Natural Born Citizen

Last week on the Political Hope Radio Show, our guest, Jerry Petermann, asserted that neither John McCain, Barack Obama, nor Roger Calero (Socialist Workers Party) are "natural born citizens". There are a plurality of problems that come to light in Petermann's statement, and a number of you contacted me regarding this issue throughout the week. So, I hope to summarize the primary concerns.

First, regarding the Constitution and the phrase ... "natural born Citizen" is one of the qualifications for President required by Article II, Section 1, of the U.S. Constitution.

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

To understand the basis of the qualification, we can look to the John Jay, the first Supreme Court Justice and a Constitutional Framer for instance. We have no record on any related debate.

John Jay wrote: "Permit me to hint, whether it would be wise and seasonable to provide a strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the administration of our national Government; and to declare expressly that the Commander in Chief of the American army shall not be given to nor devolve on, any but a natural born Citizen."

The problem is the lack of a clear legal definition for the phrase. Some take it to mean a person born on native U.S. soil, while others include the various citizenship exceptions and naturalization procedures. The courts have discussed the issue, but have not made any clear rulings to my knowledge.

As we move on in history, citizenship criteria and naturalization laws change, and some could be interpreted to suggest that they impact the definition of "natural born citizen". You can look at commentaries surrounding the Fourteenth Amendment, various legal citizenship decisions, or the law extending citizenship to those born in the Panama Canal Zone. Some use the key phrase, "natural born citizen", others refer specifically to "citizenship" or"naturalization". The Natural Born Citizen article on WikiPedia is a good place to get relevant information, but it's not the final authority. WikiPedia contains opinions too.

Republican John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, therefore his citizenship status was such a concern that the Senate passed a non-binding resolution declaring him a "natural born citizen". The resolution has no legal weight, but it clearly points out that folks were concerned, and made an attempt to remove the concern.

Roger Calero, Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Worker's Party, appeared on the 2008 ballot in Delaware, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Vermont, while being denied on the natural born citizenship issue in five other states. Calero was clearly born in Nicaragua, and may not even be a U.S. citizen at all.

Barack Obama has multiple problems. There are concerns over Hawaii's procedures for issuing birth certificates in 1961. Hawaii was a new state at that time. There are also legitimate assertions of falsified birth certificates posted on the web during the campaign season. There is the question of the State of Hawaii sealing/protecting Obama's birth certificate. And finally the assertion that he was actually born in Kenya, not Hawaii. Oh, let's not forget the absence of details on the time and exact location (i.e. hospital) of his birth.

There are on-going legal actions involving Obama's citizenship status. Hillary Clinton supporter and lawyer, Phillip Berg has been pursuing numerous legal actions, and activity is still underway. Below is the latest post from World Net Daily, which has tracked the issue closer than any media outlet. Jermone Corsi played a key role in breaking this story and has paid a price for it.

I remain concerned about ignorance and disregard for the Constitution. I can understand the case for calling McCain a natural born citizen. The Calero case is probably the most clear cut, and bleeds with blatant disregard for the Constitution. The Obama case brings up more questions than answers, and they do need to be answered. The problem is finding someone with the guts to make it happen. We'll see if the Supreme Court does it's job.

Eligibility Remains Focus of Supremes' Conferences
Dispute posted on docket twice after Electoral College Vote
Posted: December 26, 2008 WorldNetDaily
A second conference has been posted on the docket for the U.S. Supreme Court over the issue of Barack Obama's eligibility to occupy the White House, this one scheduled a week after Congress is to review the Electoral College vote tabulation.

Obama's Social Agenda Belongs in the Church House not the White House

So, the whole Messiah complex continues...

Obama bloggers and campaigners are propagating the analogy that "Obama" equals "Community Organizer" which equals "Jesus". What non-sense! Senator Barak Obama in no way compares to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is much more than a Community Organizer. Jesus actually opposes evil. Jesus drives out demons. Jesus heals the sick and the lame. Jesus raises the dead, walks on water, and defeats death itself. Jesus is much more than a man or Community Organizer. Jesus Christ is God Incarnate. Jesus Christ is the Spotless Lamb of God, and He is more of a man than Barak Obama or I will ever be. This comparison is absolute non-sense, and reflects the failure of many to comprehend the Bible and the nature of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now, let's set side the magnanimity of Christ aside for one second. Let's follow-out the Dems' notion that Jesus was a Community Organizer. Did Jesus run for the office of Roman Emperor (analogous to the White House)? Did Jesus seek to implement his reforms through law. No! Jesus came to conquer the hearts of men, not to assert a government program of social welfare. Jesus came to inspire the hearts of men to help their neighbor of their own volition, not through government mandate.

