing hate do a youtube search with "town hall meeting". Then come back and tell me how calm these sociopaths are.
There is nothing peaceful about you people. All of you live on the verge of an emotional meltdown. I just hope they catch it on camera when it happens.
Unless I remember it incorrectly, the powers not delegated to the federal government in the Constitution are expressly reserved for the states and to the People. So, just because it is not in the Constitution does not mean the states cannot do it…as long as it is in the STATE Constitution and not expressly prohibited by the Federal Constitution is is permissible. That was the express intent of the Founders. Congressmen and Representatives are STATE representatives to the Federal Government and therefore subject to their elected State Constitutional mandates.
Interesting that you see "hate" and "sociopaths" while predicting emotional meltdown. More likely: the Liberal/Progressives will corner the market on tranquilizers by the time the T-people are finished.
Tea is a restorative.
Yep. Stuck. The good thing being, we need a couple of the wangsters around to remind us of what we shouldn't be doing. Call the token Progressives.
What Mikey, the Constitution is NOT a living, breathing document, as described by the followeres of left wing thought? You will be reprimanded severely for your indiscretion in making such a foolish statement I'm sure.
The 17th Amenment was a mistake in that it eliminated the STATES say in the fed gov. and it should be repealed. The sooner the better.
"I've never met one who wanted to be a communist." Truer words were never spoken. The thing is they are being used for the communist agenda without realizing it. Most ultra-libs are just dupes that are being used by the national Democratic party for the overthrow of our constitutional democracy. Ask an of them for an honest debate on the issues using fact and they will disseminate and call you names, but will never agree to a debate.
Why must we constantly respond……Because WE RUN THE BUSINESS. WE are the BOSS.
No Boss can hope to be successful if not paying attention to the employees. For example, Congress. They work for us, we've been slacking in their supervision. Time to kick a$$ and take names of all who do a poor job. If they can't handle their responsibilities, then fire their butts. But We The People MUST watch the store. That is OUR job.
With a nice red glass of wine, and a sharp knife to cut the bloody red meat.
I agree with JK. I don't necessarily agee with secession but there needs to be some redress for greivances against the several states by the fedreral government. If enough people in a state or states voted to separate from the rest maybe the rest of the nation would take a pause and listen. No one wants a repeat of the civil war, but maybe the threat will wake the hell up some people!
How old AM I?? In our rural school, there was a single soda machine. It was locked up until after school, and you had to have a high enough grade avg to get access then. So if you were hungry then you ate lunch. Either you brought your own, or bought at the Cafeteria. Availible junk food? Ice Cream. At least it was dairy. Limit? You could buy two. If you were thirsty during the day? Use the water fountain. Or wait til you go to lunch. Where you could buy milk. White milk or chocolate milk. Limit? you could buy three. These were the rules of the district parents. In my state, the federal govt was unwanted and distrusted. These were the rules from K-12 in every school across our three local districts and in the state as far as I knew. Removal of vending machines? Who put them in to start with? Local parents choose the local School Boards and pay them with local taxes. Let the locals decide what their children may eat and have access to. This is a parenting decision, not a Federal case.
Remind me…when was the last time you got a job from a poor person??? Just askin.
And if Congress passes a law to stop recall?Then we'll see how they push their pork barrels with no money at all…
If you can get a class action lawsuit to hold, let me know. I will happily do my part to get people on board!!!
Oh, that's just too, too funny, coming from a guy who favors State control over every aspect of our lives.
Do get this through your head, you fascist: we believe, above all, in the RIGHT TO BE LEFT THE HELL ALONE. Which is anathema to the control-freak Left.
Obama is only in the "center" if you're viewing him from, the far, far tippy end of the left branch.
And there's hardly room to list Obama's lies and broken campaign promises.
Your Hopium snake oil ain't selling any more, fascist. Go away.
I just love it that the Left is so, so, so totally clueless. Just the way we like 'em.
Why? Is there at this point any doubt that liberals are over educated idiots, who are legends in their own mind. It is obvious they either have not ever had an eco class or they don't give a sheeeet about anything more than the installation of communist roots.
You know it I know it they know it. If they could lable themselves communists instead or progressives they would do that, That is their goal one step at a time.
Recall should be placed on every Ballot this fall!!!
