Today, the Virginia House of Delegates defeated a proposal by Governor Tim Kaine (D) to prohibit smoking in restaurants. Despite predictions from liberals that this would be a close vote, it was not. The final tally was 40-59 in favor of the bill. I am happy that my Delegate, Tim Hugo (R), voted against this bill.
This may be a minor issue, but it and many similar potential laws represent the war against liberty. Liberty has won this battle, but the war is never ending.
2007-04-05
2007-03-10
Federal Court Backs Constitution
A federal court in Washington DC has just scrapped that cities 30+ year old ban on handguns, finding that the Second Amendment really does say "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
This idiot disagrees. He and his ilk believe that the clause "a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state" means that only state militias can have guns. Why would the government give itself the power to be armed? By his reasoning, the First Amendment would only allow freedom of speech by the press, but not individuals. If you are only to read the Bill of Rights it will become perfectly obvious that all of the rights therein are given to individuals and not groups of people.
The meaning of the Second Amendment is that if our leaders, our governments ever get out of hand, if they ever become tyrannical to the point where they are oppressing our freedoms, we will be able to overthrow the government and give power back to the people. We need to have this power, history shows us many countries such as Nazi Germany that disarm their citizens, making them helpless when the atrocities start. Anyone who ever tries to silence me, disarm me, or take away my rights will be met with fierce resistance.
This idiot disagrees. He and his ilk believe that the clause "a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state" means that only state militias can have guns. Why would the government give itself the power to be armed? By his reasoning, the First Amendment would only allow freedom of speech by the press, but not individuals. If you are only to read the Bill of Rights it will become perfectly obvious that all of the rights therein are given to individuals and not groups of people.
The meaning of the Second Amendment is that if our leaders, our governments ever get out of hand, if they ever become tyrannical to the point where they are oppressing our freedoms, we will be able to overthrow the government and give power back to the people. We need to have this power, history shows us many countries such as Nazi Germany that disarm their citizens, making them helpless when the atrocities start. Anyone who ever tries to silence me, disarm me, or take away my rights will be met with fierce resistance.
2007-03-09
2007-03-05
US Constitution Article I § 10
Section 10 of the US Constitution places limits on the powers of the individual states.
Clause 1: No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.
Does this clause make the CSA illegal? That would have been a decision of the Supreme Court, as the states seceded before entering into their confederation. The rest of these conditions are also placed upon the federal government, such as the prohibition on granting titles of nobility.
Clause 2: No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection laws: and the net produce of all duties and imposts, laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of the Congress.
Yes, your state breaks the law. States (such as my home state Virginia) claim that while you do not have to pay a "sales tax" on items bought online (like books, cigarettes, or guns) you must pay a "use tax" since these items are used in the state. The phrase "by any other name" applies to this.
Clause 3: No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay.
The Federal Gov't is protecting itself from a group of States revolting against its power.
Clause 1: No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.
Does this clause make the CSA illegal? That would have been a decision of the Supreme Court, as the states seceded before entering into their confederation. The rest of these conditions are also placed upon the federal government, such as the prohibition on granting titles of nobility.
Clause 2: No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection laws: and the net produce of all duties and imposts, laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of the Congress.
Yes, your state breaks the law. States (such as my home state Virginia) claim that while you do not have to pay a "sales tax" on items bought online (like books, cigarettes, or guns) you must pay a "use tax" since these items are used in the state. The phrase "by any other name" applies to this.
Clause 3: No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay.
The Federal Gov't is protecting itself from a group of States revolting against its power.
2007-02-22
I'm All Ready For Week 2
I should have posted this a few days ago, got a bit delayed...
The Daytona 500 was last Sunday and it had one of the best finishes I've ever seen. You can check it out in the youtube video below. For those who didn't watch, the race went into Nascar's overtime, called a green-white-checker finish, meaning 2 laps and that's it. It looked like Mark Martin, who has never won the 500 despite over 20 years of trying, would finally win, but Kevin Harvick beat him by .02 seconds as a huge crash loomed behind them, including a car crossing the start/finish upside down and on fire. Ricky Bobby couldn't have done it better. Not stopping the race after the crash happened added even more controversy that saw several crew chiefs suspended for cheating. I love this sport. It beats out watching anything but football!
