Article 1 Section 8.1
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Obama Stirs Israel
With President Obama set to deliver a high-profile speech to the Muslim world in Cairo, Egypt, tensions are flaring in neighboring Israel over the U.S. president's latest demands on the Jewish state.
Top Israeli officials continue to rebuff Obama's call for the country to freeze all settlement construction in the West Bank. Obama's demand, which he reiterated strongly in an interview with National Public Radio ahead of his trip, is seen as a far tougher stance than that taken by his predecessor in the White House.
Whereas prior administrations generally opposed settlement construction, they allowed for "natural growth" of existing settlements.
But speaking to NPR, Obama said he has told the Israelis "both privately and publicly" that their obligation includes a freeze on settlements, "including natural growth."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have rejected that demand. And Israeli media have fixed on the spat as the U.S. president tours Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and later France and Germany, while skipping Israel.
The Israeli newspapers on Wednesday were packed with stories on what they called a "settlement row," a "public spat" and the United States' "hard-line" stance.
"Israeli-American relations are entering their most serious tailspin in a decade," newspaper Ha'aretz said in its analysis of what it called Obama's "tough love" on Wednesday.
"There's no denying the disturbing change in tone emanating from Washington, which is elevating the settlement issue to an importance which is disproportionate," declared The Jerusalem Post in a recent editorial, accusing Obama of "coddling" the Palestinians while getting tough on Israel.
The editorial said Israel needs to dismantle illegal outposts but suggested that freezing all settlement growth would do little to advance peace with the Palestinians.
Obama met Tuesday, before flying out, with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. He reportedly reiterated his settlement position. With Obama now overseas, Vice President Joe Biden was following up in a meeting with Barak Wednesday in Washington.
Meanwhile, Israel's Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom told reporters at the United Nations Tuesday that "natural growth is needed ... and that's something that should be understood."
Shalom said Israel has committed to halting construction of new settlements, but that natural population growth requires the continued construction of facilities like classrooms and doctors' offices.
Ha'aretz reported that Obama intends to give Netanyahu four to six weeks to give an "updated position" on West Bank settlements and the goal of a two-state solution.
Obama told NPR that the he still believes the United States has a "special relationship" with Israel, but that the "status quo is unsustainable" and that movement toward a Palestinian state is critical to Israeli security.
"The current trajectory in the region is profoundly negative," Obama said. "Not only for Israeli interests but also U.S. interests."
Some analysts see potential progress in Obama's demands, since it could prompt Arab nations to work more earnestly toward peace with Israel.
Nathan Brown, a political scientist at George Washington University, said Obama's demand that Israel freeze settlements will make Arab leaders pay close attention to his speech this week.
"His predecessor, who did talk two-state solution, was not taken seriously because there was no change on the ground," he said, explaining that Muslims want to see something concrete go along with the platitudes.
Israeli politician Haim Oron told The Jerusalem Post Wednesday that Obama's stance is "correct" and in Israel's best interest. He dismissed the concerns of what he called the "Israeli Right."
Courtesy of www.foxnews.com
Top Israeli officials continue to rebuff Obama's call for the country to freeze all settlement construction in the West Bank. Obama's demand, which he reiterated strongly in an interview with National Public Radio ahead of his trip, is seen as a far tougher stance than that taken by his predecessor in the White House.
Whereas prior administrations generally opposed settlement construction, they allowed for "natural growth" of existing settlements.
But speaking to NPR, Obama said he has told the Israelis "both privately and publicly" that their obligation includes a freeze on settlements, "including natural growth."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have rejected that demand. And Israeli media have fixed on the spat as the U.S. president tours Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and later France and Germany, while skipping Israel.
The Israeli newspapers on Wednesday were packed with stories on what they called a "settlement row," a "public spat" and the United States' "hard-line" stance.
"Israeli-American relations are entering their most serious tailspin in a decade," newspaper Ha'aretz said in its analysis of what it called Obama's "tough love" on Wednesday.
