en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/779710 Comments by CarolinaEagle http://biggovernment.com/cjohnson/2012/01/18/fact-checking-eric-holders-south-carolina-speech/#IDComment268063695 PS, after just a brief review, SC found at least 900 dead folks who voted. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:05:16 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/cjohnson/2012/01/18/fact-checking-eric-holders-south-carolina-speech/#IDComment268063695 http://biggovernment.com/cjohnson/2012/01/18/fact-checking-eric-holders-south-carolina-speech/#IDComment268062143 First of all, under the proposed SC law, YOU CAN STILL VOTE without a photo. All one needs do is sign an affidavit that you really are who you say you are. Secondly there are several ways to get a free Photo ID, including if I recall correctly, someone will come to your home if you can't travel. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:02:53 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/cjohnson/2012/01/18/fact-checking-eric-holders-south-carolina-speech/#IDComment268062143 http://biggovernment.com/jdunetz/2011/11/29/colin-powell-is-not-smarter-than-a-fifth-grade-history-student/#IDComment230456590 The general welfare sentence is indeed in Article 1 section 8, but as you noted, Madison (who wrote the document) argued that if the first paragraph were meant to be a catch all, why would it be then DIRECTLY followed in the SAME section by the explicit Enumeration of Powers. The point he makes in the federalst papers and later as president and senator when these exact issues were raised, is that any sentence (and these days any 'clause') must be understood in the context of the entire document. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:28:52 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/jdunetz/2011/11/29/colin-powell-is-not-smarter-than-a-fifth-grade-history-student/#IDComment230456590 http://tv.breitbart.com/dems-launch-anti-tea-party-strategy/#IDComment89458390 Off Topic, but to moderator: Everytime I log into Biggovernment, on Firefox''s Modzilla, it crashes (3 days in a row). This does not happen for any other site; and does not occur if I use internet explorer. Am I parinoid, or is there a Breitbart bug? Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:11:05 +0000 http://tv.breitbart.com/dems-launch-anti-tea-party-strategy/#IDComment89458390 http://biggovernment.com/gbenson/2010/07/21/breitbart-didnt-hide-sherrods-redemption-and-other-things-the-medias-gotten-wrong-so-far/#IDComment88061586 And Bobby Gibbs feeds the Huffington Post. What's your point? Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:27:01 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/gbenson/2010/07/21/breitbart-didnt-hide-sherrods-redemption-and-other-things-the-medias-gotten-wrong-so-far/#IDComment88061586 http://biggovernment.com/sright/2010/07/22/a-couple-questions-for-rep-andre-carson/#IDComment88059564 They in fact DID have cameras to record the event. Jesse Jackson Jr (among others) can be seen in several of the videos holding a cell phone camera above his head. Are we really to believe that if Jr "saw" or "heard" anything (that was supposed to have been shouted loudly and repeatedly) that those images would not have been splashed across the cooperating media? Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:09:24 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/sright/2010/07/22/a-couple-questions-for-rep-andre-carson/#IDComment88059564 http://biggovernment.com/jhoft/2010/07/15/naacp-president-tries-to-weasel-his-way-out-of-controversial-attack-on-tea-party-patriots/#IDComment86856318 Is Mr. Jealous trying to say that none of the people in attendance at that NAACP convention ever uttered a diatribe against "white folks" (or even a more pejorative label) from the streets or even the pulpit? Where was the paragraph in his speech denouncing those who advocated, agreed with, or cheered the views of the New Black Panther Party (or Rev Wright for that matter)? Maybe he has he adopted the Justice Depts new operating "guideline" that only white on black bigotry is racist; black on white is "freedom of speech"? Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:45:41 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/jhoft/2010/07/15/naacp-president-tries-to-weasel-his-way-out-of-controversial-attack-on-tea-party-patriots/#IDComment86856318 http://biggovernment.com/jbambenek/2010/07/07/while-illinois-goes-broke-state-union-employees-get-14-raises/#IDComment85420414 We are aware that the Federal Tipping Point (percentage of entitlement folks compared to taxpayers) is currently at 48 -51 %. Anyone know what that figure is in Illinois? Or in those districts necessary to guarantee a Democrat Party victory? Thu, 8 Jul 2010 01:38:19 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/jbambenek/2010/07/07/while-illinois-goes-broke-state-union-employees-get-14-raises/#IDComment85420414 http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9GPOCF82&show_article=1#IDComment85207597 In my opinion, a reporter has an ethical obligation to report the background or financial support of a group such as the 'ANSWER Coalition" if such a group is expressing or protesting a position. (You can be darn sure if ANSWER were related to Republican or Tea Party organizations we would have read "extreme right