If Senator Barack Obama wants to implement community reforms in the model of Jesus Christ, he needs to be working in the church house, not the White House.

God Save the U.S.A.

DNC Declares America Dream is Dying

The opening moments of the Democratic National Convention in Denver are indeed revealing. We had not heard any of the the big speakers yet, and the themes clearly emerged before and during the opening prayer, and amidst the procedural elements. I'll try to be objective, but I must admit that my opinion of the DNC & RNC are both pretty well set.

Howard Dean jumped right into the purpose the convention ... "the tell America why Barack Obama should be the next president of the United States". Dean immediately pointed out "the need for change" from the failed polices of the last four (eight) years. He also made it clear that unity and support from Obama is the goal.

The convention outcome is 90% set before it begins; there are not many variables with National Conventions any more. Sure, we could be surprised, but the plan is well prepared, set in wet concrete, and is being carefully carried out. The rhetoric will be regurgitated before a national audience. The biggest risk is a major rebellion among Clinton supporters, but even that doesn't seem likely. All of the committee reports were adopted with no chance for discussion. All the work is done, let's get on with the show...

The opening prayer (sacred oration) by Polly Baca repeatedly appealed to the need for the DNC to adopt the social welfare commands of Jesus (and the Bible) to be executed by the federal government. There was no mention of Jesus' church; it was largely focused on what Democrats need to do for the least of these, the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick, the immigrant, the elderly, et. al.; not through the church, but through the federal government. Certainly, we all agree with the need to help others. The question is how. Should it be up to the feds to decide who is rich and poor, and then re-distribute the wealth and the opportunities for "we the people"?

Convention Chairwoman, Rev. Leah Daughtery referenced Sunday's interfaith service and the need for unity among Democrats. She sees disappearing jobs, folks struggling to keep their homes, compromised moral authority, sacred responsibility toward the least and the lost. She called Democrats to "step from shadows of comfort and complacency" and accept that sacred responsibility. "Yes, we can! Yes, we can!"

Next a video rolls. Democrats are the new masters of the old west! Governors from various western states speak out on how the Democrat arty has gained new momentum in Western states, and they are the new tough guys for the cause of America. Democrats are championing the tough causes of the environment, alternative energy, health care, education and a host of others.

Alexis Herman declared the hope and determination of the party. She declared that good education, health care, retirement and jobs are rights due to all Americans. The DNC is the party of economic prosperity and a party for the people. Sunita Leeds referenced some upcoming changes in the nominating process, which will be in effect for the 2012 season.

It was very interesting to note the passing of the gavel from Howard Dean to Nancy Pelosi. By "chance" I had been reviewing the By-Laws & Charter of the DNC earlier today. Within this 27 page document the phrase "opposite sex" appears 36 times. These references all relate to gender balance in the leadership of the committees and caucuses. Then I witness Dean hand the gavel over to a four woman leadership team for the convention; no men in sight. I doubt this is technically against current DNC rules, but it sure flies in the face of the gender equality principle.

Patricia Madrid (NM Attorney General) covered part of the Platform Committee report. She heralded 1,600 platform hearings involving 30,000 people. Pictures from churches and other community forums filled the big screens. Certainly some lessons can be taken from that process. Madrid echoed the theme that the American dream is in danger; implying that a vote for Barack Obama is a vote for the America dream. She added that the DNC is continuing the great ideas of FDR's New Deal, and that Democrats reject illegal wire-tapping, spying, torture and "velvet gifts". She lauded that lobbying and campaign reform are long over due. Judith McHale piled on that we cannot continue the with the failed approaches of the last eight years. We cannot stay in Iraq, and we must complete the un-finished work in Afghanistan. And with that the Platform Committee Report was adopted with no discussion.

I'll leave my comments out for this post, aside from this. What you read above is simply a brief report. There are many parts that I dis-agree with and a few that I think need to happen. The clear highlight was the pledge when all the Democrats said, "I pledge allegiance to the flag and to the Republic for which it stands". Does anyone remember what that word means? Oh, yes, that concept is in the Bible too...