The Daytona 500 was last Sunday and it had one of the best finishes I've ever seen. You can check it out in the youtube video below. For those who didn't watch, the race went into Nascar's overtime, called a green-white-checker finish, meaning 2 laps and that's it. It looked like Mark Martin, who has never won the 500 despite over 20 years of trying, would finally win, but Kevin Harvick beat him by .02 seconds as a huge crash loomed behind them, including a car crossing the start/finish upside down and on fire. Ricky Bobby couldn't have done it better. Not stopping the race after the crash happened added even more controversy that saw several crew chiefs suspended for cheating. I love this sport. It beats out watching anything but football!
2007-02-20
Name Change Would Dilute History
The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, VA is considering relocating and dropping the word "Confederacy" from its name. It would most likely rename itself to something more generic, like "Civil War Museum."
Historical revisionism such as this has no place in our society. Some claim that the word "Confederacy" now denotes racism. While the CSA may have had slaves, this was not the only issue separating the South from its Northern neighbor, but I will save that argument for a different post.
Taking Confederacy out of a museum that is associated with the Confederate Whitehouse is ludicrous. It would be like calling a Holocaust Memorial a "World War II" museum. It dilutes history.
Also, the Richmond location is appropriate as this was the main capital of the CSA. Relocating to Lexington, VA would most likely harm Richmond's economy and also separate the Museum from the CSA Whitehouse, leading to less visitors learning about that turbulent time in our Nation's history.
Regardless of your view on the South, anyone with a respect for history should write the Museum and discourage these changes.
2007-02-13
Stop Writing Checks!
At the grocery store last night, my shopping experience was extended an extra 5 minutes or so because the person in front of me insisted on paying for her bill with a check.
First it took her about a minute to determine how much to write on her check in order to get $50 cash back. Then she carelessly tore the check out causing it to get mangled in the register. So she had to write out another check, but first she had to write void all over the first and make some notes in her checkbook regarding the bad check. The second check was also carelessly ripped out, and it took about 2 minutes to get it to process.
The whole thing took at least 5 minutes.
When I checked out with my AMEX it took a grand total of 20 seconds, most of that time spent waiting for the charge slip to print.
The point is, we live in a day and age where electronic payments are the norm. I can't believe why anyone would not pay by plastic now, or at least cash. Not to mention that writing checks is a very dangerous thing to do, especially by mail.
Paying a bill by sending a check in the mail is a good way to lower your credit score. When mailing a payment two things can easily happy. The USPS can lose your envelope (happens a lot more than you'd think) meaning that your payment doesn't arrive when it should which could lead to late payment fees, credit rating impacts, etc. You are also sending information regarding your bank account, your bill's account (could be a credit card number) via a public message service. Hello identity theft.
So please, don't write checks when people are waiting in line for you. We live in the 21st century for God's sake!
First it took her about a minute to determine how much to write on her check in order to get $50 cash back. Then she carelessly tore the check out causing it to get mangled in the register. So she had to write out another check, but first she had to write void all over the first and make some notes in her checkbook regarding the bad check. The second check was also carelessly ripped out, and it took about 2 minutes to get it to process.
The whole thing took at least 5 minutes.
When I checked out with my AMEX it took a grand total of 20 seconds, most of that time spent waiting for the charge slip to print.
The point is, we live in a day and age where electronic payments are the norm. I can't believe why anyone would not pay by plastic now, or at least cash. Not to mention that writing checks is a very dangerous thing to do, especially by mail.
Paying a bill by sending a check in the mail is a good way to lower your credit score. When mailing a payment two things can easily happy. The USPS can lose your envelope (happens a lot more than you'd think) meaning that your payment doesn't arrive when it should which could lead to late payment fees, credit rating impacts, etc. You are also sending information regarding your bank account, your bill's account (could be a credit card number) via a public message service. Hello identity theft.