"There's no denying the disturbing change in tone emanating from Washington, which is elevating the settlement issue to an importance which is disproportionate," declared The Jerusalem Post in a recent editorial, accusing Obama of "coddling" the Palestinians while getting tough on Israel.
The editorial said Israel needs to dismantle illegal outposts but suggested that freezing all settlement growth would do little to advance peace with the Palestinians.
Obama met Tuesday, before flying out, with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. He reportedly reiterated his settlement position. With Obama now overseas, Vice President Joe Biden was following up in a meeting with Barak Wednesday in Washington.
Meanwhile, Israel's Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom told reporters at the United Nations Tuesday that "natural growth is needed ... and that's something that should be understood."
Shalom said Israel has committed to halting construction of new settlements, but that natural population growth requires the continued construction of facilities like classrooms and doctors' offices.
Ha'aretz reported that Obama intends to give Netanyahu four to six weeks to give an "updated position" on West Bank settlements and the goal of a two-state solution.
Obama told NPR that the he still believes the United States has a "special relationship" with Israel, but that the "status quo is unsustainable" and that movement toward a Palestinian state is critical to Israeli security.
"The current trajectory in the region is profoundly negative," Obama said. "Not only for Israeli interests but also U.S. interests."
Some analysts see potential progress in Obama's demands, since it could prompt Arab nations to work more earnestly toward peace with Israel.
Nathan Brown, a political scientist at George Washington University, said Obama's demand that Israel freeze settlements will make Arab leaders pay close attention to his speech this week.
"His predecessor, who did talk two-state solution, was not taken seriously because there was no change on the ground," he said, explaining that Muslims want to see something concrete go along with the platitudes.
Israeli politician Haim Oron told The Jerusalem Post Wednesday that Obama's stance is "correct" and in Israel's best interest. He dismissed the concerns of what he called the "Israeli Right."
Courtesy of www.foxnews.com
Daily Constitution Reading 6-3-2009
Article 1 Section 8.3
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Daily Constitution Readin 6-2-2009
Article 1 Section 9.2
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
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 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.
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.
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
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 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.
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.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sad End To A Sad Life
Leaders of the anti-abortion movement gathered in front of the Supreme Court Monday morning to denounce the murder of abortion doctor George Tiller, who was gunned down Sunday while attending church in Wichita, Kan.
The pro-life activists also used the platform to blast President Obama's abortion policies and strongly question the beliefs of his Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor.
"It is immoral and it is unchristian," Rev. Rob Schenck of the National Clergy Council said of Tiller's murder. He said the reaction to it "becomes a greater setback to the pro-life movement than anything the so-called pro-choice movement could do."
"We call on President Obama and the [congressional leaders] not to use this tragedy for political gain," added Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalitions.
Tiller was one of few American doctors who specialized in late-term abortions, and the eighth U.S. abortion provider murdered since 1977, according to the National Abortion Federation. Seventeen others had been targeted with attempted murder.
Tiller, who was cleared in March of 17 misdemeanor charges relating to his practice, had been the target of repeated protests and harassment for many years; he was wounded in both arms when an anti-abortion activist shot him in 1993.
The suspect in Sunday's shooting was identified by a law enforcement agent as Scott Roeder. Roeder, 51, was taken into custody about three hours after and 170 miles away from the shooting at Reformation Lutheran Church.
Police said Sunday that all early indications showed the shooter acted alone. Operation Rescue, a group that closely tracked Tiller's work and legal troubles, condemned the killing as vigilantism and "a cowardly act."
Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue, told The New York Times that Roeder was "not a friend, not a contributor, not a volunteer," even though a 2007 post on the group's Web site was written by a man identifying himself as Scott Roeder who asked if anyone had thought of attending Tiller's church to ask the doctor and other worshippers about his work.
Operation Rescue's Web site was down on Monday.
The group's former president, Randall Terry, said that, despite Tiller's murder, abortion opponents must not retreat from calling him a "mass murderer."
