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Controversy in a Nutshell: Is John McCain an American?
Sure he served his country valiantly in wartime, but is John McCain even allowed to be running
for president?
The trouble stems from Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the Constitution, which states that the president must be "a natural born Citizen." This precludes naturalized citizens (like Gov. Arnold) from ever becoming president.
McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936. Every president in American history has been born in a state. McCain was born outside of the United States to an active duty member of the military who was posted abroad. His citizenship would be questionable if not for a 1952 law that affirmed the American citizenship of people born in the Canal Zone after 1904.
The question is whether or not McCain is a naturally born or naturalized citizen.
Legal scholars seem to agree that McCain is allowed to run for president. However, if he wins the election, expect a flurry of lawsuits challenging his legitimacy. It would be interesting to see what type of precedent might be established for the legal status of different types of citizens.
Sources
- U.S.
Constitution
- McCain's Canal Zone
Birth Prompts Queries About Whether That Rules Him Out
- Immigration and Nationality Act
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3:34 PM, 09 23 2008 | Permalink
McCain's birth place is a non-issue. His incredible hold onto polling numbers which his abilities and capacities and policies do not warrant now; that is a major issue.
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12:04 PM, 09 24 2008 | Permalink
Yes, the 1952 law makes it pretty clear about McCain's citizenship.
Yes, the bigger issue is McCain's policies and voting record.
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Carole said at :
9:27 AM, 09 30 2008 | Permalink
O beautiful for spacious skies for amber waves of grain, For purple mountains majesties above the fruited plain, America! America! GOD shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining see! O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress, A thorough-fare for freedom beat, Across the wilderness! America! America! GOD mend thy every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law! O beautiful for heroes proved, In liberating strife, Who more than self there country loved, And mercy more than life! America! America! GOD thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine! O beautiful for patriot dream, That sees beyond the years, Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America! America! GOD shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea!
Carole | September 30, 2008 9:27 AM
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Lisa said at :
10:27 PM, 10 11 2008 | Permalink
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzWrnUezDOU
Lisa | October 11, 2008 10:27 PM
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