So please, don't write checks when people are waiting in line for you. We live in the 21st century for God's sake!
2007-01-31
Chavez Officially a Dictator
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has now been granted powers to pass any law that he wants. While I have previously reported this story, I think it is important to delve into the global consequences of this act.
Dictators very rarely rise to power in a vacuum. Some, like Castro, come to power during a war or "revolution." Others, such as Hitler or Stalin come to power by way of the legal process, in which a legislature gives up its checks and balances to the president. By passing these laws, a country chooses to give up democracy. History has shown us that this is not a good thing. Once one individual possesses unchecked power, many evil acts can take place.
The region near Venezuela should be very concerned about this development. In 2005, the good people of Brazil defeated a motion to ban the sale of firearms, preserving their freedom. Many countries in Central America such as Costa Rica have adopted pro-freedom governments.
The problem with Chavez is that he sees himself as the leader of Latin America and successor to Castro, though on a larger scale. This is very dangerous, because his thinking motivates him to "liberate" other countries. In the process his nationalization, particularly that of utility and oil companies will do much to wreck the economies under his control.
While Castro has always been mostly confined to his island, Chavez has the power to aid other socialist dictators in their ascent to power in Latin America. The world should act now, before it is too late.
Dictators very rarely rise to power in a vacuum. Some, like Castro, come to power during a war or "revolution." Others, such as Hitler or Stalin come to power by way of the legal process, in which a legislature gives up its checks and balances to the president. By passing these laws, a country chooses to give up democracy. History has shown us that this is not a good thing. Once one individual possesses unchecked power, many evil acts can take place.
The region near Venezuela should be very concerned about this development. In 2005, the good people of Brazil defeated a motion to ban the sale of firearms, preserving their freedom. Many countries in Central America such as Costa Rica have adopted pro-freedom governments.
The problem with Chavez is that he sees himself as the leader of Latin America and successor to Castro, though on a larger scale. This is very dangerous, because his thinking motivates him to "liberate" other countries. In the process his nationalization, particularly that of utility and oil companies will do much to wreck the economies under his control.
While Castro has always been mostly confined to his island, Chavez has the power to aid other socialist dictators in their ascent to power in Latin America. The world should act now, before it is too late.
The FJ Cruiser
As promised, albeit quite late, is my review of my new vehicle: The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Some background: The letters "FJ" have been the internal production number for Land Cruisers for the last 40+ years. Toyota even included FJ in the names of some of its vehicles such as the FJ40, a very revered early SUV that competed with the original Jeep and the formidable International Scout back in the 70's. Toyota has long dominated the 4X4 market in many areas of the world, so much that many off-road vehicles are referred to as "Land Cruisers" in many countries. This truck has some serious heritage.
The DNA: The FJ is based on the platform of the Land Cruiser Prado, a vehicle that is not sold in North America. This Hi-Lux platform is also used in the 4Runner and Tacoma, although the chassis has been modified for both applications. What you have here is not a car based SUV (i.e. a Chrysler Pacifica, BMW X3/X5, etc. which are based on sedans). The truck-based SUV's generally do not come with 4 wheel independent suspension, indeed the FJ has a live rear axle. The Engine is the 4 L 1GR-FE V6 engine, which has been used in Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners for the last several years.
The FJ comes in several interesting colors, mine is Sun Fusion (yellow) with a white roof. See the picture of the FJ40 above to understand why they all have white roofs, its a matter of tradition.
There are 3 different powertrain options: a 2WD automatic, a part-time 4x4 automatic, and a full-time 4x4 manual. I chose the last option as I have never owned an automatic transmission (I do not believe much in them, I like being in control of my vehicle at all times, I enjoy shifting, and appreciate the lower maintenance costs) and appreciate full-time four wheel drive, which is technically all-wheel drive. I also have the option to lock the center differential (means that front and rear axles move at the same speed) at high speed and low speed (for off-roading only), and to lock the rear differential (only used for very short periods of time when absolutely necessary, like when you are stuck in mud and nothing else works).