Amen. Sign me up. Personally, I want your #1 on the list. Really tired of paying other people's taxes. too many of whom brag they don't care who runs or wins an election, "cause it won't matter to me, I don't pay taxes".
It's especially nice when it's my co-workers saying this to my face. While they own boats and summer homes at the shore. It's not like the tax bill total went down – feds require the same amount, from fewer people. Usually I say, "Yeah, I'd like to have had more kids like you did, but I pay taxes and can't afford more children."Of course when the company down-sized, I was first to go, since I was highly compensated. (I developed products worth millions, but it cost too much to pay me.) New law: You work for pay? You pay income tax.
It's because the lefties cheat at everything they do including stuffing ballot boxes. Listen, I hear that Russia is a great place to live if you like socialism, so is Venezuela, sounds like maybe you should move there. Send us some post cards to let us know how it's going. Videos too ok, especially those videos of you standing in line for toilet paper, nah just post them on Youtube, that is if the line to get into an internet cafe isn't too long.
I believe that the only term limit we need is to vote incumbents out. In cases where congressmen like Senator Mary Landrieu are elected, the rest of us must make sure we choose senators that cancel out her vote.
I AGREE!
The real problem here is Obama and his statist cronies (Reid, Pelosi, etc.) are so far to the left that one would have to board and aircraft to get there. Most of us working stiffs can't afford the ticket, and we're not eligible for the free ride these freaks of nature are enjoying at our expense.
On the bright side, we all vote, and if you're like me, you vote with a vengeance (unless, of course, you live in San Francisco, in which case I have no recommendations other than lower the dose). I've been around the block a few times, and I've seen enough arrogance and feigned glee with this statist agenda to last beyond this lifetime.
"Sure Don. If you can't win at the polls then try the courts. If that doesn't work then grab your long guns and demand with force what you can't legally win."
Wow, you're one to talk.
That's funny — you claim to be in favor of "personal liberty," and yet you curse the man who ended slavery. I guess for you, personal liberty only applies to white people.
Wow, you didn't even understand what Nathan was doing until he pointed it out to you. Then you try to play it off like you knew all along, coupled with a childish insult. Way to go slugger. Bested by your better. How does that feel?
I think pensions and benefits for (former) Congressmen should be eliminated. This would help ensure that the founding fathers' idea would come alive, that a man would do his service to his country and then go home.
(Note: don't confuse "Congressmen" will only US Representatives. Both Representative AND Senators are Congressmen)
Does that mean we're stuck with 'Wanken Franken'?
Who the hell knows. Honestly, that book only needs one chapter, entitled "Cheating: Get What You Want Any Way You Can"
Mika you seem to have gone away for awhile, and come back more hateful??
There has not been a time in my life when the government has been as out of control as it is now. Unfortunately, because it is out of control, there is little likely hood of changes being made to get it in line.
What is that old saying about mysterious ways?
I'd like to register my disgust with you.
Mind your fucking attitude jerk.
WTF……….."you don't go to Vegas and blow a lot of $$" and "you do not buy an apolt of land on island in the Carribean…"
What an idiot..and what idiots we are for allowing this type of government spending. Until we stand up and demand more we get just exactly what we deserve.
I have never thought of it that way. You may be right… about tea I mean.
This is not a democracy.
You are not smart.
"you will never amount to any kind of political movement"
Hahahahahahahah. Bwahahahahhhhahahahahha.
Sure mik, lets go with that.
I disagree. Without the ability to amend the Constitution it would quickly become irrelevant.
I don't see any grassroots support for eliminating the 17th, and elected officials will never just do it on their own. No, I'm afraid you are stuck with it.
I debate righty all the time… it's like stealing candy.
I do not believe that Louisiana has that recall right. Too bad. We want Landrieu out.
I have heard it discussed long and often on radio here.
A constitutional ammendment would have to be passed in LA to allow a recall petition.
There is one circulating still ………..just to let her know she is toast.
Obvious troll…is obviously obtuse…
obvious troll…is confused over matters…
The hate just oozes from you boh. I hope you are a young guy… wouldn't want to see you pop a vein over this stuff.
Well if I went away who would you have to stalk boh… I think I'll stay.
Losers always cry foul. It can't be your message, so your opponents had to have cheated!
What is with you people trying to get me to leave the country I served for 25 years. Not going to happen.
And you should listen Phil. You might learn something new.