Special Edition of Political Hope Radio Show

Are you planning to watch or listen to Rick Warren's Presidential Forum this Saturday night? ... We'll you're going to need a place to vent afterwards ... and I mean without beer cans.


Join me on The Word, 99.3 / 98.5 FM Radio in Austin, or on-line at http://www.theword993.com/. We'll analyze Warren's program and take live calls, so you can "vent" from 9 - 10pm CST.


Saddleback Church and Faith in Public Life will co-host the "Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion" this Saturday evening from 7-9 pm CST. Pastor Rick Warren and the Presidential nominees will be dealing with issues such as poverty, AIDS, the climate and human rights. The forum will be simulcast live on The Word. You can read more details on the forum using the following links.


Saddleback Civil Forum - Event web site


Rick Warren on His Upcoming Presidential Forum - One News Now


Pastor Snags Obama, McCain for Joint Appearance - CNN

"Well, I don't support anybody for president publicly. I never endorse. I never campaign. You know, as a pastor, I don't really think that's my role. I have to shepherd both sides of the flock. And I have a church full of Democrats and a church full of Republicans and a church full of independents. So, I think they're both amazing men. I've known them for a long time. They're both very, very different. They have both different theories of government, different theories of leadership, different approaches to life. And I -- what I do is I think, because I know them, I think I can set up an environment that people can actually say, oh, so that's what that guy's really like. And I think I can do that for both John and for Barack." - Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church

Join me live on-air this Saturday night at 9pm CST, and let's vent ...

Barna Report Shows Support for McCain Among Qualified Evangelicals

The mainstream polls indicate that evangelicals are evenly split between McCain and Obama. A new Barna report paints a very different picture when evangelicals are "qualified" in the Presidential poll. Barna's qualified poll greatly reduces the number of evangelicals in the country, and shows much greater support for McCain among "evangelicals".

Presidential Race Tightens as Faith Voters Rethink Their Preference
Using the common approach of allowing people to self-identify as evangelicals ... John McCain holds a narrow 39% to 37% lead over Sen. Obama.

Using the Barna approach of studying people’s core religious beliefs produces a very different outcome. ... and Sen. McCain holds a huge lead (61%-17%) over the Democratic nominee.

The difference is in how you define an evangelical. With the Barna method the voting block is greatly reduced, and the political alignment comes through more clearly. Other the other hand the power of the voting block is marginalized.

For what's it's worth. Your thoughts are always welcome...

God Save the U.S.A.

The Nuclear Option Is Not Unclear

Thomas Sowell published an article in Jewish World Review on June 5th. It is worth your time to read; simple and to the point. America faces many dangers these days, and our next President will have to be clear about which side of the nuclear battlefield he is on. Sowell knows where the candidates stand. What about you?

Thomas Sowell on Obama and McCain

God Save the U.S.A.

The Marxist, the Moderate & the Missing Candidate

It was certainly a turning point in my respect for Governor Mike Huckabee. After Gov. Huckabee ended his presidential campaign and joined Senator McCain on the campaign trail, he made the following statement,

"[McCain's] conservatism is unquestionable".

I almost fell out of my chair. I walked away from the TV in anger. That statement is a real problem in this country boy's mind. Obama is a Marxists; McCain is a Moderate, and true conservatives are now missing from the race, if they were ever present. How many moderate McCain positions would you like for me to cite? If you don't believe Obama is a Marxist, maybe you should read the Communist Manifesto.

Huckabee's blanket statement about McCain reflects the current lack of guts, character, and integrity in U.S. politics. Of course McCain's conservatism is questionable. President Bush's conservatism is questionable as well. The conservatism of our entire nation, including the Republican party, is questionable at this point in history.


Friends, when analyzing the 2008 Presidential campaign, my computer system produces the following error: "Right Candidate Not Found". I ask all of you to examine the founder's policy positions. I ask all of you to look at basic government philosophy, economic policy, education policy, social policy and foreign policy. Contrast where we are today against the Communist Manifesto and the Humanist Manifesto. It is clear where we are headed. We have drifted so far to the left, we are headed toward socialist/communist ideas and many don't even recognize it, nor are they concerned.