Exterior: The FJ has extremely bright headlights, much brighter than anything that is non-xenon. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which means all but the biggest campers. The wheels are 17 inches. The backdoor opens sideways, something I haven't seen before in SUVs. There is a full-size spare tire mounted on the back, this does not have to be moved out of the way prior to opening the door. There is a small glass door that also opens in the back, though it does not have much use. Other than the two main doors to get in the car, there are also two suicide doors that allow relatively easy access to the back seat, so long as a front seat passenger is there to close the doors.
Moving to the inside: The seats are high quality black cloth. Also, through several layers, some that include plastic, the seats are water resistant and can easily be cleaned with a sponge (though I have not tried this yet). The drivers seat is manually adjustable forward and back, and up and down in two ways. Both seat backs are adjustable.
The dashboard includes a driver's side glovebox (good for carrying an extra mag or 2 ;-) ), and an instrument panel with a compass, thermometer, and clinometer. There are two grab bars for both sides.
The instrument cluster includes a fuel guage, tachometer, speedometer, voltmeter, and coolant temp guage. There's also an odometer and 2 trip odoms. The climate control system is manual, which I like, as I hate buttons being substituted for nobs. And these are some really big nobs, big enough to be easily manipulated with gloved hands. The radio looks pretty cool and whenever the car starts up it displays its name the "FJammer". There is a 6 disc in dash CD player that works with MP3 CD's, satellite radio, AM, FM, an an AUX jack for iPods.
Some background: The letters "FJ" have been the internal production number for Land Cruisers for the last 40+ years. Toyota even included FJ in the names of some of its vehicles such as the FJ40, a very revered early SUV that competed with the original Jeep and the formidable International Scout back in the 70's. Toyota has long dominated the 4X4 market in many areas of the world, so much that many off-road vehicles are referred to as "Land Cruisers" in many countries. This truck has some serious heritage.
The DNA: The FJ is based on the platform of the Land Cruiser Prado, a vehicle that is not sold in North America. This Hi-Lux platform is also used in the 4Runner and Tacoma, although the chassis has been modified for both applications. What you have here is not a car based SUV (i.e. a Chrysler Pacifica, BMW X3/X5, etc. which are based on sedans). The truck-based SUV's generally do not come with 4 wheel independent suspension, indeed the FJ has a live rear axle. The Engine is the 4 L 1GR-FE V6 engine, which has been used in Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners for the last several years.
The FJ comes in several interesting colors, mine is Sun Fusion (yellow) with a white roof. See the picture of the FJ40 above to understand why they all have white roofs, its a matter of tradition.
There are 3 different powertrain options: a 2WD automatic, a part-time 4x4 automatic, and a full-time 4x4 manual. I chose the last option as I have never owned an automatic transmission (I do not believe much in them, I like being in control of my vehicle at all times, I enjoy shifting, and appreciate the lower maintenance costs) and appreciate full-time four wheel drive, which is technically all-wheel drive. I also have the option to lock the center differential (means that front and rear axles move at the same speed) at high speed and low speed (for off-roading only), and to lock the rear differential (only used for very short periods of time when absolutely necessary, like when you are stuck in mud and nothing else works).
Exterior: The FJ has extremely bright headlights, much brighter than anything that is non-xenon. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which means all but the biggest campers. The wheels are 17 inches. The backdoor opens sideways, something I haven't seen before in SUVs. There is a full-size spare tire mounted on the back, this does not have to be moved out of the way prior to opening the door. There is a small glass door that also opens in the back, though it does not have much use. Other than the two main doors to get in the car, there are also two suicide doors that allow relatively easy access to the back seat, so long as a front seat passenger is there to close the doors.