"The pro-life movement must not be browbeaten by Obama or the child-killers into surrendering our best rhetoric, actions and images. We hold absolutely no responsibility for his death," Terry said in a written statement.
Separately on Monday, Mahoney said it would be a "double tragedy" if politicians or pro-choice groups painted organizations like his with the "broad brush of extremism and violence."
He also used the occasion to attack Obama's abortion policies as "extreme" and said there was no doubt, based on the president's record, that Sotomayor will be a vote for abortion rights if she is confirmed to the Supreme Court.
"Be honest with us," Mahoney said when talking about White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' comments last week that Sotomayor was never asked or explicitly stated her abortion views during the vetting process.
Mahoney took issue with the "code words" coming from the White House about Sotomayor and abortion. But he acknowledged that Sotomayor's record as a federal judge reflects something far different than someone pushing a pro-choice agenda. He conceded that in three known abortion cases before her, Sotomayor supported the position he advocated. None of those cases, however, directly challenged the controversial law.
FOX News' Lee Ross contributed to this report.
The pro-life activists also used the platform to blast President Obama's abortion policies and strongly question the beliefs of his Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor.
"It is immoral and it is unchristian," Rev. Rob Schenck of the National Clergy Council said of Tiller's murder. He said the reaction to it "becomes a greater setback to the pro-life movement than anything the so-called pro-choice movement could do."
"We call on President Obama and the [congressional leaders] not to use this tragedy for political gain," added Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalitions.
Tiller was one of few American doctors who specialized in late-term abortions, and the eighth U.S. abortion provider murdered since 1977, according to the National Abortion Federation. Seventeen others had been targeted with attempted murder.
Tiller, who was cleared in March of 17 misdemeanor charges relating to his practice, had been the target of repeated protests and harassment for many years; he was wounded in both arms when an anti-abortion activist shot him in 1993.
The suspect in Sunday's shooting was identified by a law enforcement agent as Scott Roeder. Roeder, 51, was taken into custody about three hours after and 170 miles away from the shooting at Reformation Lutheran Church.
Police said Sunday that all early indications showed the shooter acted alone. Operation Rescue, a group that closely tracked Tiller's work and legal troubles, condemned the killing as vigilantism and "a cowardly act."
Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue, told The New York Times that Roeder was "not a friend, not a contributor, not a volunteer," even though a 2007 post on the group's Web site was written by a man identifying himself as Scott Roeder who asked if anyone had thought of attending Tiller's church to ask the doctor and other worshippers about his work.
Operation Rescue's Web site was down on Monday.
The group's former president, Randall Terry, said that, despite Tiller's murder, abortion opponents must not retreat from calling him a "mass murderer."
"The pro-life movement must not be browbeaten by Obama or the child-killers into surrendering our best rhetoric, actions and images. We hold absolutely no responsibility for his death," Terry said in a written statement.
Separately on Monday, Mahoney said it would be a "double tragedy" if politicians or pro-choice groups painted organizations like his with the "broad brush of extremism and violence."
He also used the occasion to attack Obama's abortion policies as "extreme" and said there was no doubt, based on the president's record, that Sotomayor will be a vote for abortion rights if she is confirmed to the Supreme Court.
"Be honest with us," Mahoney said when talking about White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' comments last week that Sotomayor was never asked or explicitly stated her abortion views during the vetting process.
Mahoney took issue with the "code words" coming from the White House about Sotomayor and abortion. But he acknowledged that Sotomayor's record as a federal judge reflects something far different than someone pushing a pro-choice agenda. He conceded that in three known abortion cases before her, Sotomayor supported the position he advocated. None of those cases, however, directly challenged the controversial law.
FOX News' Lee Ross contributed to this report.
Kim Jong Ill Is At It Again, Or I Mean Still
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has transported its most advanced missile, believed to be capable of reaching Alaska, to a site where it could be ready for launch in a week or two, news reports said Monday.