Now, having said all of that, here comes the big moment... at this point I plan to vote for John McCain. I know plenty of social conservatives are unhappy with McCain, and I share that frustration. On the other hand, Obama will clearly take our nation further toward socialism. He will expand government programs rapidly and make more people dependant upon the system. He will not be liberating any people that are in bondage, he will be signing more up, and they'll love him for it.


I believe in personal liberty and personal responsibility. I believe in a working America that can compete in any market place WITHOUT the aid of the federal government. I believe in families that take care of themselves, and neighbors that help widows and orphans.


If you vote for Obama, be prepared, you will see an unprecedented decrease in personal liberty. Your children will not be handed the America we once knew. McCain represents the status-quo in many ways, but what choice do we have? "Right Candidate Not Found" is the slogan for the 2008 Presidential race. McCain is an electable choice for Moderate policies over those of Karl Marx. This would buy more time to turn the path of our nation back toward our founding principles.

I urge to look at the policies of Bob Barr & Chuck Baldwin. These guys are more in touch with our Founding principles than most. There would have to be a radical up-swing in their viability as a candidate before I could cast a vote in their favor, but I do encourage you to consider their policies.

God Save the U.S.A.

The Peril of Politics and Religion

The Pew Forum released a June 2nd article titled "Hazards for both sides when politicians court pastors" written by Adelle M. Banks and Daniel Burke. The article cites the perils of religious injections, and the consequences that continue to unfold.

It is interesting to reflect on the lack of actual policy content in the religious injections of pastors, during the 2008 Presidential primary. The most developed element is the foreign policy debate over Israel and the War in Iraq, but name a pastor who articulates clear policy stances that have solid Biblical merit.

I challenge everyone reading this post to examine the Scriptures in light of general political philosophy, economic policy, education policy, social policy and foreign policy. Religious Humanism has clear policy objectives stated in the Humanist Manifesto (which I mostly reject). We can also see religious principles that underpin our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. That includes the principle that you cannot force someone into faith or specific worship practices, which only makes a better hypocrite, but that does not exclude religious principle from good government policy.

Eileen Flynn of the Austin-American Statesman also has a post on this issue. Join the greatest debate in U.S. history. Where does the actual separation of Politics and Religion need to reside?

Obama's Manipulation Stimulus Plan

Yesterday, Presidential hopeful, Senator Barack Obama, spoke about his plans for America's economy. The basic thrust of Obama's plan is to expand government regulations in response to the current home lending issues and excessive profit taking by corporate executives.

When a consumer and lender agree to loan terms that are risky or exploitative, who's fault is it? Could it be the consumer's fault? Is the lender's at fault? Senator Obama blames lenders and the lack of government regulations to control them.

When oil and gas companies raise prices, and consumers don't change their consumption habits, who's fault is that? When corporate profits rise, and executives go on expensive trips, while workers' salaries stay flat, whose fault is that? What needs to be done to improve these situations?

Creating more government regulations will stimulate more manipulation of the law. No sooner than new regulations hit the books, corporate lawyers will have already figured out ways to navigate around the regulatory obstacles that impede their business.

This writer advocates self regulation. Self control. Liberty under God's laws. The right laws are already on the books; the Big Book. The Old and New Testaments alike repeatedly tell us to deal fairly with one another. Do not lie, mislead, or withhold information. Do not steal, cheat or fudge the numbers. Don't exploit another person. Don't charge excessive usury. Don't use unjust scales. It's all in the Book of God's Law, and there are already plenty of laws on the federal books as well.

More regulations won't change a nation that doesn't accept moral standards. What America needs is a change of heart. America needs a re-assertion of Godly influence.

If you want to blame someone or something, what about the thinking of Secular Humanist and modern philosophers that have helped establish moral relativism as they've corrupted and infiltrated our education system? If you want to blame someone, consider parents that have failed to teach the commands of God to their children. If you want to blame someone, what about consumers that have forgotten that spending habits are theirs to control? If you want to blame something, what about the countless federal regulations that are already on the books? If you want to blame someone, maybe we should consider the churches lack of influence on justice and morality?

My friend, more government regulations will stimulate more manipulation of the law. To the increase of wickedness, there is no end. Man is always inventing new ways to do evil. It's time for us to turn back to the morality of God and the Bible. It's time to teach our sons and daughters the righteousness of God; to love by His commands. Then, when Americans again demand righteousness and goodness, God will heal our land. Godly ways are our political hope!

God Save the U.S.A.