Phil, do you ever have anything relevant to say? Blogs are a good place to do it if you think of something.
You know I'll never change.
Your list of greats would have made just as much sense if you had said… Washington, Lincoln and Benjamin Harrison. Except that Harrison didn't live long enough to pile us up with 50 years of debt.
Scott Brown gets to stand for reelection in 30 months. Enjoy the seat now while you have it.
“Tea party activists in New Jersey have already filed to circulate recall petitions regarding Sen. Robert Menendez. Their recent Secretary of State took the position that such recall of members of Congress is not authorized under the U.S. Constitution.”
But is it prohibited under the U.S. Constitution? … no
Feeling a little frustrated this evening Harry? Well, just let it all out. Let's let the world see what the teaparty is all about.
Hey kooz,
Just been busy for awhile. Thought it would be fun to spend some time tweaking the natives this evening.
Well, we like to think of our little republic as being fairly democratic. To the chagrin of teapartiers everywhere.
It was the founders who gave us a method to amend the Constitution, which we followed to the letter. No one violated the spirit of the founding fathers. They knew that they could not foresee every issue that would confront us in the future.
The U.S. government has already taken the raft over waterfall.
I can only sit back and watch, maybe tell people to plant a garden and make friends with the Amish. The U.S. empire is no longer sustainable, and like Great Britain, will be reduced in size by the natural laws of economics.
I know what it's called. My kids liked to play it… when they were six. But I give bloggers the benefit of the doubt that they are adults until they prove differently.
You ideas don't have to be nice, just your own.
You lie. All you spout here is straight from communist doctrine. Do a little reading before you fling out the talking points.
Man, you are talking about a long road here. The Cabal has been infiltrating our schools, our media, our businesses, and our government for almost 100 years now. They have been shaping minds for generations. I see nothing wrong with the kind of general strikes and massive demonstrations like you're seeing in Iran. Relatively little bloodshed compared to a civil war and once Americans experience the true bootheel of their oppressors in no uncertain terms, they will rise up and demand what is right. African-Americans and their allies made it happen without open warfare. A similar effort to restore our prosperity and soveriegnty, if properly framed, could work well.
Six years of Bush prosperous?
At the most basic level, contrary to the myth, growth has actually been very weak under President Bush. Here is the ranking of growth by presidential administrations since 1960:
Kennedy-Johnson: 5.2%
Clinton: 3.6%
Reagan: 3.4%
Carter: 3.4%
Nixon-Ford: 2.7%
Bush II: 2.6%
Bush I: 1.9%
Clinton may have kicked the can, but bush certainly did not do anything with it!!
Air safety and air defense measures were not employed on September 11th. This is extraordinary because 9-11 was the only day that four airplanes were hijacked in the U.S., not to mention the only day that three planes crashed into key buildings in New York City and Washington, DC.
Gore stole elections??
Under orders from Governor Jeb Bush, state troopers near polling sites delayed people for hours while searching their cars. Some precincts required two photo IDs which many citizens do not have. The requirement under Florida law was only one photo ID. Passed just before the election, this law itself posed a special difficulty for low-income or elderly voters who did not have drivers licenses or other photo IDs. Uncounted ballot boxes went missing or were found in unexplained places or were never collected from certain African-American precincts. During the recount, GOP agitators shipped in from Washington D.C. by the Republican national leadership stormed the Dale County Canvassing Board, punched and kicked one of the officials, shouted and banged on their office doors, and generally created a climate of intimidation that caused the board to abandon its recount and accept the dubious pro-Bush tally.1
Then a five-to-four conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court in a logically tortured decision ruled that a complete recount in Florida would be a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal protection clause because different counties have different ways of counting the votes. At that point Gore was behind by only a few hundred or so votes in Florida and was gaining ground with each attempt at a recount. By preventing a complete tally, the justices handed Florida’s electoral votes and the presidency to Bush, a stolen election in which the conservative activists on the Supreme Court played a key role.
Even though Bush Jr. lost the nation’s popular vote to Gore by over half a million, he won the electoral college and the presidency itself. Florida was not the only problem. Similar abuses and mistreatment of voters and votes occurred in other parts of the country. A study by computer scientists and social scientists estimated that four to six million votes were left uncounted in the 2000 election.
Gitmo a country club??
