US Constitution

Let’s Study The U.S. Constitution – Part 1

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By Center for Self Governance – Re-Blogged From Freedom Outpost

Our Constitution is continuously disregarded these days by both sides of the aisle. The truth of the matter is very few of us have actually read it, much less comprehend its intent. So let’s embark on a journey together to discover one of the greatest documents ever penned.

Our Constitution changed the course of not only our country but of all humanity.  If we cannot articulate or debate the document that is the foundation of our form of government, how can we knowledgeably defend its principles?  If we do not understand our history and the Founders intent when they drafted the Constitution, how can we hold on to the gift of liberty they gave us?

So I invite you and your family to join in this journey as we study together, the Constitution of the United States of America and all the great stories behind it.

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16 States Move to BAN Sharia Law!

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By Tim Brown – Re-Blogged From Eagle Rising

The threat is very real to impose Islamic Sharia law in America and thankfully at least sixteen states realize the threat and are seeking to squash it before it can gain any more momentum.

Back in September, Texas stood up against any foreign law being implemented, including Sharia, and cries of the Muslims were heard across the nation, including those from designated terror group the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). But Texas wouldn’t back down and have determined that they won’t have Sharia enforcement in their state.

Alabama banned Sharia after voters passed a measure to add an amendment to their state constitution. We hope they’ll stand for that a little better than they did their marriage amendment.

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Congress Infringes on Due Process: Votes to Allow Obama to Strip You of Right to Travel Without Trial

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By Suzanne Hamner – Re-Blogged From http://www.FreedomOutpost.com

Another day, another right lost to the political corruption in Washington. In a move that has garnered almost “no” media attention, the House of Representatives passed HR 237, known as the “FTO (foreign terrorist organization) Passport Revocation Act, which allows the “Obama administration the unilateral power to strip you of your passport and right to travel without a trial or even criminal charges.” This piece of legislation did not receive a “recorded vote” due to the “uncontroversial” support and passed after only 15 minutes of “supposed” debate. For anyone caught up in this “web” wrongly, there is no recourse contained in the legislation to “challenge the status as a non-person involuntarily trapped inside US borders by order of the secretary of state.”

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US Constitution vs Laws and Regulations

usissuescom Regulation , , , , , , ,

cropped-bob-shapiro.jpg   By Bob Shapiro

Law students are required to take a course in Conflicts of Law. What the course boils down to is, when two laws disagree in what they say, how do the courts decide which law takes precedent.

The US Constitution is the highest Law of the Land. If there is a conflict between a law, made by Congress, and the US Constitution, then the Constitution wins, and the law is Null and Void.

If a regulation, made by an Agency of the government, conflicts with either a Law or with the US Constitution, then the Regulation loses.

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What You Need to Know About the EPA/Corps Water Rule: It’s a Power Grab and an Attack on Property Rights

usissuescom CAGW Alarmism, Regulation , , , , , , , ,

By Daren Bakst – Re-Blogged From http://www.Heritage.org

Abstract

In April 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers published a proposed rule—“Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ Under the Clean Water Act”—that defines what waters are covered under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This rule, often referred to as the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule, could cover almost any type of water, giving the two agencies far greater power than authorized under the CWA. The proposed rule is complicated and vague, with little clarity coming from the agencies. There are four key points that should be known about the proposed rule: (1) it is extremely broad; (2) it is an attack on property rights; (3) it exceeds the broadest interpretation of Supreme Court precedent on CWA jurisdiction; and (4) it was developed through a flawed process. Unless Congress acts, this proposed power grab could soon become a reality—the two agencies recently sent their final rule to the Office of Management and Budget for its approval. Congress should require that the agencies withdraw the rule, and then Congress must define what is meant by “waters of the United States.”

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War on Cash vs Bail In

usissuescom Monetary Policy, Regulation, Taxes & Spending , , , , , , , ,

cropped-bob-shapiro.jpg   By Bob Shapiro

There is a pair of troubling items which have been appearing repeatedly in the news lately:

  • There is a War on the use of Cash, and

  • Several banks which have been insolvent (bankrupt in fact) are being given the legal go-ahead to Bail In depositors’ money.

In case you’ve missed these items, or if you don’t understand why they are important, let me explain.

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Great News: New Mexico’s Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill Signed by Governor

usissuescom Regulation, Taxes & Spending , , , , , ,

– Ree-Blogged From http://reason.com

Actual criminal conviction will be required to take citizens’ property in New Mexico.

Waiting to pretty much the last possible moment, Republican New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has signed into law House Bill 560, the state’s broad asset forfeiture reform legislation. The bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Zachary Cook, had complete bipartisan approval in the state’s split House (controlled by Republicans) and Senate (controlled by Democrats). Nobody voted against it.

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The Countermand Amendment

usissuescom Regulation , , , , ,

cropped-bob-shapiro.jpg   By Bob Shapiro

I have been aware of several calls for Constitutional Amendments (including my own for a Dollar Limit on Federal Spending). Some of these call for a Constitutional Convention, while others merely ask for Congress to limit its own powers.

I just came across a new one (new for me), which makes a lot of sense, although I’d like some time to consider possible unintended consequences. The proposed Amendment is called the “Countermand Amendment.”

Simply put, it would allow 60% of State Legislatures (currently 30 States) to vote to countermand any law, regulation, tax, agency ruling, judicial decision, treaty. These 30 States could render the offending law (etc) to be null and void.

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Federal Takeover of States’ Rights

usissuescom Taxes & Spending , , ,

cropped-bob-shapiro.jpg   By Bob Shapiro

The 10th Amendment to the US Constitution (part of the Bill of Rights) says, “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.”

This tells us two things:

  1. The federal government is limited in what it can do to the powers that have been delegated to it
  1. The federal government may not usurp the rights of the states or of the people

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Stop Asset Seizures

usissuescom Regulation, Uncategorized , , , ,

cropped-bob-shapiro.jpg   By Bob Shapiro

The 4th Amendment to the US Constitution (part of the Bill of Rights) says in part, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated….”

And, the 5th Amendment says in part, “No person shall… be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.”

However! Every day, federal, state, and local governments violate these Constitutional Rights. IRS agents routinely seize bank accounts

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