Moving to the inside: The seats are high quality black cloth. Also, through several layers, some that include plastic, the seats are water resistant and can easily be cleaned with a sponge (though I have not tried this yet). The drivers seat is manually adjustable forward and back, and up and down in two ways. Both seat backs are adjustable.
The dashboard includes a driver's side glovebox (good for carrying an extra mag or 2 ;-) ), and an instrument panel with a compass, thermometer, and clinometer. There are two grab bars for both sides.
The instrument cluster includes a fuel guage, tachometer, speedometer, voltmeter, and coolant temp guage. There's also an odometer and 2 trip odoms. The climate control system is manual, which I like, as I hate buttons being substituted for nobs. And these are some really big nobs, big enough to be easily manipulated with gloved hands. The radio looks pretty cool and whenever the car starts up it displays its name the "FJammer". There is a 6 disc in dash CD player that works with MP3 CD's, satellite radio, AM, FM, an an AUX jack for iPods.
2007-01-28
An Uncredited Inspiration For Anti-Smoking Laws
I went to DC last weekend and noticed they have now banned smoking in all bars, restaurants, etc. It seems many elements within our country have suddenly embraced this idea, and give credit to organizations like the Lung Association, the Cancer Association, etc.
I think credit should be given where credit is due, and in this case there was one man who had the courage to stand up and demand smoking be banned in his country when no one had even considered this idea before. He was a pioneer of the anti-smoking movement and deserves to have statues erected in NY and CA and now even NV(!) and all of the other places that have followed in his footsteps.
2007-01-24
Just Get The Damn Passport
There have been many articles lately on travelling to interesting places without a passport, now that rules have gone into effect requiring passports for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean for those going by air (land and sea arrivals will require passports next year). I don't see what the big deal is. I've had a passport since I was 13. It only costs $95 or so and lasts for 10 years, that's cheaper than a driver's license.
Apparently around 25% of Americans have passports. That makes me embarrassed to be an American. To have 75% of your fellow citizens too ignorant and closed minded to travel abroad upsets me. Maybe that's why we have a negative perception in some countries, because we appear to be those who never want to venture out of their little world, who are afraid to go anywhere that English isn't spoken.
If you travel abroad often, good. If not, get off your ass, get a passport, and go explore the world.
2007-01-22
Trouble In The South...
Venezuelan dictator/president Hugo Chavez has recently told the US to "go to hell gringos!" I don't really care about this statement, but it looks like Fidel's best friend is starting to go down the same road that a fiery German went down about 60 years ago. Chavez's party controls the entire legislative body down there and is about to grant him "broad lawmaking powers." To me, this sounds like the beginnings of a dictator.
2007-01-10
Made Up News
As has been news for the past few weeks, Saddam Hussein is dead.
What's news now is that the Iraqi prime minister has just said that the US did tell them not to hang Saddam just yet (it was a Muslim holiday) but that he felt it was time to do that deed.
This story is quite an obvious attempt at propaganda. We know that the US is still in control of this country. What the PM's comments are being used for is to say that Iraq can do its own things, such as execute Hussein when it wanted to, despite anything the US said.
My question is, since they are on their own now, at least publicly, where is our payment? If Bush, the Democrats, or anyone else says that we just did it in the interst of preventing terrorism, liberating the Shias, or some other half-assed excuse, I say we should ask them for payment for our deed.
Oil would be nice. Free, for at least the next 10 years. The 25 cent/gallon gas would make up for the billions upon billions to trillions of dollars we're gonna have to pay in taxes for this excursion...
What's news now is that the Iraqi prime minister has just said that the US did tell them not to hang Saddam just yet (it was a Muslim holiday) but that he felt it was time to do that deed.
This story is quite an obvious attempt at propaganda. We know that the US is still in control of this country. What the PM's comments are being used for is to say that Iraq can do its own things, such as execute Hussein when it wanted to, despite anything the US said.
My question is, since they are on their own now, at least publicly, where is our payment? If Bush, the Democrats, or anyone else says that we just did it in the interst of preventing terrorism, liberating the Shias, or some other half-assed excuse, I say we should ask them for payment for our deed.