"It's torture," Chris Arendt, who worked at Guantanamo when he was 19. "It's a means of extracting information that I didn't even believe these people probably had. It's a means of making their lives more miserable."
Arendt, who joined the U.S. military when he was 17, testified at the Winter Soldier Hearings in Washington D.C. last March.
Truth does not require marching orders!!
You pass this right wing propaganda around until you all start believing your own talking points. Obama is a middle of the road guy. He has done nothing that he didn't say he would do and you just can't stand it. So I hear, we need to impeach him, he's not an American… Obama hates America. Well, if you truly loved democracy you would accept the will of the people and the fact that he is going to be the president for the next three years…. and I think it will be 7 years. I don't see a Republicans out there who can beat him.
That is why sites like this are so important! We hopefully educate ourselves on the law, and issues and discuss them with our neighbors, family, and friends to make sure that we all make informed decisions about those who have such an impact on our lives and the lives of our decendants.
god help your poor 6th graders. Maybe the 7th will be better for them.
I notice you're still waiting . . . and he said he never lies. Yeah right!
I don't see any "cursing" of the man who ended slavery; but concerning this man, Abraham Lincoln latched onto slavery as a political opportunity partway thru the war. He, too, was a politician. He also sought to acquire Liberia as a place to which newly freed slaves could be relocated afterwards. His untimely death left that part of his plan unfulfilled, and probably rightly so. Instead of looking for racism now where it doesn't exist, let's all learn our history and move forward the better for it.
Yes, perhaps I could hold YOU up as an example of what NOT to grow up like. Extremely Poor Communication skills leading to poor job interviews, low wages, poor performance reviews, failed personal relationships, divorces, loneliness, dangerously low-self esteem, followed by the high points of one's day: evenings and long nights trolling computer blogs in an effort to boost one's sense of self-importance through childish name-calling.
What a life!
I am for a new law (maybe really not that new). One of three conditions and you get to vote:
1. You actually pay income taxes.
2. You have paid your share and are retired.
3. You have served this Great Nation.
And while we are at it ; Drug testing for welfare recipients.
Bingo!!!!!
The right to Recall should be on the 2010 ballot of each and every state without such ability.
Even if the states' recall provisions were to be declared illegal by the courts at some future date,
with the slow-moving judicial system, there would still be plenty of shock value to SCARE some
of these progressives that need to be called home.
Whoopee! This is people power – just what the founding fathers had in mind when the Constitution
was written.
You are such a tool. Don't ever change mik!
Washington, Lincoln, Reagan, best presidents evah. Period.
Your man the Obamamao, worst evah … and he's just getting started.
The Obama has been been largely defanged by MA mik. MA of all the states and in the seat held once by a Kennedy! Now you are just funny to me. Bwahahahah! Thank you MA thank you!
Heh, tool.
As he's admitted before, he's "tweaking" people. A juvenile little man seeking attention.
Don't feed him unless whatever lie he uses is easy to expose. He'll usually ignore what you actually write and simply repeat whatever talking point he has memorized. That's usually when you might want to stop because he's trying to lure you into a lengthy and fruitless little battle where he feeds off your attention. I think he also suffers from "last word"-itis, so he hangs out on threads that have long scrolled off and just keeps responding so he can get the last word in.
How sad.
Try me jerk. We are waiting.
Oh, sure. Give it to the lawyers. It's YOUR jog to take the time to know who you're voting for and then supervise them just as you would any employee who has access to your wallet.
Geez mikatollah, rather than post your passive agressive comments, why don't you try contributing something constructive to the conversation? Grow up. You sound like my 6th grade students.
Sounds like I touched a nerve… too many years of teaching to the test.
THAT recall is only a last resort if the feds do not honor the choices of the people. This is just what the progressives want to hear! When people like you pull a stupid stunt like that without just cause, namely an election that will give them the excuse to impose martial law. And don't delude yourself; even though the military may not fire on their fellow citizens, we already know the ATF & FBI will.
Amen. I like the idea of "cashing out" various of them to make restitution for theri "sins." Liquidate enough of Murtha's estate to restore the Marines he screwed.
You want to see emotional meldowns or hate speech, watch the Jeremiah Write vids, any SEIU vids, any Code Pink vids….we could go on all day on leftist wackjobs. Or watch MSNBC…yikes!! No one, and I mean no one on Fox News even comes close to those sociopath wackos. Or The View for that matter…PMS & Menopause on steroids.
