Platform Suggestions

This comment was recently received regarding the Federalist Party Platform:

The platform sounds good overall, however there is some tweaking that needs to be done.

"That no American considered sane and safe enough to be at large shall be deprived of the right to arm himself however he wishes..." Uh, no. There are convicted felons that have been released from prison that are supposedly sane and safe enough to be at large. They should not be allowed firearms.

"and American soldiers must never be subversive to non-American commanders or serve under a foreign flag." I think you mean "subservient"?

Under "Policies" you need to add that the States have the right to invoke the Doctrine of Nullification if the Federal Government passes a law that is in violation of the Constitution, particularly in violation of the 9th and 10th amendments.

Under "Legislatively" you need to add that all appropriation bills will deal with one subject only. For example, no hiding pork projects such as a Blueberry Museum in the Military Appropriations bill.

And, no highway or building may be named after any living politician. (Direct smack in the face to Sen Robert Byrd, there.)

Also under "Legislatively", Congress may not except themselves or any branch of the Federal Government from the laws they pass.

Ogrrre

I responded in the comment area as follows:

Uh, no. There are convicted felons that have been released from prison that are supposedly sane and safe enough to be at large. They should not be allowed firearms.

If their debt is paid, then they have the right to defend themselves as they see fit. If there is a problem with that, keep them in jail.

"and American soldiers must never be subversive to non-American commanders or serve under a foreign flag." I think you mean "subservient"?

Yes we do.

Under "Policies" you need to add that the States have the right to invoke the Doctrine of Nullification if the Federal Government passes a law that is in violation of the Constitution, particularly in violation of the 9th and 10th amendments.

That right is part of the 9th and 10th Amendments and needs not be restated, as the Constitution is already recognized as the basis for the platform itself.

Under "Legislatively" you need to add that all appropriation bills will deal with one subject only. For example, no hiding pork projects such as a Blueberry Museum in the Military Appropriations bill.

I like this, but simply requiring that all legislation be constitutional from the get-go with written justification should achieve this end without issue. Still, it is a great suggestion. Let's put it in.

And, no highway or building may be named after any living politician. (Direct smack in the face to Sen Robert Byrd, there.)

Eh. Who cares?

Our platform must deal with issues, not non-issues like what name a building or highway has. In fact, if Congress is busy mulling over those things, then they are not engaging in debate or voting on unconstitutional (illegal) legislation, and that is a good thing.

Also under "Legislatively", Congress may not except themselves or any branch of the Federal Government from the laws they pass.

An excellent addition. Thanks!

RWR
RightWingRocker

A few additional comments:

1. The Bill of Rights protects ALL Americans, not just the ones you like or I like. When one is sent to prison, his rights are not revoked, they are SUSPENDED. This applies to ALL God-given rights, and neither you nor I has the right to take them away. The right to bear arms is as sacred as the right to life itself, since without the right to bear arms, you don't have the right to life because you have surrendered the means of defending that right. Therefore, if someone cannot be trusted with arms, leave them in prison where they belong.

2. The rest of Ogrrre's ideas are very good, though highway and building names are as relevant to what this country needs as the highway and building names in East Beijing. With all that needs to be done to save this country, I'll gladly pass on making a stink over that.

3. Ogrrre's last idea would fall under the repeal of laws, programs, and policies that violate the federalist structure and/or the rights of the States and People, but wow, what a strong statement we make in supporting it!

4. Probably the best addition to the platform is the "one subject" idea. Make Congress vote on EVERY ITEM and justify EVERY ITEM with a Constitutional Authorization Report. Make the president sign or veto EVERY ITEM. Furthermore, it would probably be a good idea to require that all legislation be written in simple English and be limited in length and scope. One page should be sufficient. If the people don't understand it, then exactly how do you expect those same people to follow it?

All in all, I agree with most of what Ogrrre suggested, except where noted. The idea of disarming Americans is totally unacceptable. No one is "allowed" firearms. The government is "allowed" to suspend that right as a means of bringing justice to a victim. If a man's crime is so heinous he can't ever be trusted with a weapon again, then lock him up and throw away the key.

RWR