Oil would be nice. Free, for at least the next 10 years. The 25 cent/gallon gas would make up for the billions upon billions to trillions of dollars we're gonna have to pay in taxes for this excursion...
2006-12-14
US Constitution Article I § 9
My Constitution Project has been dormant for several months. Here is some new life. Hopefully I'll be able to complete it in 2007.
Section 9 of the US Constitution places explicit restrictions on Congress. You may remember in my previous post, Section 8 told Congress exactly what it can do (although today's Congress is a far cry from what it was intended to be).
Clause 1: The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
Congress cannot prohibit the slave trade until 1808 but may tax $10 per slave. Obviously this clause does not apply to us anymore.
Clause 2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
Habeas Corpus is a fundamental right. Basically it means that you cannot be held in detention indefinitely without being charged with a crime. It was suspended during the Civil War by Abraham Lincoln. George W. Bush has ignored it several times and used questionable legal means to delay it being applied to certain individuals accused of terrorism. I consider any president, including Lincoln, that suspends this right to be an enemy of true liberty.
Clause 3: No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
Bills of attainder are laws that take away rights from one person or group of persons without a trial. An ex post facto law declares something illegal and retroactively punishes people who have broken it before it was passed.
Clause 4: No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
Unfortunately the 16th Amendment "clarified" this. I will handle this subject later on.
Clause 5: No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
Interstate commerce cannot be taxed. It still isn't, at least by the federal government. States cannot charge a "sales tax" either for interstate sales, but commonly charge a "use tax" which is a tax paid to use an item in the state. Using basically means owning. These laws are largely unenforced, though my home state of Virginia asks you to fill out on your tax return the value of items you bought online. These use taxes are almost completely unenforceable. In order to know that I bought something, not only would they have to scan my credit card and bank statements for online or phone orders, but they would have to prove that those items were in fact mailed to me and not sent to someone as a gift.
Clause 6: No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
No states can be favored more than others. Very hard to enforce this clause unless under severe circumstances.
Clause 7: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
Congress can only spend money after it passes a law to spend that money, which it does much too often.
Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
This statement was almost codified into a law in which someone would be stripped of citizenship if they accepted a title of nobility. Having freed ourselves from Britain, we were tired of the knights, kings, queens, dukes, and all of that nonsense.
Section 9 of the US Constitution places explicit restrictions on Congress. You may remember in my previous post, Section 8 told Congress exactly what it can do (although today's Congress is a far cry from what it was intended to be).
Clause 1: The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
Congress cannot prohibit the slave trade until 1808 but may tax $10 per slave. Obviously this clause does not apply to us anymore.
Clause 2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
Habeas Corpus is a fundamental right. Basically it means that you cannot be held in detention indefinitely without being charged with a crime. It was suspended during the Civil War by Abraham Lincoln. George W. Bush has ignored it several times and used questionable legal means to delay it being applied to certain individuals accused of terrorism. I consider any president, including Lincoln, that suspends this right to be an enemy of true liberty.
Clause 3: No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
Bills of attainder are laws that take away rights from one person or group of persons without a trial. An ex post facto law declares something illegal and retroactively punishes people who have broken it before it was passed.
Clause 4: No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
Unfortunately the 16th Amendment "clarified" this. I will handle this subject later on.
Clause 5: No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
Interstate commerce cannot be taxed. It still isn't, at least by the federal government. States cannot charge a "sales tax" either for interstate sales, but commonly charge a "use tax" which is a tax paid to use an item in the state. Using basically means owning. These laws are largely unenforced, though my home state of Virginia asks you to fill out on your tax return the value of items you bought online. These use taxes are almost completely unenforceable. In order to know that I bought something, not only would they have to scan my credit card and bank statements for online or phone orders, but they would have to prove that those items were in fact mailed to me and not sent to someone as a gift.