The reclusive communist country was also reportedly strengthening its defenses and conducting amphibious assault exercises along its western shore, near disputed waters where deadly naval clashes with South Korea have occurred in the past.
With the launch, Pyongyang could also thumb its nose at U.N. Security Council attempts to rein it in after last week's nuclear test and a series of short-range missile launches.
South Korean media have speculated that the North wants to time the launch for around June 16, when South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has a summit in Washington with President Barack Obama.
South Korea's Yonhap news agency said the missile had been sent by train to the newly completed missile facility of Dongchang-ni, about 40 miles from the Chinese border.
Yonhap, quoting government sources, said the missile could be ready to launch in a week or two. South Korean defense and intelligence officials refused to comment.
U.S Defense Secretary Robert Gates, speaking at a news conference in the Philippines, said North Korea appears to be working on a long-range missile, but it's not clear yet what they plan to do with it.
Lee, hosting a conference of Southeast Asian leaders, warned the North against any provocation.
"If North Korea turns its back on dialogue and peace and dares to carry out military threats and provocations, the Republic of Korea will never tolerate that," Lee said in his regular radio address.
Adding to tensions this week, the trial starts Thursday in Pyongyang of two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, accused of entering the country illegally and engaging in "hostile acts."
North Korea faced strong international criticism after its last long-range missile launch, on April 5. The North said the launch was of a rocket intended to put a satellite in orbit. That modified version of the Taepodong-2 rocket flew about 2,000 miles, crossing over Japan before crashing into the Pacific Ocean.
Continue reading the story here.
The reclusive communist country was also reportedly strengthening its defenses and conducting amphibious assault exercises along its western shore, near disputed waters where deadly naval clashes with South Korea have occurred in the past.
With the launch, Pyongyang could also thumb its nose at U.N. Security Council attempts to rein it in after last week's nuclear test and a series of short-range missile launches.
South Korean media have speculated that the North wants to time the launch for around June 16, when South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has a summit in Washington with President Barack Obama.
South Korea's Yonhap news agency said the missile had been sent by train to the newly completed missile facility of Dongchang-ni, about 40 miles from the Chinese border.
Yonhap, quoting government sources, said the missile could be ready to launch in a week or two. South Korean defense and intelligence officials refused to comment.
U.S Defense Secretary Robert Gates, speaking at a news conference in the Philippines, said North Korea appears to be working on a long-range missile, but it's not clear yet what they plan to do with it.
Lee, hosting a conference of Southeast Asian leaders, warned the North against any provocation.
"If North Korea turns its back on dialogue and peace and dares to carry out military threats and provocations, the Republic of Korea will never tolerate that," Lee said in his regular radio address.
Adding to tensions this week, the trial starts Thursday in Pyongyang of two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, accused of entering the country illegally and engaging in "hostile acts."
North Korea faced strong international criticism after its last long-range missile launch, on April 5. The North said the launch was of a rocket intended to put a satellite in orbit. That modified version of the Taepodong-2 rocket flew about 2,000 miles, crossing over Japan before crashing into the Pacific Ocean.
Continue reading the story here.
Daily Constitution Reading 6-1-2009
Article 7 Section 1
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
The Word, "the," being interlined between the seventh and eighth Lines of the first Page, the Word "Thirty" being partly written on an Erazure in the fifteenth Line of the first Page, The Words "is tried" being interlined between the thirty second and thirty third Lines of the first Page and the Word "the" being interlined between the forty third and forty fourth Lines of the second Page.
Attest William Jackson Secretary
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
The Word, "the," being interlined between the seventh and eighth Lines of the first Page, the Word "Thirty" being partly written on an Erazure in the fifteenth Line of the first Page, The Words "is tried" being interlined between the thirty second and thirty third Lines of the first Page and the Word "the" being interlined between the forty third and forty fourth Lines of the second Page.
Attest William Jackson Secretary
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,
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