It's 2010, we can do our recall at the polls in November & again in 2012. Good luck on getting term limits passed though. No one is going to vote themselves out of a job. We have to do it ourselves.
I love this!!!!!!!!
Every state should have this option. It shouldnt be an easy thing to do, but if enough people truly want it like California did with Gray "what just happened" Davis, then they should be allowed to pursue recall.
Perhaps Republicans should tout this as something they would try and pass if they gain back both houses of coongress. Let the Democrats defend that the people don't have the right to recall.
Hopefully, Kristen Gillibrand, the Ny Dem who who posed as a moderate is recalled by the voters this fall!!!!!! Go Ahead Kristen cozy up with Van Jones and ACORN and The Working Families Party, and then try and tell us you are a right to center democrat……………..shame on her for lying, shame on us if we beleive it twice
G
Your racist rants about Jeremiah Wright didn't work during the 2008 elections and are not going to do you any good now. Just let it go.
"Their recent Secretary of State took the position that such recall of members of Congress is not authorized under the U.S. Constitution."
So what about the 1oth Amendment? If it isn't explicitly defined in the Constitution, then the State and the people have the right to do it, otherwise State Constitutions are meaningless. I agree with Old Vet that the 17th Amendment should be repealed, but without the states ratifying such an amendment, recall is the best option we have at the moment.
Hate speech, Wright, SEIU, Code Pink, leftist wackjobs, MSNBC, Fox News, sociopath wackos, The View, PMS, Menopause, steroids, and you can only zero in on Wright/Race. You saw Race, first. There's a name for that.
It's a losing argument. You might as well have said, "Your Mama wears Combat Boots!"
Listen to and look at words, don't just pay attention to race. Some might call you Racist!
You are the one who signed up to the all white club… not me.
RoaR: Recall or a Resignation. Choose one especially disgusting member of Congress for possible recall.
Resignation is an option. We've seen several members refuse to run in the next elections. Deciding not to run could be due to many factors; but, for some . . . it involves the word "chicken." Who are the "Chicken Politicians?"
In the meantime, we could investigate the pros/cons of repealing the 17th.
Lets don't forget the left was against America in Viet Nam, Grenada, Panama, El Salvador. They wanted to give up(Better Red than Dead). They thought we should disarm(Unilateral Disarmament) They supported communists in Nicaragua, Angola etc. They called Reagan names cuz he wouldn't sign a B.S. treaty with Gorby in Iceland. Now Gorby has his WORLD 'Peace' Hq in San Francisco Presidio after throwing the Army off the land, of course.
There ya go with the Racist stuff, again.
Sorry pal, you have chosen your friends poorly.
You are assuming from my liberal posts that I am some kind of pacifist. I spent 25 years in the AF flying C-141s, B-52s and B-1s. Be careful when you paint with a broad brush. Not everyone fits neatly in your little boxes.
You a s s u m e much. Suggestion: Recheck your Crystal Ball and Relax with a cup of tea.
Back to Optionsl: 1. Recall, 2. Use Alinsky to "overwhelm" a left-leaning chicken politician. 3. Investigate the 17th Amendment Option.
[...] Wed 10 Feb, 2010 Wednesday Pickin’s Comments (0) Filed under: Blogroll, Blogroll, Blogroll, Uncategorized Too many of our elected Members of Congress are making behind-closed-door deals and ignoring their c… [...]
Congratulations to NEW JERSEY, a leader for Freedom in America!
The march for OUSTER continues.
Amen. I like the idea of "cashing out" various of them to make restitution for theri "sins." Liquidate enough of Murtha's estate to restore the Marines he screwed.
actually they're "Progressive Elitists" who suffer mightily from cerebral rectal inversion …good post…keep fighting.
WE are re-calling Sen. Robert Menendez in New Jersey!!!!
Court allowed it to go forward!!!
Watch closely US!!!
This man is stopping votes on E-Verify & any anti-illegal alien laws.
He in the Senate to protect illegals not real Americans!!!
Using the "hate" word to the point of overkill waters it down quite a bit, until it means nothing. Like the boy who cried wolf. Having said that, I think you are a hater.
We could do this all day, but to what end?
OK — Lets go for this — scare the some common sense into these power grabbing traitors (to their constituencies). GO FOR IT.
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