Clause 6: No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
No states can be favored more than others. Very hard to enforce this clause unless under severe circumstances.
Clause 7: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
Congress can only spend money after it passes a law to spend that money, which it does much too often.
Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
This statement was almost codified into a law in which someone would be stripped of citizenship if they accepted a title of nobility. Having freed ourselves from Britain, we were tired of the knights, kings, queens, dukes, and all of that nonsense.
Tacos, Jesus, and Christmas Trees
There's absolutely nothing interesting going on this week. Maybe the news outlets are tired after the donkey raped the elephant in the midterm elections? Maybe they've written the word Iraq too many times. Consider this post to be a mishmash of many of my thoughts over the past couple of days.
The big story on CNN and others now is that they think lettuce poisoned some people at Taco Bell. Why is it always the Mexican themed restaurants that have issues? Chi-Chis went out of business due to hepatitis A in one store near Pittsburgh. Who knows what Taco Bell's fate will be. In the great movie Demolition Man it was the last remaining restaurant after the "franchise wars." Time will only tell. One thing I can tell you, I'd still take a bet that Taco Bell's Mexican food is much safer than Mexican food in Mexico.
My favorite interest group to hate, Big Labor, AKA unions, have new ads attacking Walmart, using the slogan "would Jesus shop at Walmart." Some background. Unions hate Walmart because they are known for busting any unions that try to organize their stores. They have gone so far as to close entire stores down when the threat was imminent. If only GM had the balls to do that, Cadillac might actually compete with BMW.
Well, Jesus not only shops at WalMart, I think someone by that name is a greeter at the one near me... but I digress...I think Jesus, being a carpenter, would prefer Home Depot or Lowe's, but what's there not to like about Walmart. Everything they sell there is dirt cheap, and the whole shopping experience is the closest most of us will get to feeling like refugees waiting in a breadline. It's almost an adventure.
SEATAC took down a Christmas tree after being on the receiving end of a lawsuit by a rabbi. He said it wasn't his intention to remove the tree, he just wanted a huge menorah. The tree is back up, the menorah is not. My solution is to have a big tree with some dreidels hanging from it. To incorporate more religions, we can add a manger scene. We can honor Hindus by putting a cow under the tree, and honor Muslims by replacing Baby Jesus with Baby Mohammad in the manger scene.
And you thought those Danish Cartoons were a riot!
The big story on CNN and others now is that they think lettuce poisoned some people at Taco Bell. Why is it always the Mexican themed restaurants that have issues? Chi-Chis went out of business due to hepatitis A in one store near Pittsburgh. Who knows what Taco Bell's fate will be. In the great movie Demolition Man it was the last remaining restaurant after the "franchise wars." Time will only tell. One thing I can tell you, I'd still take a bet that Taco Bell's Mexican food is much safer than Mexican food in Mexico.
My favorite interest group to hate, Big Labor, AKA unions, have new ads attacking Walmart, using the slogan "would Jesus shop at Walmart." Some background. Unions hate Walmart because they are known for busting any unions that try to organize their stores. They have gone so far as to close entire stores down when the threat was imminent. If only GM had the balls to do that, Cadillac might actually compete with BMW.
Well, Jesus not only shops at WalMart, I think someone by that name is a greeter at the one near me... but I digress...I think Jesus, being a carpenter, would prefer Home Depot or Lowe's, but what's there not to like about Walmart. Everything they sell there is dirt cheap, and the whole shopping experience is the closest most of us will get to feeling like refugees waiting in a breadline. It's almost an adventure.
SEATAC took down a Christmas tree after being on the receiving end of a lawsuit by a rabbi. He said it wasn't his intention to remove the tree, he just wanted a huge menorah. The tree is back up, the menorah is not. My solution is to have a big tree with some dreidels hanging from it. To incorporate more religions, we can add a manger scene. We can honor Hindus by putting a cow under the tree, and honor Muslims by replacing Baby Jesus with Baby Mohammad in the manger scene.
And you thought those Danish Cartoons were a riot!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