wing group". .... Anyone wanna bet it is an indirect (or direct) spinoff of ACORN/SEIU? Tue, 6 Jul 2010 23:10:36 +0000 http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9GPOCF82&show_article=1#IDComment85207597 http://biggovernment.com/mzak/2010/06/27/know-your-republican-heritage-quiz-1/#IDComment82644461 Progressives have a hard time differentiating between something that is "beneficial" and something that is "legal" (in this case w/r/t the Constitution). It can even be argued that however "helpful" Affirmative Action may be, it is in violation of the original meaning of the "general welfare" clause of the Constitution. James Madison frequently explained that the founder's intent was that the Federal government could not provide benefits unless they applied to the GENERAL welfare; that is, NOT for any subgroup of states or citizens. That phrase was lifted from the Articles of Confederation where the meaning was much more explicit and well understood by the citizenry of the time. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:47:43 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/mzak/2010/06/27/know-your-republican-heritage-quiz-1/#IDComment82644461 http://biggovernment.com/oftheeising/2010/06/20/would-obama-have-supported-ratification-of-the-us-constitution/#IDComment81138413 I think you've just invented "creative reading". :) As suggested, refer to the Federalist Papers where several of the founders explained in detail the what and why of the constitution. These papers were published in the newspapers across the colonies in order to explain and more importantly sell the ratification of that document by each of the states . (That process took quite a few years and by that time virtually every citizen was well informed.). More to your point, Madison (principle author of the Constitution, as Jefferson was of the Declaration) pointed out that if the 8th amendment were to mean what you say, then that makes the 10th amendment re enumerated powers meaningless and an enigma. (He was frustrated that people tried to reinvent or reinterpret phrases or sections "out of context" of the entire document.) Madison also explained that it was their intention to say that that congress could raise taxes or enact tariffs FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXECUTING ANY OF THE ENUMERATED POWERS (emphasis mine, but Madison's words) and that those taxes or tariffs could apply only for the GENERAL (universal) welfare (synonymous with "benefit" at the time); that is, those benefits could not accrue to only a specific group or state. Those arguments were successfully made in the early congresses after radification when those politicians who were in favor of an expanded federal role tried to use the interprtations you articulated. It wasn't until the late 19th century, early 20th that the progressive (statist) interpretation started to take hold. Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:37:38 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/oftheeising/2010/06/20/would-obama-have-supported-ratification-of-the-us-constitution/#IDComment81138413 http://biggovernment.com/mholt/2010/06/20/can-conservatism-appeal-to-young-people/#IDComment81116951 This is another good example of a misunderstood process that has been turned on its head. In fact, "best practice" is the foundation for continuous improvement, not stagnation. It originated in manufacturing but certainly has application in medicine; where it has resulted in significant improvement. By way of example, each heart surgeon typically had his/her own way of operating. More recently, the docs in some hospitals got together and agreed on a single approach that everyone conceded produced the best results. That was considered current "best practice". The agreement then was for each: 1. to stay with that process until a better process was developed ( the surgical nurses rejoiced, and the medical errors plummeted.) 2. EVERYONE WOULD WORK TO DISCOVER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CURRENT BEST PRACTICE. In many hospital systems this resulted in an acceleration of surgical innovation, and more importantly, significantly better outcomes. Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:05:35 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/mholt/2010/06/20/can-conservatism-appeal-to-young-people/#IDComment81116951 http://biggovernment.com/jwales/2010/06/18/repealing-obamacare-state-solutions/#IDComment80871467 WOW! Where in the enumeration of powers does the constitution grant the judicial branch the power to establish rights!!?! The 9th amendment meant exactly what it said "....RETAINED by the people". Period. The purpose of the 9th (and 10th) amendments was to LIMIT the power of the federal government (all 3 branches). Read the next amendment (X): The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:10:38 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/jwales/2010/06/18/repealing-obamacare-state-solutions/#IDComment80871467 http://biggovernment.com/jwales/2010/06/18/repealing-obamacare-state-solutions/#IDComment80867279 Unless all existing federal laws and agencies justified on the enlarged (and in my opinion incorrect) scope of the clause are 'grandfathered' there may be too much water under the bridge now. Industrial Safety (OSHA) is just one example. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:51:35 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/jwales/2010/06/18/repealing-obamacare-state-solutions/#IDComment80867279 http://biggovernment.com/jwales/2010/06/18/repealing-obamacare-state-solutions/#IDComment80864490 Madison, as you probably know, stood firm on the definition of the commerce clause in congress when others tried to expand the scope of 'commerce' beyond 'trade' (buying, selling and associated transportation) with other nations and between states. SCOTUS agreed, up through the early 20th century, that 'manufacturing' among other activities was NOT within the scope or the commerce clause. Regulate indeed meant 'make regular'. The expansion of the scope of the clause in recent times ignores the explanations in Federalist Papers and in many SCOTUS precedents. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:40:46 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/jwales/2010/06/18/repealing-obamacare-state-solutions/#IDComment80864490 http://biggovernment.com/asnyder/2010/06/09/paine-vs-jay-patriots-in-contrast/#IDComment79388566 I agree that the Confederate position is more consistent with the ideals and principles of the founders, and of the current Tea Parties). What I struggle with is whether that position was more driven by their indignation that others would take away their "right" to own slaves (property rights) as contrasted to Hamilton's arguments over Federal assumption of debts and a Federal Army. They lost the initial argument (re the Federalist Papers), but brought the subject up again 75 years later. Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:45:49 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/asnyder/2010/06/09/paine-vs-jay-patriots-in-contrast/#IDComment79388566 http://biggovernment.com/asnyder/2010/06/09/paine-vs-jay-patriots-in-contrast/#IDComment79387242 I am a fan of both patriots. Why pit one against another? (the logical error of false choice). Paine was an "extremist" who looked to both continents for fulfillment of his (unattainable?) ideals. He may or may not have been practical but there is no question that he pulled us in the correct direction. On the other hand Jay was a "doer" who did what ever he could to move our nation toward what it is today. Both should be celebrated. Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:32:40 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/asnyder/2010/06/09/paine-vs-jay-patriots-in-contrast/#IDComment79387242 http://biggovernment.com/chorner/2010/06/09/epas-global-warming-power-grab-is-now-about-oil-spills/#IDComment79368707 The AG of Virginia has entered just such a suit. He has also initiated an investigation of former Univ of Virginia academic Michael Mann, a climate scientist prominent in the IPCC, the UN panel on climate change. IPCC findings were used by the EPA as the basis for declaring CO2 a pollutant. (Mann, now at Penn State, authored the now discredited "hockey stick" graph featured in Al Gore's best selling work of fiction.) EPA administrator Jackson apparently never took 5th grade science which taught us that CO2 is an inert, harmless gas. Wed, 9 Jun 2010 22:44:11 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/chorner/2010/06/09/epas-global-warming-power-grab-is-now-about-oil-spills/#IDComment79368707 http://biggovernment.com/mholt/2010/05/12/cato-scholar-to-tea-party-beware-of-gop-avoid-social-issues/#IDComment75171414 We are in agreement. We fight against a secular, large government who advocate significant taxation "for the common good" and does not care about securing our borders. We can go on forever with a list of additional things we all oppose that are promoted by those currently in power. As long as we are in the minority we have limited power to overturn those things. My advice is to: 1. THROW THE BASTARDS OUT. 2.Once in the majority, and as reasonable citizens, let's establish a process to put together an agenda that accomplishes the maximum number of things, in a deliberate priority, that WE ON OUR SIDE agree have to be addressed. The last thing we should do is Balcanize. (And thus stay in the minority.) Adams and Hamilton had no problem agreeing on "Natures God"; their partnership fell to pieces when they addressed what a "limited government" meant. My pragmatism manifests itself as "get rid of Obama and his henchmen"; and then let's talk. Thu, 13 May 2010 01:57:36 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/mholt/2010/05/12/cato-scholar-to-tea-party-beware-of-gop-avoid-social-issues/#IDComment75171414 http://biggovernment.com/mholt/2010/05/12/cato-scholar-to-tea-party-beware-of-gop-avoid-social-issues/#IDComment75150884 History shows us that the colonies overthrew British reign because they were united in what they were AGAINST. It didn't take longer than the start of Washington's second term to discover that what were thought to be close alliances were far apart on what they AGREED upon (e.g. Adams vs Jefferson vs Hamilton). I'm a pragmatist; lets unite on those things we agree are wrong and vote the progressives (and their policies) out. Once we are in "the catbird's seat" we can figure out how to advance our several social direction priorities, without giving up the majority. Wed, 12 May 2010 23:03:51 +0000 http://biggovernment.com/mholt/2010/05/12/cato-scholar-to-tea-party-beware-of-gop-avoid-social-issues/#IDComment75150884